Paediatric Audiology

This guideline applies to children and young people aged 18 years and younger. This age cut-off is extended to 21 years if in full-time education. Young adults with special needs can continue to access the service beyond 19 years of age.

Introduction

Paediatric Audiology is part of the Audiology service at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (RCHT). For school age children, hearing tests are typically arranged in school. For pre-schoolers, testing is usually arranged in a community clinic or at RCHT. Where necessary, Audiology will refer onto ENT or other health professionals.

Referral

Urgent referral

If a child’s or young person’s hearing has deteriorated suddenly, including secondary to bacterial meningitis, the Paediatric Audiology Service can be contacted on (01872) 254 905 toarrange an urgent appointment.

Routine referral (via e-RS)

Suspected hearing loss including temporary or fluctuating hearing loss, e.g. OME.
Hearing loss associated with speech delay – in this situation, simultaneously refer to Child Speech and Language Therapy(there is no need to delay SLT referral pending the hearing test result).

Exclusions

Discharging ears
Rhinitis
Nasal obstruction
Snoring
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Ear wax
Auditory Processing assessment

Minimum required information

Duration of hearing loss
Impact on child
Findings of ear examination
Working diagnosis

To allow the Paediatric Audiology team to make advance clinical arrangements it is important to include information relating to:

Any difficulties wearing headphones and/or responding to sound.
Any additional information to assist Audiology assessment i.e. developmental delay, neurodiversity, sensory issues, visual impairment etc.

Advice and Guidance

There is no formal Advice & Guidance service.

Page Review Information

Review date	02 May 2024
Next review date	02 May 2026
Specialty Lead GP	Dr Laura Vines

Contributors	Demelza Wake, Clinical Lead Audiology