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Hearing loss/Hearing Concern (Audiology)

ADULT

Minimum Referral Criteria

  • Category 1
    (appointment within 30 calendar days)
    • Sudden (≤ 1 week) onset off loss of hearing, unilateral or bilateral and not associated with outer or middle ear disease
    • Sudden onset deterioration
    • Post head trauma - hearing loss
    • Fluctuating hearing loss other than associated with colds
  • Category 2
    (appointment within 90 calendar days)
    • Hearing loss associated with ear disease e.g. perforation, discharging ear
    • Syndrome or disorders associated with hearing loss (i.e Paget's disease, neurodegenerative disease, osteosclerosis)
    • Chronic hearing loss - change in symptoms or clinical findings
    • Adults with hearing loss which is affecting communication and treatable conditions have been excluded
    • Failed screen
    • Family history of hearing loss
  • Category 3
    (appointment within 365 calendar days)
    • Gradual onset of hearing difficulties, e.g. presbyacusis

    NB Hearing Aid dispensing (Hearing service program)

1. Reason for request Indicate on the referral

  • To establish a diagnosis
  • For treatment or intervention
  • For advice and management
  • For specialist to take over management
  • Reassurance for GP/second opinion
  • For a specified test/investigation the GP can't order, or the patient can't afford or access
  • Reassurance for the patient/family
  • For other reason (e.g. rapidly accelerating disease progression)
  • Clinical judgement indicates a referral for specialist review is necessary

2. Essential referral information Referral will be returned without this

  • History including relevant symptoms, comorbidities, cognitive ability, physical mobility and dexterity (NICE Guidelines, 2018)
  • Description of:
    • hearing loss i.e. one or both sides
    • change in hearing loss (sudden, rapid or gradual)
    • failed screening results
    • describe symptoms that are persistent and/or troublesome to patient or family

3. Additional referral information Useful for processing the referral

  • Family history of hearing loss
  • Any previous surgery or treatment
  • Information regarding any hearing aids or hearing devices and communication mode utilised by the patient e.g. Auslan
  • Speech discrimination testing
  • Any previous audiology assessment results
  • The person's hearing and communication needs at home, at work or in education, and in social situations
  • Psychosocial difficulties related to hearing

4. Request

Last updated: 13 June 2023