Children hearing services: Information for patients
How we work together
Collectively we are a group of professionals who are passionate about providing the best care to deaf children and their families in Leeds.
The team fosters a joint, positive approach to deafness and aims to provide a seamless journey as our families move throughout the different services, as shown below.
We recognise the need for individuality of each child and their family and value parents as equal members of the team.
Newborn hearing screener (Newborn Hearing Screening Programme)
Newborn hearing screening helps identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. These babies and their families can then get the support and advice they need right from the start.
A Newborn hearing screener will offer to test your baby’s hearing, usually before you are discharged. Otherwise you can attend an out-patient appointment within the first few weeks.
If the screening results do not show a clear response from one or both of your baby’s ears, an appointment will be made with the hospital audiologist for further testing.
Community audiologist (Children’s Community Audiology service)
A community audiologist tests children’s hearing, aged 0 to 18 years, in health centres across the city. They can identify children with hearing loss and discuss suitable management options depending on the degree of loss and current difficulties the child may be experiencing. Children with health conditions associated with possible hearing loss are also monitored in our clinics.
Hospital audiologist (Hearing and balance services)
The audiologists at Seacroft hospital tests children’s hearing aged 0 to 25 and then offer a seamless transition to the adult service. Babies and children can be referred here for more specialised hearing tests and to confirm any deafness. If hearing aids are offered as a management option, these will be fitted to your child’s individual needs and their progress with the hearing aids will be monitored in close collaboration with the Teacher of the Deaf.
Community paediatrician (Aetiological medicine)
A community paediatrician is a doctor specialising in children’s health with an interest in hearing problems. They are trained to find out the causes and diagnose the type of hearing loss or balance disorder your child has. They can also offer advice on and assist in the treatment and management of the hearing loss.
Teacher of the Deaf (Deaf and Hearing Impairment team (DAHIT))
An educational audiologist and teacher of the Deaf works with children and families in their homes, early years settings, local schools, or further education settings. They provide advice and training to ensure that families and staff in settings have the knowledge and skills to support the development and achievement of their child or young person.
Speech and language therapist
(DAHIT Speech and Language Therapy Clinic)
A specialist speech and language therapist (SLT) works with babies and children with a diagnosed hearing loss in Leeds. You may see a SLT in a variety of settings including at home, in school or nursery. A SLT will offer support for families, school and nursery staff to develop the communication skills of deaf and hearing impaired babies and children.
Ear, nose and throat consultant
(Ear, nose and throat services)
An ear, nose, and throat specialist looks after hearing problems. Your ENT doctor’s role is to identify any causes of hearing loss and if there are any medical or surgical treatments that may help. A treatment can range from something relatively simple, like removing wax, treating infection or placing grommets to more complex surgeries. The ENT doctor may also recommend your child has imaging studies (CT or MRI scans) to further understand the type and source of hearing loss. The doctor may also need to check your child’s ears are suitable for hearing aid fitting. If it is felt that your child may benefit from a cochlear implant, the ENT doctor, along with the audiologist will refer you onto a specialist centre for additional assessments and counselling prior to surgery.
Supporting information
It is important that a hearing loss is identified as soon as possible. A hearing loss can sometimes cause children to have difficulties with communication and/or socialising.
This page tells you about some of the tactics that could help reduce the impact a hearing loss may be having on a child, helping them to feel more understood and less frustrated.
Before speaking, firstly get your child’s attention by calling their name or by touch.
Speak clearly, but don’t shout. If repetition is needed, try using different words.
Avoid giving instructions or having important discussions in a noisy surrounding. Turning down any music or the television when you are talking to your child may help.
Try talking face to face, sitting or bending to your child’s face level. It can be helpful to have light on your face and avoid standing in front of a window which can make lip reading difficult.
When talking with your child, check that they are listening and watching. Check as you go along that they have understood.
It is important to be aware, that when tired, listening can be harder work for your child.
Don’t forget to inform relatives and friends who have contact with your child of the hearing difficulties your child may be experiencing.
When informing your child’s teacher, ask if they can move your child to the front of the class.
The teacher will also be able to let you know if your child needs any extra help at home or school.
