1. What sort of appointments are offered?
We offer appointments to assess your hearing or balance or alternatively help you manage any difficulties you may be having, be they with hearing, balance or tinnitus. Most appointments will involve talking to you about the nature of your difficulties, combining this information with test results, and then talking through the various options that are available to you. We can devise ‘rehabilitation programmes’ that are tailored to your needs, to help reduce the impact of any problems that you are experiencing.
2. How can I be referred?
Currently if you want to see us about a balance problem or dizziness, we require a referral from an Ear Nose and Throat Consultant. If you would like advice on which Consultants practice locally, please do not hesitate to contact us. Alternatively if you are experiencing difficulty with your hearing or tinnitus, you can contact us directly, or through your GP. We work very closely with local ENT colleagues as well as other medical practitioners, so using recognised criteria if we detect any medical problems, we can refer you onwards if required.
3. What do hearing tests involve?
There are various types of hearing tests available, the most common involves measuring your responses to tones played through headphones. In this way, we can work out the quietest level of sound that you can hear at different pitches or frequencies, and where in your ear the hearing problem may be coming from. Sometimes there may be other tests required to complete the information we require- these will be fully explained to you before we proceed.
4. What do balance tests involve?
The first step in assessing a balance problem or dizziness involves getting a clear picture of your symptoms over time, along with a general medical history. Again, there are a variety of different ways of assessing your balance. Most of the tests we use are looking into the inner ear control of balance, and this is done primarily by looking at the way in which your eyes move. Any additional tests required will be fully explained to you before we proceed.
5. What sort of hearing aids are available?
We fit a variety of makes of hearing aid, and will advise you on the best model for your needs, depending on the situations you find difficult and where you need help with hearing.
Depending on the amount of hearing loss you have, we can fit you with hearing aids that either fit completely in the ear canal, in the ear or alternatively fit behind the ear.
Before we fit you with any hearing aid/s, we will always give you a summary of the hearing aid make, model and cost in writing. Hearing aids are offered on a 60 day money back trial period, so if there is anything about the hearing aid you do not like within this period, you are entitled to a refund.
6. What sort of aftercare is available?
If you decide you would like us to fit you with a hearing aid/s, we will always offer you an appointment 4 to 6 weeks after the fitting appointment, to check how you are getting on, and whether you would like any changes to be made to the hearing aid.
If your hearing aid then develops any faults we offer a full repair service. Most new hearing aids have a warranty for 2 years, but we can advise you about what is included with the hearing aid/s which we have fitted. Outside of this time period, repairs are charged for, and we can guide you as to whether new hearing aid/s are advised or repair / retuning is preferable.
We will contact you after 18 months to offer you a full reassement of your hearing and hearing aid to make sure the hearing aid†is still adjusted to deliver utmost benefit.
We also supply batteries and other hearing aid accessories to help you care for your hearing aid/s. Please contact us for further details.
7. What should I do if I am concerned about my hearing or balance?
Hearing
In the first instance, we would advise you to speak to your GP. If your concern is about your hearing, it is always worth asking him/her to look in your ears, in case there is a build up of wax or any sign of an infection. Your GP can then advise you on the best course of action, what help is available through the NHS.
If you would prefer to be seen privately please feel free to contact us directly.
Balance
There are lots of possible causes of balance problems or dizziness, and again, your GP can advise you on the best course of action. We can currently only see you after a referral from an Ear, Nose & Throat Consultant or in our unique Joint Dizzy Clinic. Again, if you are unsure or if you need further advice, please contact us.
8. How much does it cost?
If you are insured, it is worth contacting your health care insurer to see whether diagnostic testing is covered, and to what degree. Commonly, diagnostic tests are covered by private medical insurance, whereas supply of hearing aids is not.
We will advise you on the cost of the assessments / care packages that are recommended; please do not hesitate to get in touch for an idea of costs.
We offer free initial assessment for a hearing aid, and the cost of the hearing aid includes a follow up 4-6 weeks after fitting to check your satisfaction with the hearing aid/s. All hearing aids are offered on a 60 day money back trial period. |
