Our team
- 1 Audiology Service Manager - Stephanie Brindle
- 1 Adult Audiology Lead
- 1 Peadiatric Audiology Lead
- 6 Senior Audiologists
- 2 Audiologists
- 2 Assistant Technical Officers (ATO)
- 2 Receptionists
As we have close links with The University of Manchester we often have students working with us in clinic. They gain valuable experience from their time in the department. If you would prefer not to have them present, please inform the Receptionist or Audiologist in clinic.
Base
Audiology - The Hearing Centre
Yellow Suite
Hartshead Building North
Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Fountain Street
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 9RW
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified via the BAAT, BSc or MSc Audiology training routes
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Hearing assessments
- We assess children aged 0-18 years
- The Paediatric Audiology service is available for babies, children and young people in Tameside and Glossop, where there is a concern about their hearing or a known hearing problem
- We offer a specialist service to diagnose and help babies, children and young people with hearing loss
- We aim to accurately assess a child’s hearing levels and identify the type and degree if any hearing loss is present. This may require more than one assessment
- The test most appropriate to the child’s age, development and interest is used
- Most tests in the clinic will require your child to be alert and happy to participate in the tests with the Audiologist
- Some testing on very young infants will require that your child will need to be asleep. This will be explained in the appointment letter
- Testing is performed in a sound proofed room and a combination of tests may be used to obtain as much information as possible
Aetiology - investigating the cause of permanent hearing loss
A hearing problem is not always obvious, particularly in young children.
There are different degrees and types of hearing impairment. Some hearing losses can be temporary and fluctuate, other Hearing losses may be permanent.
Although a child may respond to some sounds around the home, they may not be able to hear all the sounds that they should be hearing. This may affect a child’s development especially for speech and language.
Onward referrals
If required referrals will be made to the appropriate professional.
We are part of a multidisciplinary team of Audiologists, Paediatricians, Speech and Language Therapists, ENT Doctors and Specialist Teachers.
Referral to the other members of the team can be made directly if this is required.
The Paediatric Audiology Service follows national guidelines and recognised best practice whilst also meeting the individual needs of children and their families.
We involve parents in the decision making for their child and in the development and improvement of our services.
Currently our department works closely with:
Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Department
- We perform various diagnostic assessments for our ENT colleagues
- We liaise with ENT to provide a seamless service for hearing aid users
Nurse Led Clinic
In addition to our own wax clearance service we can provide a referral for wax clearance for more complex cases i.e. mastoid cavities, perforations etc.
Education - Hearing Impaired Team / Teacher of the Deaf (ToD)
Liaising to ensure children cope within the school environment.
Sensory Support Services / Social Services
Sensory Support Services / Social Services can provide help and advice on adaptations in the home.
Speech & Language Therapy
Referrals can be made for children with speech and language delay.
Children may be referred due to parental or professional concern about hearing or speech and language development. We accept referrals from:
- ENT Doctors
- GPs
- Health Visitors
- Paediatricians
- School Nurses
- Specialist Teachers for the Hearing Impaired
- Speech and Language Therapists
We aim to see children within 6 weeks of receiving the referral. If your child is unwell please contact the department so that the appointment can be rearranged.
If an interpreter is required, please ensure that the person referring your child tells us or you contact us well in advance of the appointment so that this can be arranged.
Appointments usually last 20-30 minutes, but may be up to 90 minutes depending on the type of appointment. Please allow sufficient time for travel and parking (charges apply).
We will also ask some questions about your child’s health and development and any family history of hearing loss.
