NHS Follow up hearing tests

[Tal-r789T]

Hi all, just an ask, I had a hearing test with NHS in Jan of 22. I've not had a follow up since and nothing scheduled. I have NHS HA. Does anyone else get checkup appointments, and if so how frequently? Thanks

[annpavitt250448]

I believe it's every 5 years unless you go to g.p. With increased hearing loss.

[Happyrosie]

in my area it was three years, but because of Covid they got behind. It entirely depends on your area

[Tal-r789T]

Thanks both

[bluedawnstar]

I’m in Leicester and recently had a HA fitted in my left ear. I asked what would be the procedure if I felt there was a change my hearing, eg loss in the right ear and was told that as I am ‘in the system’ I can ring for an appointment, no need to be re-referred by the GP. As far as I am aware there is no routine check up procedure in place.

[bantams]

Hi, I live in Calderdale and last month I had a review hearing test, which was 4 years since being given hearing aids.

[Happyrosie]

so you’ve been given all these differing replies - which goes to indicate there’s no overarching system! Each area deals with matters according to its perceived “ customer base” so as to speak.

[PointedEars]

I am in Leicestershire and had my test at the Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) Hearing clinic. Because I thought there had been change to my hearing recently and since I had already been referred to them, I contacted them directly to request another test. I was advised they do one every 5 years, although it had been 6 years since my last test and I had not been contacted!

I got an appointment relatively quickly and had my re-test a little over a month ago. It turns out that my hearing hadn't actually changed that much in terms of frequency range but I learned that the noises I was hearing were tinnitus. I was advised to go to my GP and have now been referred to ENT and am waiting for an appointment there. The GP said it could be a while though...

Anyway, it seems the onus is on us to contact them in the event of a problem or requesting supplies such as HA repairs, batteries or replacement tubes etc.

Possibly each NHS trust operates a little differently which might explain the varied answers, but it seems one can contact the hearing clinic directly if one has concerns.