Hearing problems: adults
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Hearing loss is a common condition, affecting about 945 000 people in Scotland. This is set to increase over the next 20 years to one in five people.
Hearing problems usually deteriorate as people get older and are most common in people over 65. Hearing loss affects approximately 80% of people over 85.
There is also a large group of people (15%) with dual sensory (vision and hearing) loss. This group of people is also set to increase.
Hearing difficulties can happen at any age and have a number of different causes. People are often put off getting help for hearing loss. Yet it can have a major impact on their quality of life, causing them to lose confidence and feel isolated from family and friends. It can also lead to depression and anxiety.
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Patient assessment of adults with hearing problems and/or tinnitus |
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Refer to Audiology: |
Refer to ENT: |
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Hearing Aid referral information
Adults with suspected or diagnosed dementia, mild cognitive impairment or a learning disability
Specific referral criteria:
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Persistent otalgia affecting either ear with continuous episode of pain for 7 days or more within previous 90 days. Vertigo within last 90 days. Hearing loss with a conductive element. Unilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss. Sudden hearing loss (24 hours) or rapid (up to 90 days) onset or recent (within 1 year) worsening of an existing hearing loss. Unilateral, pulsatile or distressing tinnitus (within last 90 days). Any other unusual presenting feature. |
Accessible information about having a hearing test and the audiology department can be accessed here.
Although the following will be performed by the Audiology department where referrers are able to perform any aspects, this is appropriate, and the information should be forwarded to the audiology department with the referral.
Assessment
- A full history
- Hearing Aid Benefit Profile
- Otoscopy
- Full diagnostic pure tone audiometry including air conduction and bone conduction with masking
- Tympanometry if indicated
- Counselling on hearing loss and hearing aid types
- Referral to ENT for medical or surgical treatments, if these might be suitable.
Hearing aids
Offer 2 hearing aids to adults whose hearing loss affects their ability to communicate and hear.
When discussing hearing aids with adults for the first time, encourage acceptance and use.
Prescription
When prescribing and fitting hearing aids, explain the features on the hearing aid that can help the person to hear in background noise, such as directional microphone and noise reduction settings.
Give adults with hearing aids information about getting used to hearing aids, cleaning and caring for their hearing aids, and troubleshooting.
Assistive listening devices
Give adults with hearing loss information about assistive listening devices such as personal loops, personal communicators, TV amplifiers, telephone devices, smoke alarms, doorbell sensors, and technologies such as streamers and apps. Include where to obtain these locally.
The following questionnaire can be used with the patient by a GP or similar referrer.
Question |
Yes (2) |
Sometimes (1) |
No (0) |
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1. Do you feel that difficulties with your hearing limit or hamper your personal or social life? |
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2. Does a hearing problem make you feel embarrassed when meeting new people? |
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3. Does a hearing problem cause you to feel frustrated when talking to family or friends? |
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4. Do you have difficulty hearing when someone talks in a whisper? |
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5. Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when visiting friends or relatives? |
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6. Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when listening to the TV or radio? |
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Scoring:
- 0 – 2: No problem.
- 3 – 6: Possible mild/moderate loss. Consider referral to Audiology via local pathway.
- 7 - 12: Possible significant loss. Refer to Audiology via local pathway.
An Adult pre-pathway screening hearing test is also available at the following 3rd sector and Social Work services. Please contact these centres directly if patient just needs advice and signposting.
Caithness
Hearing and Sight Care
Telford Street, Wick KW1 5EQ
Fax/Tel: 01955 606170
email: hsc@sensorycentre.org.uk
Lochaber area
Caol Shopping Centre, Caol, Fort William, PH33, 7DR
Tel: 01397 704889
email: manager@lochabersensorycare.org.uk
Inverness/Dingwall Area
Deaf Services and Hearing Support Team
4 Fodderty Way, Dingwall IV15 9XB
Tel: 01349 868700
NHS Highland audiology department webpages: http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/Services/Pages/AudiologyDepartment.aspx
Accessible information about having a hearing test and the audiology department can be accessed here.
Fact sheets are available from Action on Hearing loss:
- Hearing loss: https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/hearing-loss/
- Tinnitus: https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/tinnitus/
Information about hearing loss on NHS Choices
Advice and support can be found from:
- Action on Hearing Loss: telephone 0808 808 0123, textphone 0808 808 9000
- C2Hear online: telephone 0115 8232600
- Hearing Link: telephone 0300 111 1113, SMS 07526 123255
- Sense: telephone or textphone 0300 330 9256
- Information on ear wax removal: https://patient.info/doctor/earwax-pro
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng98/chapter/Recommendations#removing-earwax
Last reviewed: 19 May 2020
Next review: 31 May 2023
Author(s): Audiology Review Team
Version: 1
Approved By: TAM Subgroup of ADTC
Reviewer Name(s): Head of Audiology
Document Id: TAM171