Audiology Referrals
🩺 Overview
Referrals are generally for consideration of hearing aids for hearing difficulty or tinnitus. Services are offered at Leigh Hospital or via community providers (e.g., Specsavers).
⚠️ Check for Wax First
Examine both ears for wax. If present, advise the patient to use olive oil TDS for 3 weeks to clear it before referring.
🏥 Assessment & Pathways
Determine if the patient requires direct Audiology referral or referral to ENT based on clinical findings.
| Condition | Action | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden sensorineural hearing loss | Refer to ENT | e-RS (ENT specialty) |
| Persistent unilateral tinnitus | Refer to ENT | e-RS (ENT specialty) |
| Balance / Dizziness | Refer to ENT | e-RS (MDT Clinic) |
| Perforated tympanic membrane / cholesteatoma | Refer to ENT | e-RS (ENT specialty) |
| Gradual age-related hearing loss | Refer to Audiology | Direct Referral Form |
| Bilateral symmetrical hearing loss | Refer to Audiology | Direct Referral Form |
💡 Age Criteria
Direct referrals are accepted for patients aged 18 and over, despite forms stating over 55.
📋 Referral Process
Sending a Referral
- Examine both ears for wax and exclude red flags
- Complete an audiology referral form
- Dictate to secretaries via Lexacomm stating the form is complete
- Specify patient preference (Leigh vs Specsavers) in the dictation
- Ensure letter includes all required details (see below)
🏠 Housebound Patients
Patients requiring domiciliary visits should be referred using the same standard referral form.
Letter Requirements
Referral letters must include the following information:
- Brief history and red flags
- Otoscopy findings
- Past Medical History (PMH)
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Previous ENT/Audiology input
⏰ Follow-up & Contracts
🔄 3-Year Contract
Patients enter a 3-year contract with the provider following their initial appointment.
- Within 3 years: No new referral needed. Patients can book directly with the clinic.
- After 3 years: A new referral is required if they need to be seen again.
🚫 Administrative Warnings
Workload Dumps
Do not accept requests from secondary care to re-refer to Audiology that ENT could have handled directly.
📍 Service Locations
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Leigh Hospital | Hospital-based service |
| Local Specsavers | Community-based options across the borough |