The Audiology Service works closely with our ear, nose and throat (ENT) colleagues across the West Suffolk area.
Our audiologists carry out a variety of tests for both adults and children to identify whether hearing loss is present, and to assess its type and severity. This supports accurate diagnosis and management of a range of hearing-related conditions.
Routine hearing tests and middle ear checks available through GP referral
Comprehensive hearing assessments for diagnosing hearing problems
Specialist hearing tests that measure how the brain responds to sound
Direct hearing aid referrals from GPs without needing an ENT appointment
Full hearing aid service for adults and children
Hearing aid servicing and re-assessments (by appointment only)
Postal service for hearing aid batteries and repairs
Newborn and infant hearing checks We carry out routine newborn hearing screening and specialist tests, such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), to detect hearing problems early — even in babies who can’t respond to sounds.
Hearing tests for toddlers and young children
We use methods such as visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) and play audiometry to assess how children respond to sounds in a fun and engaging way.
Hearing tests for older children and teenagers
Includes pure tone audiometry (air and bone conduction), speech testing, and tympanometry to check how well the ears and hearing system are working.
Our phone line is open: Monday to Thursday, 10:00am – 11:30am and 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Email:AudiologyMailbox@wsh.nhs.uk
Please include your name, contact details, and a brief description of your query. We aim to reply within seven working days.
Where to find us
The audiology department can be found in the main outpatients department in West Suffolk Hospital. All patients with audiology appointments please check in at reception B.
Access to Work provides grants to help people overcome barriers to getting or staying in work. This can include support for facing difficulties because of not hearing at work.
Your child’s NHS hearing aid/s are powered by lithium batteries. Babies and young children (under 5 years old) and vulnerable adults can suffer serious injury if they swallow coin/button batteries or put them into their nostrils or ears.
Batteries can become lodged in their narrow oesophagus (throat) and cause rapid tissue damage, puncturing and bleeding.
It is therefore vital that batteries are kept secure and out of reach of young children and vulnerable adults.
If swallowing or insertion is suspected, please take your child immediately to the nearest Emergency Department for removal and treatment.
Lipreading is a recognised and vital communication skill you can learn at your own pace. At these classes you will have the opportunity to make friends with others and be encouraged to socialise and practice your skills safely online using Zoom.
These classes are provided by Suffolk Hearing Advisory Service.
The Quaker Meeting House 15a Smallgate Beccles NR34 9AB
Mixed
Thursday mornings
10.00-12.00
OnlineMaria Waller
Zoom
Advanced
Monday evenings
18.00-19.00
OnlineSteph Daley
Zoom
Intermediate
Tuesday evenings
18.00-19.00
OnlineLizzie Servant
Zoom
Beginners
Thursday afternoon
13.00-14.00
IpswichSteph Daley
2 Wharfedale Road Ipswich IP1 4JP
Improvers
Monday afternoons
13.30-15.30
Sudden loss of hearing (or a sudden change in hearing) can have different causes, some of which may benefit from urgent investigation and specialist treatment. If you have a sudden hearing loss, (over a period of three days or less) you should arrange to be seen by your GP or in your local emergency department. Your local ENT service can then be contacted to arrange tests and any appropriate treatment.
