Specialist clinic – severe to profound hearing loss

How we help

People with severe/profound hearing levels may lip-read or use sign language, even when using a hearing aid.  We will discuss improving amplification, with hearing aids or other devices, including onward referrals for cochlear implant assessment, where appropriate.

Getting ready for your appointment

Feel free to bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment.

Wax check

It is important that your ears are clear of wax when you come for your appointment. Wax may:

• prevent us from performing your hearing assessment
• prevent us from fitting a hearing aid
• cause whistling if we fit a hearing aid

If you are prone to wax build up, please visit your GP or practice nurse to check your ears for wax, before you attend your appointment.

Interpreters

If you require an interpreter for any language including British sign language, please contact our department as soon as possible to request that this is arranged.

What to bring

Please bring with you hearing aids, ear moulds and documentation that you may have from any previous audiology appointments.

If you wear glasses please bring these with you.

Hospital transport

If you require hospital transport you will need to arrange this through your GP.

What happens at your appointment

Your first appointment is an assessment to discuss the history of your hearing, the current difficulties you may be experiencing and any other related symptoms. We may complete additional specialist hearing assessments, if appropriate.

We will work with you to optimise your ear moulds and hearing aid settings, as well as providing advice on communication tactics, assistive listening devices and other services (such as sensory services team and access to work).

Where we are

We offer appointments at Sussex House, which is just a few minute walk from the Royal Sussex County Hospital.