Audiology (hearing)

The Children’s audiology service is based at the Woodloes Audiology Suite, adjacent to Woodloes Primary School, Deansway, Warwick CV34 5DF.

Community Clinics also take place at Riversley Park Centre, Clinic Drive, Nuneaton, CV11 5TY, and the Orchard Centre, Lower Hillmorton Road, Rugby, CV21 3SR. In exceptional circumstances a home visit can be arranged if deemed appropriate by the Audiologist.

Tel: 01926 482668 (For Woodloes appointments)

Tel: 02476 378606 (For Nuneaton and Rugby appointments)

Woodloes Primary School - Google Maps

Facilities

On-street parking for the Woodloes Audiology Suite is available on Deansway, Warwick. Please do not park in the Woodloes Primary school staff car park.

Toilet facilities are available within the waiting area.

The assessment process may vary depending on the age and development of your child. The Audiologists will determine the most appropriate form of test for your child on the day of your appointment.

The appointments are typically booked for 30 minutes and include a hearing test or listening game, Otoscopy (ear examination), and Tympanometry (a measure of middle ear function), if required. The test procedures will be explained to you during the appointment and will only be performed with your consent. You should receive an explanation of the results at the end of the appointment and copies of hearing tests can be provided. A summary of the appointment will be sent to you via post and a copy of this letter will be sent to the professional that referred your child.

In many cases childhood hearing difficulties can be the result of middle ear congestion, or “Glue ear.” Click here to view the guidance from The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the management and treatment of Glue Ear.

If a permanent hearing difficulty is suspected, the Audiologists will wish to consider rehabilitation options, normally in the form of hearing aids. Please refer to the hearing aids tab.

Cochlear Implants and Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

In some cases of permanent childhood hearing loss BTE (Behind the Ear) hearing aids may not be the most effective management option. At South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust we are not able to provide Cochlear Implants or Bone Anchored Hearing Aids. If one of these options should be considered for your child we will make a referral to specialist centres for further testing and treatment.

Balance/vestibular assessment

We are currently unable to offer vestibular assessment at Paediatric Audiology.

C2Hear

C2Hear Online is a series of short, interactive, multimedia videos about hearing aids, hearing loss and communication by Nottingham University. Click here to access the videos.

Please click on these links for help and support for tinnitus and hyperacusis.

• British Tinnitus Association
• National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) Freephone Helpline:
  0808 800 8880 (Voice and text)
  Helpline@ndcs.org.uk
• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
• SENSE
• Action on Hearing loss
• The Ear Foundation
• Warwickshire County Council Services for deaf people

Our hearing aids come in a range of sizes and colours. The most suitable form of hearing aid for your child is based upon the type and degree of hearing loss measured. For more information click here.

Education support, school radio aids and FM systems are provided through the Integrated Disability Service. Click here to read more.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Please click here for help and advice about Auditory Processing Disorder. We currently do not offer specialist hearing assessment for APD at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust.

Swim Moulds

At Paediatric Audiology we offer a swim mould manufacturing service. The cost of manufacturing the swim moulds is not currently covered by the NHS, so we charge a fee of £30 for one swim mould, or £45 for 2 swim moulds (can be for the same ear or for each ear). We apologise that we are not able to accept cash or cheques.

The process of making a swim mould involves taking an impression of the ear so that each swim mould is custom made for the individual.

Please phone 01926 482668 if you wish to make an appointment.

Teenagers and Young adults – Transition appointments

When your child turns 18 years old, we will transfer their hearing care to the Adult Audiology team based in Outpatients at Warwick Hospital. They will be offered an initial introductory appointment to the Adult service with a designated audiologist.

Please see information on 'access to work' here, for help and support in the work place.

Please send referrals to: The Audiology Department, Warwick Hospital, Lakin Road, Warwick, CV34 5BW

Please state the Patient’s full name, date of birth, full address, NHS number (if known) and the reason for the referral.

Please also provide a clear return address so that results and a report can be sent back to the referrer.

How do I get an appointment for my child?

A written referral letter is required from a health professional i.e. GP, Health Visitor, Speech and Language Therapist, Paediatrician, ENT Consultant. Once we have received the referral letter we will make contact with you in order to book an appointment for your child’s hearing to be assessed.

If your child is already under the care of Paediatric Audiology you may contact us directly to arrange an appointment.

My baby did not pass their Newborn Hearing Screening, what happens now?

It is very common for the Newborn hearing screening test to be inconclusive after the first attempt. We will make contact with you to arrange an appointment for your baby to have a repeat hearing screening.

If your baby does not pass their Newborn hearing screening we will arrange for a further hearing assessment at the Woodloes Audiology Suite.

Where can I collect hearing aid batteries?

You can collect hearing aid batteries free of charge from the Audiology Department at Warwick Hospital. Alternatively, you can send us a stamped and addressed return envelope and we will post the batteries to your home.

My child has been diagnosed with a hearing loss, what happens now?

Your Audiologist may have discussed hearing aids or cochlear implants with you and will support you throughout the process. Excellent help and support is offered through the National Deaf Children’s Society.

• National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 8880 (Voice and text) / helpline@ndcs.org.uk

My child also has other special needs, how do I make sure that they receive the support that they require?

When you book an appointment for your child to have a hearing assessment please notify us of any special needs or special considerations so that we can make any necessary alterations for them.

If your child wears hearing aids the Integrated Disability Service can offer help and support at home and at school.