What is Audiology?
Audiology is the field of research and clinical practice devoted to the study of hearing disorders, assessment of hearing, hearing conservation, and aural rehabilitation. The name of this type of clinician is an Audiologist. An audiologist’s main duty is the management and rehabilitation of hearing and balance-related disorders. They are specialist physicians who are trained in caring for patients of all age groups.
Audiology procedures and services we offer:
- Free Hearing Tests
- Hearing Aid provision (Bluetooth, IOS and Android enabled)
- Wax removal
- Shooting, swimming & noise protection plugs
- Paediatric Hearing Tests
- Industrial Screening
- One-stop Audiology / ENT services
This list is not exhaustive – if you are experiencing symptoms which may be related to your hearing, feel free to contact us.
Why you might need to see an Audiologist –
- Are you missing parts of a conversation?
- Do you have the tv on too loud?
- Are you forever asking people to repeat themselves?
- Have others noticed that you struggle to hear?
- Are you experiencing a ringing sound in your ear? (Clinically known as tinnitus)
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may require a hearing assessment. Our expert team of audiologists have vast experience in providing hearing assessments and have a large range of hearing aids to choose from, utilising current cutting-edge technologies.
1 in 6 of the UK population is affected by hearing loss.
Why use Beacon for Private Audiology?
- When you go private with us here at Beacon Audiology service, you don’t only skip the queue, but you also get access to more bespoke services. Beacon private audiology gives you access to the provision, fitment and continued servicing and care of a large range of state-on-the-art hearing aids.
- Following your consultation, if you require hearing aids, you can request exactly what specification of hearing aid you want. Invisible in ears? Bluetooth connectivity? Completely custom fitment? – unlike NHS audiology services, when you go private, you can choose the hearing aids that best suit you.
- We only supply the highest quality Phonak hearing products. These are state-of-the-art in hearing technologies, and we will not be beaten on price.
- The ear is a complex and extremely sensitive organ; they are solely responsible for one of our senses and are constantly being bombarded with various unavoidable sounds. The ear oversees capturing and processing audio information for us to better understand the world around us. Therefore, it is paramount to receive the quickest and best possible care for such vital organs.
- The hearing aid repair desk is here to offer help and advice, an appointment to see one of our technicians can be arranged within two working days. If you are struggling to attend to yourself, a friend, relative or carer is free to bring your hearing aid on your behalf for service or repair. Replacement batteries and cleaning kits can be collected or obtained through the post at your request.
Do you have to make any preparations before your appointment?
Unless told otherwise prior to your appointment, there are no Audiology specific preparations needed. If you have any questions relating to your appointment or you have any specific requirements, feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you in any way you feel necessary.
Have you been advised by a doctor, friend or relative that you need a Hearing Test? Why not have it with us!
Please fill out a form on the contact page, and we will be in touch as soon as possible to organise your appointment.
For more information, please see our frequently asked questions; however, if you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us by our website, email, or phone us.
Patient Information – Audiology Service
FAQs
- HOW CAN HEARING AIDS BENEFIT YOU?
- WHAT IS AUDIOLOGY?
- HOW TO ACCESS THE SERVICE?
- WHAT HAPPENS DURING A HEARING ASSESSMENT?
- WILL I HAVE A FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT?
- WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE AFTER MY APPOINTMENT?
- CAN I CONNECT MY HEARING AIDS TO MY PHONE?
- What happens during Hearing Aid Fitment?
- Where are the Audiology services offered?
- INFORMATION VIDEOS
- Help you hear every day sounds such as the doorbell and phone
- Improve your ability to hear speech
- Make you feel more confident when talking to people and make it easier for you to follow conversations in different environments
- Help you to enjoy listening to music and the TV, at a volume that’s comfortable for those around you
Audiology is the field of research and clinical practice devoted to the study of hearing disorders, assessment of hearing, hearing conservation, and aural rehabilitation.
Hearing loss statistics in the UK
- 1 in 6 of the UK adult population is affected by hearing loss.
- 8 million of these are aged 60 and over.
- 6.7 million could benefit from hearing aids but only about 2 million people use them.
- About 900,000 people are severely or profoundly deaf.
- About 12,000 people in the UK use cochlear implants.
