If you feel your hearing is not as good as it should be and you would like to access our services for a hearing assessment, there are a number of ways you can be referred.
GP referrals
Your GP can refer you into our service by either:
- The choose and book system – you will be asked to contact us and can then choose the location of the appointment
- By referral letter – in this case, we will contact you with an appointment
Self-referral
If you are from Hartlepool and over the age of 55, you can self-refer into the service, as long as you are not experiencing any of the below conditions.
You are not currently experiencing any of the following:
- Sudden onset hearing loss (a hearing loss that has occurred suddenly within 72 hours – this requires an urgent referral and you must seek advice as soon as you can from your GP)
- Unilateral hearing loss (experiencing hearing loss in one ear only)
- Fluctuating hearing loss (your hearing loss changes frequently)
- Balance or dizziness issues
- Tinnitus that is of sudden onset or on one side only
- Experience ear pain, infections or discharge
- Have previously had any ear surgery
- Your ears are blocked with wax- this requires removal prior to being seen
If you are experiencing any of the above, please contact your GP for a referral.
Self-referral contact information
If you wish to self- refer, you can contact the department by phone or email.
Audiology service
Please note: Our audiology team only covers Hartlepool and Peterlee. North Tees is covered by the team at James Cook hospital.
Phone:
01429 522585
Email:
[email protected]