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Referral
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Hearing loss in children
Children up to the age of 16 presenting with suspected hearing loss.
Signs and Symptoms
- Hearing loss for more than 4 weeks
- Speech delay suspected to be secondary to hearing loss
Patient with any of the following in addition to hearing loss need to be referred to ENT
- Combination of nose or throat issues
Primary care management
Hearing loss up to 4 weeks may follow upper respiratory tract infections or acute suppurative otitis media. In the absence of red flags watchful waiting is appropriate in these cases.
Referral Criteria
Refer to Paediatric Audiology
Patients with:
- Hearing loss for more than 4 weeks
- No gross abnormality of tympanic membranes
The majority of these patients will have glue ear and are appropriate for the paediatric audiology pathway.
Refer to ENT
Patients with:
- Abnormal tympanic membranes
- Nose or throat issues in addition to hearing loss
Referral Instructions
Paediatric Audiology referrals
Audiology referrals should be sent to Chime Audiology as paper referrals as this service is not provided on e-Referrals:
- Audiology Department, RD&E Hospital Wonford.
- Tel: 01392 402 223/6
ENT referrals
Are made via e-Referral Service:
- Speciality: Children's & Adolescent Services
- Clinic Type: ENT
- Service: DRSS-Eastern-Child & Adolescent Services-Devon ICB - 15N
Referral Form
Evidence
This guideline has been developed by Royal Devon and Exeter Healthcare Foundation Trust based on local guidelines.
NICE surgical management of otitis media with effusion in children CG60
Pathway Group
This guideline has been signed off on behalf of NHS Devon.
Publication date: 02 December 2016
