Audiology service

Patient: what makes children audiology special?

Jolanta: the people

Parent: the people

Kirsten: definitely the people

Patient: they're really friendly and they have the best toys!

Patient [using sign language]: world-class facilities

Patient: without them I wouldn't be able to hear.

Patient: Without this place I wouldn't hear very properly.

Jolanta, children’s audiology: The children and young people's audiology centre is one of the largest in England, serving six London boroughs. We are based at St Thomas' hospital in our purpose-built department where we provide an innovative, family-centred audiology service. We recognise that every child, young person and their family is unique and treated individually. Twenty specialist audiologists work across four different clinic sites, conducting approximately nine thousand appointments per year.

Michelle, children’s audiology: At St Thomas' we work closely with a wide range of other professionals, including specialists teachers, speech and language therapists, paediatricians and ear nose and throat specialists.

Amanda, children’s audiology: The Hummingbird clinic provides specialist hearing assessments for children with autism and complex needs. Each appointment is tailored to the needs of the individual child using information from the parents about their child's likes and dislikes, their interests and motivators and their favourite toys and music. We are able to really personalise the appointments for each child. We have a range of music from popular TV shows, nursery rhymes and other environmental sounds which we can use to modify the hearing assessment. 

Kerri, children’s audiology: The team are always open to new ways of working and conducting our clinics. We have been involved in research and trials to provide virtual appointments via the internet. A lot of work has also gone into supporting our patients when they transition from primary school to secondary school, or on to an adult audiology service. Our team will always ensure each of our patients is well prepared for their next steps.

Kirsten: We have an ongoing wish to be always improving and evolving based on scientific evidence and patient feedback.

Parent: The consistency of staff are fantastic. So the team that diagnosed Stefan at birth is still here. And I know that I can also drop a direct email or I can make a direct phone call if I need any advice or any help. Everyone has been super supportive. They really understand children's audiology which is the most important thing. You really feel, as well, that your child's an individual, and everyone makes a real fuss of them when they come, which is lovely.

Today I am going for my hearing check at St Thomas' Hospital. Follow me!

We walk through the hospital, sometimes it can be a bit busy, but that's okay because I'm with my Mum.

We look for the big letter C and get in the lift to go up to the second floor.

We go into the waiting room and tell the lady on reception my name.

Now I get to play with the toys or look at the books while I'm waiting for my turn.

That's me!

My Mum has to answer some questions, but I get to play with more toys. It's great!

They look in my ears with a special torch. Sometimes it's a bit tickly!

Next they put a tip in my ear and it draws a picture on the computer. My ears are very clever.

Now it's time for my favourite bit. I get to play some listening games. I have to listen hard for all of the sounds.

It's good that my baby brother isn't here. He would make lots of noise and it would be hard for me to listen to all of the sounds.

Babies don't know how to play the listening game like me.

When they come for the hearing check, they have to listen for all of the sounds and they turn to see their favourite characters!

Older children do a different type of hearing test. They have to press a button every time they hear a sound.

I love playing all the games at the hospital!