Transition to the Adult Audiology Service

Transition to the Adult Audiology Service

Patient Information

Audiology Service

Introduction

Welcome to WWL Adult Audiology service. This information pack contains all the information that you will need to make your transition as easy as possible. We recognise that this can be a very stressful time for you, and that many changes may be occurring at the same time.

Contained within the pack is information on:

• Contact Us.
• Car Parking.
• The Team.
• Hearing Therapy Service.
• Additional services / Useful Links.
• Swim Moulds.
• Hearing Aid Service and Maintenance.

Contact Us 

Email: audiology@wwl.nhs.uk

Text: 07920 289578

Appointments and Enquiries: 0300 707 5667

Website: 

The Audiology services are located at the Thomas Linacre Centre and Leigh Infirmary. You can choose to access the service at either location.

Audiology Service 

Thomas Linacre Centre

Parsons Walk

Wigan

WN1 1RU 

The below link will take you to a tour of the department at The Thomas Linacre Centre:

https://youtu.be/1mkdIx-91NU

Audiology Service 

Leigh Infirmary

The Avenue

Leigh

WN7 1HS 

The below link will take you to a tour of the department at Leigh Infirmary:

https://youtu.be/c7RR-nm0VPg

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8.30 am-6.00 pm. 

Car Parking 

Up to 30 minutes: Free

Up to 2 hrs:   £3.20

Up to 4 hrs: £5.70

24 hrs: £7.50

Blue badge holders park for free. 

The Team 

We are a friendly department of Audiologists, Audiology assistants, a Hearing Therapist and clerical staff.

Below are the names of some of the key members of staff:

Kathryn France – Audiology Services Manager

Katie Park – Deputy Audiology Services Manager 

Elizabeth Hesketh – Hearing Therapist

Lucy Highfield –Senior Audiologist

Gifty Babu - Audiologist

Hearing Therapy Service 

The Hearing Therapy Service is based within the Adult Audiology Department, at Thomas Linacre Centre and Leigh Infirmary. Hearing Therapy covers a range of management and rehabilitation options for people with a hearing loss, tinnitus and/ or hearing aids. 

We can offer you:

1. Communication strategies to assist you to use effective communication tactics in an assertive way.

1. Lip-reading skills to provide further communication methods in difficult listening situations including background noise.

1. Auditory Training to help with sound processing skills.

1. Equipment advice for everyday life and work/ university environments. 

1. Telephone training to develop confidence in using the telephone.

1. Assistance with applications to access to work, a scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions which can provide funding towards equipment and support services to help you to gain and maintain employment.

1. Assistance with applications to University Disability Support services for equipment, note-taking, and communication support.

1. Rehabilitation techniques to support adjustment to, and maintenance of, hearing devices and new fittings, when appropriate.

1. Tinnitus Counselling and advice on techniques to help you manage tinnitus effectively.

Relaxation and assertiveness skills to help in difficult listening environments and situations that are challenging.

The Hearing Therapist will complete a follow up with you at the Transition clinic. The Hearing Therapist can discuss and assess your individual needs at this follow up, and then book further appointments, if necessary. 

If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Hesketh, the Hearing Therapist on 0300 707 5667.

Additional services / Useful Links 

Leigh Deaf Club 

Standish Lip-reading Society 

Tinnitus UK 

RNID 

Connevans  

Swim Moulds

Swim moulds can be purchased within the department:

1 x swim mould = £48

2 x swim moulds = £84 

Please discuss this with the Audiologist at your transition reassessment appointment. 

Hearing Aid Service and Maintenance 

• Your hearing aids will be updated within the Adult Audiology service to ensure that they can be continually maintained and repaired.  The colour of hearing aids provided is sand beige.
• If you move away for university, you may choose to move your care to your area of study, so that you have access to the local hearing aid service should you need any repairs or hearing assessments.
• If you are having any problems with the hearing aid or require a new ear mould, you can book a repair appointment, which is a similar process to the children’s Audiology service.
• Your ear moulds require routine maintenance every 4-6 months. The Audiologist will discuss this in your transition reassessment and provide you with an Individual Management Plan which will include the department contact details. 
• Alternatively, if you wear slimtubes you will be provided with an annual supply. The Audiologist will discuss this with you in your appointment.
• If a hearing aid is lost or damaged, there is a charge of £84 to replace it. 

We look forward to meeting you at your Transition reassessment appointment.