St Ann's AudiologyTransition Clinic: 15-18 years of age

Patient information factsheet

What is the Transition Clinic?

• As you get closer to adulthood, we will begin planning your move from the Children's Audiology Service to the Adult Audiology Service.

• Our aim is to make this transition as smooth and straightforward as possible.

• This process will take place over three appointments, over three years.

• Starting from when you are 13-14 years of age and with your last appointment being when you turn 18 years of age.

• If you live in Haringey you will continue to be seen by our Adult Service within the department.

• If you live in Enfield, you will be referred to Royal Free Adult Audiology Services at Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield.

• Regardless of whether you stay with our service, or are referred to another hospital, we want to make sure that you know about:

  • your hearing loss and hearing aid service
  • aware of the differences that exist between paediatric and adult services
  • how you can get extra help from other services and organisations.

What happens at transition appointments?

• At each appointment the Audiologist will:

  • discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing either with your hearing aids or hearing.
  • retest your hearing and help you understand your hearing levels.
  • check your hearing aids and show you how to look after the hearing aids, for example changing the tube in your mould.
  • explain the transition process and what to expect in the future.
  • provide you with information about equipment that may be used with your hearing aids.
  • provide you with information about support from local services or if you are planning on moving away for college/university, as you start to reach 18 years of age.

• We want to make sure that you understand your hearing loss and can explain it.

• This is because, whether you are moving onto further education or going into the workplace, you need to be able to explain the type of support you will need for your hearing loss.

Differences between Paediatric and Adult Audiology Services

Accessing Audiology Services away from home

• If you are moving away, you are likely to want to change your GP to one in your new local area.
• Ask your new GP to refer you to the local Adult Audiology department.

Accessing help whilst at University or Collage

• If you are going on to further education at University or College, we would advise you contact their Student’s Support Services.
• They will be able to advise you about the type of support you can get and how to access it.
• If you are attending university, you can apply for a Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) through Student Finances England.
• It is important to remember that different universities and colleges will provide different amounts of support.
• We advise you to contact the Disability or Learning Support officer before starting your course.
• Please see www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas for further details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accessing help whilst at work

• The 'Access to Work' scheme is government funded and provides support to people with additional needs.
• This can include help with the cost of equipment that you might need in the workplace.
• You will need to register for this. More information can be found at www.gov.uk/access-to-work, or you can speak to the Disability Employment Adviser at your local Job Centre Plus.

What to do if you are unhappy with Adult Services

• In the first instance we would advise you contact the Adult Service and discuss your concerns.
• If they are unable to help you, you should contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
• They will be able to provide you with assistance and advice.

Links for useful information and advice

Contact our service

St Ann’s Hospital Clinic
Department of Audiological Medicine
St Ann's Hospital
St Ann’s Road,
London N15 3TH
Email: whh-tr.StAnns-Audiology@nhs.net
Tel: 020 3224 4698 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5pm)