Hearing Assessments and ABR Appointments
These are undertaken in the Children’s Outpatients at Tameside General Hospital. This is a specially designed children’s area with a large playroom/waiting area, toilets and changing facilities. On arrival please book in with the reception staff at:
Children’s Outpatients
Hartshead Building South
Tameside General Hospital
Fountain Street
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 9RW
Hearing Aid Appointments
These are undertaken in the yellow suite at Tameside General Hospital. On arrival please book in with the reception staff at:
Audiology - The Hearing Centre
Yellow Suite
Hartshead Building North
Tameside General Hospital
Fountain Street
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 9RW
We fit and evaluate the progress of children with hearing aids- Latest technology hearing aids (variety of colours available)
- Hearing aids are individually programmed through a computer, to the person’s hearing test
- Hearing tests are recommended every three years
- There are different ear fittings which can be fitted dependent on the patients hearing needs; Minifit / Thin Tubes or ear moulds (can be available in various colours)
- Programmes can be added to enhance listening in different environments - these are activated by the Audiologist after discussing the patients individual requirements
- The Audiologist will have in depth discussions before and after the hearing aid fitting
Maintenance - Earmould
You need your hearing aid tubing changing every six months.
Contact us to book an appointment.
Maintenance - Minifit / Thin Tube
You need your hearing aid tubing changing every six months.
Contact us to book an appointment.
Swim moulds provide an opportunity to adults and young children to take part in their normal day to day water based activities, such as showering, swimming etc. Swim moulds generally provide an added layer of protection, protecting the ear canal and middle ear from infections.
There is an additional cost of £15 per swim plug.
If any known service users would like a swim plug please contact the department on 0161 922 6381.
Specialist teachers are available to offer help and advice about using hearing aids in school. Contact details for education support:
Tameside
Sensory Support Service
Hearing Impairment Team
Ryecroft Hall
Manchester Road
Audenshaw
M34 5ZJ
Tel: 0161 342 4268
Fax: 0161 342 4274
Minicom: 0161 342 4272
Derbyshire
SEN Support Services
Grange Street
Alfreton
DE55 7JA
Tel: 01629 532 488 (Term Time)
Derbyshire
SEN Support Services Centre
School Road
Chesterfield
S41 8LJ
Tel: 01629 537 686 (School Holidays)
Assistive Devices & Advice
These services can provide help and advice on adaptations in the home. You can self refer for these or ask your Audiologist to refer you:
Tameside
Children with Disabilities Team (CWD) Children’s Disability Team, Gardenfold Way, Droylsden, M43 7XU
Tel: 0161 342 5599
Derbyshire
Deaf Team, Derbyshire County Council, High Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield, S45 9JB
Tel: 01629 537 171
Text: 86555 start your text with BSL then press space then start your message
Minicom: 01246 861 852
Email: deafteam@derbyshire.gov.uk
Connevans
Equipment to help deaf and hard of hearing people at home, work or in education.
C2Hear
Information about hearing aids which is suitable for older children and parents on re-tubing and fitting hearing aids, how to troubleshoot and other useful videos
National Deaf Children's Society
The National Deaf Children's Society is a charity for deaf children and young people. The website has lots of invaluable information about hearing loss and hearing aids, and you can find some useful videos such as how to re-tube your child’s earmould. For leaflet download you need to be a member but it is free to join, and for parents as well if they want to download anything.
Tinnitus UK
Links to tinnitus leaflets and resources designed specifically for children.
The Elizabeth Foundation
May be able to assist with virtual family counselling.
Hear Glue Ear App
Songs, games and books to support children with glue ear as well as links to further information for parents.
Ida Institute
Counselling tools for children of varying ages
Auditory Skills
These are good resources for developing auditory skills for Deaf children, and helpful for children who have general difficulties with their hearing:
Communication Courses
The following provide communication courses, such as British Sign Language (BSL), lip reading and communication support etc.
- British Sign - Online sign language course available on 'pay what-you-can' basis
- Signature - Deaf communication courses
Lip-reading classes in and around Manchester
E-mail: enquiries@manchesterdeafstudies.og
Social Prescribing
Derbyshire
The Bureau's mission is to identify and link together community needs and solutions to enable people to live independently and improve the quality of life for local communities.
Appointments
Children's Audio & Tymp Clinic
Children's Hearing Assessment Clinic
Transitioning to Adult Audiology
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Your Child's Hearing Aids - Opn Play & Xceed Play
Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Guide
Minifit / Thin Tube Cleaning Guide
Minifit / Thin Tube Insertion Guide
Ear Mould Tubing & Attachment Guide
Ear Mould Cleaning & Insertion Guide