Audiology

Audiology (Paediatric) Services provide the following services:

• Newborn hearing screening - This is carried out by specially trained screeners based in the maternity unit in Royal Bolton Hospital. On an average, 4000 babies are screened. We use otoacoustic emission testing and automated ABR for screening. Well babies are screened by otoacoustic emission test only and special care babies are screened by otoacoustic test as well as automated ABR. Those who do not pass the screen undergo further assessment in Halliwell children's centre.
• Diagnostic Tests - We accept referrals from professionals such as health visitors, GPs and consultants. We have up to date facilities for testing young children in Halliwell. Those who need ENT consultation are referred to ENT consultants.
• Auditory Brainstem Response Audiometry ( ABR) and other electrophysiological tests. - We carry out electric response audiometry (ABR) for young babies and older children who may require sedation in the paediatric ward. Other tests such as otoacoustic emission tests and auditory steady state potential tests are available.
• Ear Mould Impressions - We take ear mould impressions for children who require hearing aids.
• Hearing Aid Provision - We provide appropriate hearing aids to children with significant hearing loss. We liase with the Education Department in supporting such children.
• Medical management of hearing impaired children. - We arrange investigations, assessments and genetic counselling for hearing impaired children.
• Child development team meetings. - We organise multi-disciplinary meetings of all those involved to meet parents and discuss management of hearing aided children.
• Audiolgy steering group. - We organise meetings of various professionals from health, education social services, voluntary bodies and parent representatives to discuss issues pertaining to audiology services.
• Liaison with educational audiology services. - We regularly communicate with the education department by inviting the PTOD to attend hearing aid clinics and through correspondence.
• Peripheral Clinics - We arrange peripheral clinics for audiometry for school children.
• School Entry Screening - School nurses carry out the school entry screening. We provide training to the nurse and accept referrals.

Staffing.

We have two doctors - a consultant paediatrician and an audiology physician. The audiology physician has special interest in neuro-otology. There are four paediatric audiologists. We have a specialist health visitor who provides counselling and guidance when necessary to parents.