Transition to adult audiology services

Throughout transition we'll discuss your understanding of your hearing loss and hearing aids and ensure that you're confident managing your hearing aids independently.

We'll discuss your plans for education and/or work and provide information including suggesting organisations that help with assistive technology, social support, benefits and more.

You'll be able to ask any questions about the move to adult services you want.

You'll also be invited to come to a transition event.

We run transition events where you can get advice and information to support you through the transition process and into adulthood.

There will be talks and exhibition stands from different organisations providing information on:

• hearing aids
• assistive technologies
• support services and charities
• local adult audiology departments

It's also a great chance to meet other young people who are transitioning to adult services. Let your audiologist know if you would like to attend the event.

At this appointment you'll have a hearing assessment and your hearing aids and hearing aid settings will be checked. We'll also take impressions for new earmoulds.

We'll discuss which adult audiology department you would like to be referred to. It's important to think about where you will be living, working and/or studying over the next few years so that we can refer you to the right service.

We'll send a report to your new department explaining your hearing loss, hearing aid settings and any other information such as whether you need an interpreter.

At this appointment, adult audiology staff will explain how the service works and will answer any questions you might have. They'll check whether you're having any issues with your hearing aids. You may be asked questions about your medical history.

You can attend your adult audiology appointments alone or, if you want, you can bring a parent or friend for support.

Most adult audiology services provide behind-the-ear hearing aids. Your hearing aids may be changed or upgraded as needed.

Every time you move to a new area (for example, if you go away to university), tell your usual audiology service and ask to be referred to a new local service.