Children’s Audiology
About the service
The Children’s Audiology service is based at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The service provides audiological assessment and care for children of all ages, from birth to school leaving age.
Children may be referred to the service from many sources, including the Newborn Hearing Screeners, Health Visitors, General Practitioners and Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors. If you are concerned about your child’s hearing then you should contact your GP or Health Visitor.
The Paediatric Audiology Service is led by Clinical Scientist Claire Vine. Claire can be contacted on 01603 288908 for enquiries regarding the Paediatric Audiology Service.
What happens if a child is referred to the service?
If a child is referred to the service due to concern about their hearing, then they will be seen for assessment. This will include a hearing test that is appropriate to the age and ability of the child concerned. The degree and nature of any hearing loss is confirmed as quickly as possible, which may take more than one visit, and the effect of any hearing loss on the child is evaluated. 
What do you do if your child dislikes loud sounds?
It is very common for children to dislike loud or unusual sounds and in most cases this is not due to any abnormality in the ears.
What happens if a hearing loss is identified?
When a hearing loss is identified in a child, appropriate audiological support is provided. This might involve simply monitoring the situation or involve the fitting of a hearing aid.
What hearing aids are available?
All children fitted with hearing aids are provided with digital hearing aids, which are available in a variety of colours. In most cases the aids fit behind the ear. The selection of a particular hearing aid is based upon the hearing needs of the child. Binaural hearing aids (one for each ear) are fitted in most cases, unless this is not appropriate. There are currently 267 children in the area who have been provided with hearing aids.
What happens after hearing aids have been fitted?
Once the hearing aids have been fitted and tuned to the child’s hearing loss, then the child’s progress with the aids will be reviewed through regular appointments in the Audiology Department. The department also works closely with the County Sensory Support Service, who provide support, at home or at school, for children with a sensory impairment.
Further Information and Resources
Information and resources regarding children and hearing problems can be found at the The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) website: National Deaf Children’s Society.
Children’s Hearing Services Working Group (CHSWG)
Your CHSWG needs you too!
The CHSWG ensures that all services designed to support deaf children and their families are evaluated so they can continue to improve. Parent’s views and experiences of services for deaf children are crucially important. The CHSWG is a forum for you to voice any views or problems for you or other parents. It meets 3 times a year and is attended by audiologists, teachers of the deaf, speech and language therapists amongst other professionals. If you would like to be involved, please contact: Claire Vine, Clinical Scientist, on 01603 288908 or ask at your next appointment. Travel expenses as well as child care costs can be reimbursed.