Patients Name:
Audiologist Name:
Date:
Understanding hearing loss
Difficulty with hearing can happen to us all at some point in life. Hearing loss is very common, particularly if you are over 50 or if you have worked in a noisy job.
During your hearing test the audiologist measures the quietest sounds that you can hear, ranging from a low pitch bass sound to a high pitch treble sound. You may request a copy of your hearing test to take away with you.
The levels of hearing loss can be seen on the chart overleaf (audiogram) and are classified as mild, moderate, severe and profound.
The second chart (overleaf) shows where specific speech sounds and environmental noises occur. From top to bottom the sounds are getting louder and from left to right the pitch is getting higher.
Hearing aids
At Salford Audiology we have the latest digital technology to supply and fit a range of modern hearing aids that meet all types of hearing loss.
These include the latest ‘Open Fit’ style using a very discreet slim tube with a soft dome. These hearing aids do not require an earmold and are suitable for the mild to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing aids make sounds louder to help those who have a hearing loss. A hearing aid may not provide perfect hearing, but it will certainly help in many situations. Our highly trained Audiologists will be happy to advise you on the most appropriate hearing devices to meet your needs.
We also provide the traditional earmold fitting using the latest Superpower and Ultra Power digital hearing aids for the more severe and profound hearing losses.
Can you see it?
Our new discreet ‘Open Fit’ style of hearing aid for most mild to moderate hearing losses. Ask your GP or Audiologist for details.
It is important to have your hearing aids serviced and maintained regularly. We offer a free Aftercare Service for all hearing aids issued by Salford Audiology Services.
Our self-referral system allows our existing hearing aid users to request service appointments at their convenience and at their preferred choice of venue.
Your hearing test classifies your hearing primarily as:
I
Understanding Tinnitus
What Is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of noises heard in the head and/or the ears when no such external sound is present.
Tinnitus is not a disease or an illness. It is a non-specific symptom that can be brought on by mental or physical changes. The tinnitus may be present in one or both ears or in the head and it may be difficult to pinpoint its exact location.
The tinnitus can be continuous, or it can come and go. It can occur as a single noise or as several different types of noises. The noises may be low, medium or high pitched.
Who gets tinnitus?
Tinnitus is common in all age groups.
About 10% of the UK adult population have permanent tinnitus. Tinnitus can be associated with conditions such as hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, stress and anxiety and ear infections. Some medications list tinnitus as a potential long-term side-effect and some stimulants such as alcohol can increase the intensity and awareness of tinnitus.
Coping with tinnitus
There are a number of treatment measures available to help with the management of tinnitus. These include counselling, relaxation and sound therapy including hearing aids or tinnitus masking devices (where appropriate).
Other noise generating devices such as personal CD’s, therapy systems and apps for use with modern mobile phones can also be helpful in coping with tinnitus when used appropriately.
Tinnitus support
The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) provides a range of information and support on Tinnitus. Visit their website: www.tinnitus.org.uk
Speak in confidence with an adviser: BTA helpline: 0800 018 0527
The British Tinnitus Association provides a wide range of information leaflets on tinnitus and associated subjects. These can also be viewed and downloaded free of charge from their website: www.tinnitus.org.uk
Dizziness and balance
The Audiology Balance clinic provides specialist support to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultants.
The clinic can support people with:
- Positional Vertigo/dizziness when turning over in bed
- Sudden spinning Vertigo/dizziness that lasts for less than 30 seconds. Talk to your GP first
Other services
Salford Audiology also has direct referral routes to:
- Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
- Falls Clinic
- Salford Sensory Impairment Team
- Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (Baha) specialist service
- Smoking Cessation Service
Salford Audiology Services
Providing you with an NHS audiological assessment, free digital hearing aid provision, audiology rehabilitation services and paediatric diagnostic rehabilitation services in a choice of modern community-based locations all with disabled access.
For ALL Audiology appointments please call: 0161 206 1571/1568/1569
Email: salford.audiology@nca.nhs.uk
Community locations
Pendleton Gateway Centre - Pendleton Gateway,1 Broadwalk, Salford M6 5FX
Walkden Gateway Centre - Walkden Gateway, 2 Smith Street, Walkden, Salford M28 3EZ
Eccles Gateway Centre - Eccles Gateway, 28 Barton Lane, Eccles, Salford M30 0TU
Swinton Gateway Centre - Swinton Gateway,100 Chorley Road, Swinton M27 6FA
Irlam Medical Centre - Macdonald Road, Irlam, Manchester M44 5LH
Date of Review: October 2024
Date of Next Review: October 2026
Ref No: PI_DS_1487 (Salford)