Visiting the audiologist
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a doctor who knows all about how hearing works. They work with people who are deaf or have a hearing loss. They do things like:
- work out why people are deaf or have a hearing loss
- do tests to work out people's level of deafness
- treat conditions that cause temporary deafness, like glue ear
- help deaf people decide if they want to use hearing technology (like hearing aids or cochlear implants) and find the technology that is right for them
- help people look after their technology.
Audiologists usually work in audiology units at hospitals. Some are paediatric audiologists - this means they only work with children and teenagers. Others work with people of all ages.
If you use BSL, the audiology service should book an interpreter for any planned appointments. This may be in-person or over a video call.
You should not normally be expected to ask a friend or family member to interpret for you, unless you prefer this.
Don’t assume that an interpreter will be booked automatically
Check your appointment letter to see if an interpreter has been booked. If it isn’t clear, contact the audiology service to remind them.
Try not to cancel last minute
Booking an interpreter for an appointment can be expensive. Sometimes emergencies happen, but if you know you can't make an appointment, you should tell the audiology service as soon as possible so that the interpreter can be cancelled in plenty of time.
Short-notice appointments and drop in sessions
The audiology service is unlikely to be able to provide an in-person interpreter for short-notice appointments or drop in sessions. You may be able to use a video interpreting service, but these can be busy and there may not be anyone available.
If there is no other option, you may have to ask a friend or family member to help interpret.
Can I help improve my local audiology service?
Yes! You can share your feedback in several ways.
All hospital departments have a suggestion box where you can write down any feedback you have about the service.
Audiology services may also ask you to fill in questionnaires to find out if you’re happy with the service. Some services also ask children and young people face-to-face.
Most services have a Children’s Hearing Services Working Group (CHSWG) or something similar. A CHSWG is made up of people that work with deaf children (for example, audiologists and Teachers of the Deaf) as well as parents of a deaf child and deaf young people.
You may be asked to become a member of this group to help improve things. Or you could share your views with someone who’s already part of the group. Your audiology service or local deaf children’s society should be able to tell you who to get in touch with.
I'm not happy with my audiology service - what can I do?
Your local CHSWG
If you have a general complaint, you can contact your local CHSWG. Your audiology service or local deaf children’s society should be able to give you the contact details of the parent involved in the group. It’s a good idea to ask them what things are like in your area and how to solve some of the problems.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service
If your area doesn’t have a CHSWG, contact the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They can talk to the audiology department on your behalf. You can get their contact information from your hospital’s website.
Complaints procedure
Every hospital has a complaints procedure. You should be able to find a copy in waiting areas, on their website, or you can contact the hospital and ask them to send you a copy. They must reply to you in writing within a certain amount of time.