Open Search | Phone number call 01284 713000
To help prevent the spread of winter viruses such as Covid-19, influenza and norovirus (winter vomiting bug), and to protect our patients and staff, please do not visit patients in our hospitals if you have: flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, cold); Covid-19 or influenza, or any other infections; diarrhoea and/or vomiting within the last two days.
Menu chevron down

Sub menu

Paediatric audiology service

The community paediatric audiology service offers hearing assessment and support for children and young people.

What do we do?

We provide assessment, advice and intervention to children, young people and their families, when there is hearing loss or concerns about hearing.

We work closely with other NHS services, education and social care to ensure children receive the support they need. Children may be seen jointly with other teams and agencies to support shared planning and feedback between professionals and the family, to improve the care we give and reduce the number of appointments.

We care for children from birth to 18 years, or 19 years if in full-time education; and offer assessments for children aged six months to 18 years. Our speciality doctors provide assessment and investigation for children with permanent hearing loss.

Who are we?

Our team includes paediatric audiologists, speciality doctors, audiology assistants and business support colleagues. Our qualified audiologists are registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All staff working with children have enhanced DBS checks.

Who do we see?

We see children from birth to 18 years with confirmed hearing loss, suspected hearing loss or hearing concerns such as tinnitus. We also monitor children with conditions where there is risk of hearing issues, including (among others): 

  • Down’s syndrome
  • Noonan’s syndrome
  • William’s syndrome
  • Cleft palate
  • Cystic fibrosis.

Please note we do not see children with ear infections or who require wax removal.

How long will my child wait to be seen?

  • referrals are triaged by a qualified audiologist, and if not accepted the decision will be explained in writing to the referrer and the parents or carers
  • we aim to see all children for initial assessment within six weeks from receipt of the referral

Where will my child be seen?

  • we see children in clinics across the county depending on individual need, this will be confirmed with you when your first appointment is made
  • we hold clinics at: 
    • St Helen’s House, 571 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP3 8LX
    • Stow Health, Violet Hill House, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket IP14 1NL
    • Child Development Centre, Hospital Road, Bury St. Edmunds IP33 3ND
    • Sudbury Community Health Centre, Church Field Road, Sudbury CO10 2DZ

What will happen at the appointment?

  • initial contact is by phone, if unsuccessful a letter will be sent requesting you to call to book an appointment
  • You will receive information by post before the appointment telling you who will be present and about the tests we perform
  • The audiologist will discuss your current concerns, the hearing tests used will be explained to you and will depend on the developmental age and co-operation of your child. They are not painful
  • The audiologist will perform the tests 

Who can refer to our service?

  • newborn hearing screeners
  • community and hospital consultants
  • GPs
  • school and community nurses
  • NHS speech and language therapists
  • health visitors
  • family support practitioners

Contact us:

01473 321216 or 01473 321233

Your view matters:

We aim to offer a good service to you and your child. We welcome your comments, compliments and suggestions.

If you have any queries or concerns with any aspect of your child's care that cannot be resolved with your clinician please contact the team leader.

If you feel unable to discuss your concerns in this way please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)