Our experienced registered audiologists and assistant audiologists provide a full range of diagnostic and rehabilitative hearing procedures in a caring and friendly environment for all ages.
Adult audiology services
Current waiting times
- From GP referral to diagnostic assessment 16 days.
- From diagnostic assessment to hearing aid issue 20 days.
Adult audiology clinics are provided from the following locations with appointments available between Monday and Friday from 8.45am – 4.45pm:
- University Hospital of Hartlepool
- One Life Hartlepool
- Peterlee Community Hospital
- Seaham Primary Care Centre
We carry out hearing assessments in a sound treated environment using the latest equipment. We will explain the results of your audiology assessment during your appointment and you will also receive a report following your appointment.
Where required we fit high specification digital hearing aids, following nationally recommended procedures. A written report will be issued on the same day which supports the information given and the counselling which has been carried out during the appointment.
Hearing aid repair and maintenance appointments
There are booked appointments available in all locations. This service is only available by contacting us by phone.
If you are unable to use a telephone for conversation we can also be contacted by text on 07919 691170.
Making a referral to the adult audiology service
For adults, your GP will be your first point of contact to be referred into our service.
If you or your family have concerns with your hearing, contact your GP who will refer you to our services through the electronic Choose and Book system or by a letter of referral.
UKAS accreditation
We have held a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation since 2014. It is a scheme for Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS). It is designed to help healthcare provider organisations ensure that patients receive consistently high quality services, tests, examinations and procedures delivered by competent staff working in safe environments and is reviewed annually.
To view a list of accredited organisations you can visit the UKAS Website for more information.
Children’s audiology services
Children’s audiology services are provided from the following locations:
Appointments are arranged using a partial booking system. When we receive your referral, a letter will be sent out asking the parent or guardian to contact the department to arrange a convenient appointment in a suitable clinic.
The appointment will involve:
- taking a history of your child’s health and development, with particular interest in speech development, ear infections, educational progress and family history of ear and hearing problems
- a hearing test which will be age appropriate for your child and for younger children is carried out in the form of a game
- examination of your child’s ears
- explanation of the results of the test and arrangements for further appointments as needed
Making a referral to the children’s audiology service
Children (up to the age of 18 if still in full time education) can be referred to our service through several ways. One of the medical professionals below can refer you into our service:
- Your GP
- Health Visitors
- School Nurses
- Paediatricians
- Community Nurses
- Speech Therapists
- Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists
Alternatively, if the child has been seen by our service in the past (e.g. you have received clinical letters from our service with test results for that child) and have further concerns with your child’s hearing you can contact us directly and refer your child. Please have all of your up to date details to hand if you are to self-refer your child.
North East Regional Cochlear Implant Programme (NERCIP)
The North East Regional Cochlear Implant Programme, based at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough is one of the longest standing programmes in the country. Since it’s formation in 1990, the programme has implanted over hundreds of adult and children.
You can find information on the North East Regional Cochlear Implant Programme (NERCIP), where you will be directed to South Tees NHS Foundation Trust’s website.