How to get an appointment
Once your referral has been accepted, we'll send you a notification about your child’s appointment.
This notification will be sent by post, email or text message.
Your appointment may be:
Changing or cancelling your appointment
Phone: 020 7188 6245
Email: gst-tr.hearingimplants@nhs.net
Please tell us as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your appointment so we can offer it to another patient.
Before your appointment
Please make sure you bring:
- your child's hearing aids
- any medical records related to your child's hearing
If you need an interpreter during your appointments, please let us know. We can arrange interpreters for all languages, including British Sign Language (BSL).
If you find it difficult to lip read, please let us know. We can type the information you need.
We can use captions during video appointments.
What to expect at your appointment
Your appointment can vary based on the appointment type and what your child has been referred for. Testing will also vary based on your child's age.
The implant assessment takes place over a number of appointments.
The length of time between your child's referral and their operation will vary depending on their needs and situation.
Information and case history appointments are usually virtual and take place on Microsoft Teams.
You’ll usually see a mix of audiological scientists and a member of the rehabilitation team at your clinic appointments. They'll:
- assess your child's hearing, including looking in your child’s ears and completing a hearing test. They'll play some games with your child in order to test their hearing and may use some automatic tests
- assess your child's current hearing aids and check if they need adjustments or fittings
- test your child's hearing while they are wearing their hearing aids, for example by using an age-appropriate speech perception test
- ask you to complete a questionnaire
- discuss implants with you, including your expectations and any possible outcomes
We try our best to suit the needs of your child, so please let us know if there are any modifications you need during appointments. Each appointment will last up to 90 minutes.
If you see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon during your appointment, you'll discuss:
- your child's medical history
- if your child needs any more assessments
At your child's final appointment with the ENT surgeon they will talk about any medical issues related to hearing implant surgery and your consent for your child’s surgery.
This appointment will last up to 30 minutes.
You’re under no pressure to accept any hearing implants that you're offered. The appointments are to help you gather information about the benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision about whether a hearing implant is right for your child.
If necessary, your child may have 1 or both types of scan:
These scans take a picture of your child’s ear and hearing nerves. Your surgeon will talk to you about the results of these scans. This might be at the end of the assessment or at your child’s next appointment.
After your appointment
We'll assign your child key workers at your first appointment. They'll let you know the best contact details for you to use after the appointment.
After surgery
If your child receives a hearing implant we'll show you how to:
- manage your child's hearing implant equipment
- programme the hearing implant processor over time
We'll also:
- monitor your child's progress
- support their listening development
- work with your local team
We'll offer you a combination of face-to-face and virtual appointments.
We may also visit your child's home and school.
Most of your appointments will take place in the first 12 months. After this, we'll continue to see your child over a longer period of time.