Specialist assessment and diagnosis for people with hearing loss and balance problems and provide appropriate support such as digital hearing aids and specialist advice.

Audiology

Referrals

To access this service your GP must make a referral

Contact the service

Telephone: 01293 600 312

Text: 07964 439 514

Fax: 01293 600 452

Email: fchc.audiology@nhs.net

What to expect

The below information outlines what to expect if you've been referred to the team.  You may or may not go on to be fitted with a hearing aid, depedant on the outcome of your hearing assessment.

The service has waiting times for both routine and priority patients. If you feel you meet one of the below outlined priority criteria, please contact the team to discuss further.

  • Blind / Partially sighted
  • Patient with terminal illness
  • Patient whose employment is at risk
  • Severe to profound loss
  • Living with significant cognitive decline (Such as dementia)
  • Patients at psychological risk due to isolation
  • Patients with mental health difficulties exacerbated by hearing loss, including tinnitus
  • Patients Caring responsibilities
  • Sudden change in hearing
  • Parkinson’s disease (NICE guidance). 

Requesting a Chaperone

If you would like a chaperone to be present during a consultation or physical examination, or if you would prefer to be examined by a health professional of the same gender as you, please let us know at the time of booking your appointment

Requesting further communication support

The Audiology team fully understand that you may have different communication needs.  You may prefer to communicate in a language that is not English, you may use British Sign language, or you may be happier with written communication.  We are here to support you, so please let a member of the team know on the contact details provided, how we can best support you in your chosen communication method.

Walk in retubing and battery replacements

The audiology service has suspended all walk in retubing and battery clinics. Replacement tubes and batteries are now being sent by post. 

Please get in touch with the team using the contact details below for replacement tubes and batteries. A self-addressed envelope is not required, and items will be posted directly to you.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the closure of the clinics.

Feedback

The team values feedback at any stage of your Audiology journey. Visit: https://www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk/involvement-feedback/compliments-and-complaints

Accreditations and additional information

Parking

​Car parks at East Surrey, Crawley and Horsham Hospitals are pay and display. Car parking at Caterham Dene Hospital and the Village Surgery, Southwater are free but time limits may apply.

Audiology services are offered at:

Birchwood Podiatry Clinic

Caterham Dene Hospital

Crawley Hospital

East Surrey Hospital

Horsham Hospital

Village Surgery, Southwater