University Teaching Trust Your Individual Management Plan Patient name: Salford Audiology Services Pendleton Gateway 0161 206 1571/1568/1569 audiology@srft.nhs.uk G15000000W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, All Rights Reserved 2015. Document for issue as handout. Unique Identifier: (15). Review date: 2017
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. Intensity (loudness) in decibels (db) 0 20 40 60 80 100 Audiogram chart NORMAL HEARING MILD HEARING LOSS MODERATE HEARING LOSS SEVERE HEARING LOSS PROFOUND HEARING LOSS 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 Frequency (pitch) in Hertz (Hz) The levels of hearing loss can be seen on this chart (audiogram) and are classified as mild, moderate, severe and profound. The second chart 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. 1 2
Your hearing test classifies your hearing primarily as: You do not need/want a hearing aid Normal hearing Your hearing test shows your ability to hear the quietest sounds audible for normal hearing. Mild hearing loss You often have difficulty following speech especially in noisy situations. This type of loss is often noticed by family first rather than yourself and hearing aids may be of benefit. Moderate hearing loss You often have difficulty following speech and hearing other quiet noises. Hearing aids can be very successful for this loss but you also need to use good hearing tactics. Severe hearing loss You are unable to hear speech even in quiet surroundings and do not hear general noises such as traffic unless it s loud. Hearing aids can be very successful for this loss but you need to use good hearing tactics. Profound hearing loss You are unable to hear most sounds unless they are very loud. Hearing aids are often useful but you will need to rely on good communication tactics including lipreading, subtitles on TV and possibly sign language. We have advised about additional equipment available We have agreed to provide you with hearing aids: Right ear Left ear Both ears The most appropriate earpiece for you and your hearing level is: Right ear Left ear Slim tube Ear mould Slim tube Ear mould Slim tube fitting Earmould fitting 3 4
Communication tips Your audiology care plan No further treatment required: Get my attention Before you start to speak you must ensure you are in the same room as me and I have your full attention. You are discharged from audiology services Further treatment required: Don t speak too fast If I don t understand what you are saying you need to try and slow down your speech. Hearing aid appointment arranged. Earcare appointment arranged. Tinnitus appointment arranged. Face me Always turn and face me as it helps me pick up any visual clues you may give. Referral to Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) completed. Referral/report to G.P. completed. Get to the point Use plain language and don t waffle. Referral to Falls Service completed. Referral to Sensory Team completed. Other Don t shout You should keep your voice at a normal level. It is uncomfortable for a hearing aid user if you shout, and it looks aggressive. Don t turn away Find a suitable place to talk with good lighting and away from noise and distractions. Don t cover your mouth Speak clearly and use normal lip movements, natural facial expressions and gestures. 5 5 Images Phonak UK 6
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 & anxiety, and ear infections. Some medications list tinnitus as a potential longterm 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: If you are concerned about your tinnitus, please speak to your audiologist. You can also telephone the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) helpline and speak in confidence to one of their advisers. 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 7 8
Salford Audiology Services Providing you with 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. PENDLETON GATEWAY CENTRE Pendleton Gateway 1 Broadwalk Salford M6 5FX WALKDEN GATEWAY CENTRE Walkden Gateway 2 Smith Street Walkden Salford M28 3EZ For ALL Audiology appointments please call: 0161 1571 / 1568 / 1569 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 For ALL Audiology appointments please call: 0161 1571 / 1568 / 1569 9 10
G18060504W. Design Services Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust All Rights Reserved 2018. This document MUST NOT be photocopied. Information Leaflet Control Policy: Unique Identifier: CS 49 (18) Review Date: August 2020 University Teaching Trust Images on pages 1,5,8 and 9 produced by kind permission of Phonak UK. For further information on this leaflet, it s references and sources used, please contact 0161 206 1571/1568/1569. Copies of this leaflet are available in other formats (for example, large print or easyread) upon request. Alternative formats may also be available via www. srft.nhs.uk/for-patients/patient-leaflets/ If you need this information leaflet translated, please telephone: In accordance with the Equality Act we will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities to access this service. Please contact the service/clinic you are attending by phone or email prior to your appointment to discuss your requirements. Interpreters are available for both verbal and non-verbal (e.g. British Sign Language) languages, on request. Please contact the service/clinic you are visiting to request this. or Email: InterpretationandTrans@srft.nhs.uk Salford Royal operates a smoke-free policy. For advice on stopping smoking contact the Hospital Specialist Stop Smoking Service on 0161 206 1779 This is a teaching hospital which plays an important role in the training of future doctors. The part patients play in this process is essential to make sure that we produce the right quality doctors for all of our futures. If at any time you would prefer not to have students present please inform the doctor or nurses and this will not affect your care in anyway. Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester, M6 8HD Telephone 0161 789 7373 www.srft.nhs.uk If you would like to become a Foundation Trust Member please visit: www.srft.nhs.uk/ for-members If you have any suggestions as to how this document could be improved in the future then please visit: http://www.srft.nhs.uk/ for-patients