NHS waiting times / referrals

[LanaDelRayofSunshine]

I'm enquiring on behalf of my partner. We have a follow up appointment with the GP later on today. I'm guessing we need to be prepared for a long waiting time for an audiology/ tinnitus clinic appt? And should we just ask to see an Audiologist and bypass ENT? Will that make it quicker? My partner is so distressed, I'm worried about how long we might have to wait.

[doglover1973]

Hi there. I waited 12 months for ENT and a further 8 months for Audiology. In retrospect I wish I'd asked to go directly to Audiology. Whether they would 've let me I don't know but it's worth asking the question. If your partner is distressed it's possible their GP might fast track them. I was unaware of the fast track option at the time. Otherwise contact Tinnitus UK for immediate help.

[LanaDelRayofSunshine in reply to doglover1973]

Thank you. We're speaking with her GP tonight, so hopefully we can ask for a fast track as there is a serious mental health angle. I'm really struggling to support her with the impact on her mental health right now. I'm not sure we could wait that long, but we're not able to afford to go private.

[doglover1973 in reply to LanaDelRayofSunshine]

You're welcome. Tinnitus can have a big impact in the early days and weeks but it does get easier in time. Your partner is lucky to have your support. I'm going to try and find the Nice guidelines for you. That way if your GP is reluctant to fast track you can show them to him/her .

[doglover1973 in reply to LanaDelRayofSunshine]

Here they are: nice.org.uk/guidance/NG155

[hollyrain in reply to doglover1973]

Thank you for sharing that. I have huge anxiety about MRI so it is interesting to read a contrast CT scan can be used within NICE guidelines. That helps me going forward as I have only seen people having MRIs and my anxiety was getting worse!!

[doglover1973 in reply to hollyrain]

Hi Holly. I declined an MRI and asked for a CT scan. After much ado the hospital let me . It's quick and easy and very quiet. The drawback is it's not always clear . I can live with not knowing exactly what's wrong. Other people may not be able to.

[SimToTheWorld]

It will depend where you are in the country, sadly. But if I were you, I would bypass ENT and go directly to Tinnitus Clinic if there is one in your local NHS trust (not all of them have it, sadly). Also ask the doctor to refer your partner to local mental health professionals.

Meanwhile, the following video link is by far the best video I have seen on the internet about tinnitus. It's from a NHS ENT doctor who had tinnitus and has managed to control it. It's really informative. It's worthwhile watching until the end. It has helped me enormously to manage my own tinnitus. I can’t thank Dr Vik enough.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=y4zuV...(Not working as expected?)

[LanaDelRayofSunshine in reply to SimToTheWorld]

Thank you. She's on the waiting list for an initial assessment by mental health services - 1 year wait. She has quite complex mental health issues that are long standing.

I can't seem to get that video to work, but will try and search on You Tube.

[SimToTheWorld in reply to LanaDelRayofSunshine]

Lana, try this link. youtu.be/y4zuVk5STuM(Not working as expected?)

[SimToTheWorld in reply to LanaDelRayofSunshine]

Wow, one year waiting for mental health help. That's so sad. She's lucky to have you around to support her. I hope and pray she finds the right healing path.

[Franky127]

I have an appointment with the ENT surgeon at the QA Hospital Portsmouth on the 3rd April, referred thirteen months ago. I have been waiting to see him since last February. I hope he does not try to fob me off. Last February things got that bad I paid to go private and all I got was that I needed hearing aids. The hearing aids have done nothing to aleviate the pressure in my left ear nor the noise distortion or tinnitus which I have had for the last forty odd years. I did manage to see a roving ENT surgeon last August who perscribed Betahistine tablets 16mg three time a day. He said I will be a very happy man within a month, never did come to anything, the tablets are useless and onlygive me stinking headaches. We shall see on the 3rd of April but that's one helluva waiting list eh folks. I feel for all of you having to wait such a long time on a referral. 🙄

[Tia4 in reply to Franky127]

Sounds like you were very unlucky Franky127, I live in your area & was referred by GP in October 2021, I saw ENT Consultant in January 2022 at Gosport War Memorial Hospital - Consultant came from QAH - & then saw Audiology (Tinnitus Clinic) in March 2022 at Fareham Community Hospital who has been excellent & I have an open referral, it sounds like luck of the draw

[psycholady666]

I only waited about 6 weeks after a hearing test fir tinnitus clinic - ent seemed pointless. Its mostly psycho education but they do offer follow up when youve tried the techniques properly

[Kellythecat-74]

My doctor referred me to the hospital audiology on the 22nd of Feb . I have a telephone apt on the 25th March . so about a month for me.