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When you can move from child to adult audiology services
The age of transition from child to adult audiology services will depend upon the individual needs of the young adult.
In most cases it occurs between the ages of 16 and 18 years (unless you remain in education until 21 years).
Your paediatric audiologist will begin talking to you at least 6 months before your move takes place.
How to decide whether to move to adult audiology
Your paediatric audiologist will ask you which adult audiology service you prefer. This may depend on which provider is geographically closest to your home, college or workplace.
Your paediatric audiologist will arrange an appointment with your chosen adult audiology service before your move takes place. This will give you the chance to get to know the new service and ask questions about the service transition process.
At your final appointment with paediatric hearing aid services, your paediatric audiologist will confirm that you attended an appointment with the adult audiology service. They will also answer any outstanding questions you may have regarding the transition process.
The main difference between child and adult audiology services
Adult hearing aid service will not send you regular appointments to check your hearing and programme your hearing aids. (The paediatric hearing service does provide regular appointments).
As part of the adult hearing service you will need to make an appointment to see an audiologist if you have concerns about your hearing or a problem with your hearing aid.
Higher education or employment
The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) offers information and support. This includes advice on welfare rights and benefit claims, making education choices, advising on health and technology or simply someone to talk to.
When applying to college or university, contact their student support service who will be able to advise you on the support available. Their contact information is usually available on the college or university website.
You may also be eligible for Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA). Information on eligibility and the applications process can be found on the DSA website.
When applying for employment, your local Jobcentre Plus will be able to put you in touch with a Disability Employment Advisor, who can offer support and advice. You may be eligible for funding for equipment or environmental aids through the Access to Work programme.
See More information section below for website links to the NDCS, DSA, Access to Work and Jobcentre Plus.
Radio aids (assistive listening devices)
You may have already used a radio aid at school. However, there are other streaming accessories that might be compatible with your hearing aids. You can arrange an appointment with your local adult audiology service to discuss which devices might be suitable for you.
As an adult, you can also seek advice from social care workers on radio aids for your TV and telephone and about alerting devices for your doorbell or fire alarm.
Your local adult audiology service can start a referral to social care if needed.
Hearing aid maintenance
Earmoulds
To ensure good functioning of your hearing aids it is important to make sure the earmould tubing or slim tubes are changed every 4 to 6 months.
You can do this by booking a repair appointment at your local adult audiology department. You can also ask for these supplies to be posted to you, so that you can change them yourself.
Batteries
At you first adult audiology appointment the audiologist will give you a battery card. This card can be used to collect batteries from the audiology department reception (without an appointment). It can also be used at selected GP surgeries (these are highlighted in your adult hearing aid information leaflet).You can also them to post batteries to you.
Repair clinics
Hearing aid repair clinics run every Monday to Friday and are by appointment only.
Contact your local adult audiology service to book your next repair appointment (see Contacts section below).
If you think you need a hearing aid reassessment
Book a hearing aid appointment if you think you need a reassessment. We can check your hearing aids and determine the best course of action to help you.
Contact the ENT service at the Emergency Department (A&E) if you notice a sudden or rapid drop in your hearing.
Checklist for readiness to move over to adult audiology
| Name |  |
| NHS number |
| Knowledge | Yes or no? |
| Do you understand the type and degree of your hearing loss? | |
| Do you understand what is likely to happen with your hearing loss or hearing condition as you become older? | |
| Do you know about assistive listening devices and how can you get them? | |
| How would you get your hearing aid repaired? | |
| When and how would you get your hearing aid serviced? | |
| Have you read the leaflet about moving to adult services, and do you have any questions? | |
| Self-advocacy | Yes or no? |
| Are you able to or do you have an adult who can collect hearing aid batteries? | |
| Do you understand your right to confidentiality or have you an advocate who can do this on your behalf? | |
| What do you think shared decision making means? | |
| Are you able to, or do you have you a carer, who can explain to teaching staff or potential employer about your hearing loss, condition and communication needs? | |
| Practical skills | Yes or no? |
| Are you confident managing your hearing aids? Can you change the batteries? Can you retube your earmoulds or change your slim tubes? Can you check whether your hearing aids are working? |
|
| Are you able to complete a full hearing test in an adult environment? | |
| Transition plan | |
| Which is your preferred adult audiology service? | |
| Preparatory appointment date | |
| Date to transition |
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Audiology Department. Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Email: khft.
Queen Mary's Hospital Audiology Department, Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton Lane, Suite 1, London SW15 5PN. Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Email: khft.
The Orchard Centre, Unit 8 Orchard Business Park, Bonehurst Road, Salfords, Redhill RH1 5EL. Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Email: khft.
Telephone:
Kingston Hospital Audiology: 020 8934 6406 option 1
Queen Mary's Hospital Audiology: 020 8934 6406 option 1
The Orchard Centre: 01483 362 619 (appointments)