All you need to do is see your GP and ask to be referred to the Beacon Medical Services Group (Audiology service). Once we get a referral from your GP, we will arrange an appointment.
At the assessment appointment, a qualified audiologist will take a detailed medical history and find out about your listening needs. After checking your ears, they will perform a thorough hearing assessment and go through the results on the day.
If hearing aid(s) are required, the different options available will be discussed and if you are happy to proceed, an appointment for a hearing aid fitting will be arranged. In some cases, we can fit the hearing aid on the day.
An appointment for a follow up will be arranged 6-8 weeks after your hearing aid has been fitted. This is an opportunity to see how you are getting on with your hearing aid and make any adjustments, if required.
If, at any time you have a problem with your hearing aid, you can arrange an appointment to see an audiologist who will be able to check it for you. You can also collect batteries and get your hearing aid serviced when required.
We will also provide you with ongoing support and direct you towards any additional services you may require such as lip-reading classes and support groups.
If you have any questions regarding hearing aid fitment and maintenance, please follow the link bellow to some information videos with our Audiology lead Jama Mohamed.
Yes, our hearing aids now support Bluetooth and can be directly connected to Iphones and Android Phones. You will be able to stream phone calls and music directly to your new, state-of-the-art hearing aids.
A fitting appointment usually lasts around 45 minutes, during which a hearing assessment will take place and using the latest digital technology, we ensure the hearing aids will meet your needs. During the appointment, if hearing aids are required, you will be shown the range of devices which you can choose from. Following this, the audiologist will direct you on how to use and maintain the hearing aids yourself. We aim for ease of use and patient satisfaction; therefore, if you require any more information or are struggling to adapt/use your new hearing aids, give us a call, and our team will do our best to answer any queries.
Manchester: Parkway House, Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester, M22 4DB
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Wonderful experience. The waiting time was short and the environmental was clean and tidy. I felt welcomed by the staff and was put at ease. Keep up the good work.”
SENSORY PROVISION
The Sensory Provision service is part of the Physical Disabilities Service and provides support for people with a sensory impairment who live in Manchester aged 18+.
The Sensory Team at Manchester City Council | Help & Support Manchester
Adult Disability Service – Lancashire County Council
- LINKWORKERS
- VISUAL IMPAIRMENT REHABILITATION
- SENSORY EQUIPMENT AND ADAPTATIONS
The Linkworkers provide information and advice around the areas of welfare rights, benefits, housing and debt management. The Linkworkers also enable people to access the full range of council services, and signpost and refer to other services where their expertise is exceeded.
If you are registered blind or partially sighted, or Deaf you could be entitled to the following: free bus pass, or reduced fare, reduced taxi fare travel voucher scheme, discounted rail travel, reduced TV license, extra Tax allowance, or Disability Living allowance.
The service is responsible for all aspects of visual need and will assess and customise rehabilitation programs according to the needs of the individual; these can include the following.
Mobility and cane training, Daily Living Skills, Counselling, Retraining, Employment/Educational Support and Communication Skills
Sensory Equipment and Adaptations help maintain a person’s independence within the home, by providing equipment and adaptations to a person with a sensory impairment. A member of staff will be available to discuss what equipment is available or arrange a visit. The free equipment includes items like text phones, fax machines, flashing light doorbells and talking clocks. The Assessment officers also provide aids and equipment for under 18’s.
CONTACT US
If you feel you would benefit from a referral to Sensory Provision, speak to your Audiologist. Alternatively, you can contact them directly:
Post: Sensory Provision, Manchester Deaf Centre, Crawford House, Booth Street East, Manchester, M13 9GH
Tel: 0161 219 2658/2659
Textphone: 0161 274 4655
Fax: 0161 276 7558
Minicom: 0161 274 4655 (Option 4)
SMS Text: 07534 938 598
E-Mail: sensory.admin@manchester.gov.uk
USEFUL LINKS
- Action on Hearing Loss
- Hearing Link
- NADP (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DISABILITY PRACTITIONERS)
- MANCHESTER DEAF CENTRE
- The British Tinnitus Association (BTA)
- Information leaflets – RNID
- Information leaflets | British Tinnitus Association
Action on Hearing Loss is the new name for RNID. It is a charity that offers a range of services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and provide information and support on all aspects of deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus.
Hearing Link is the UK hearing loss organisation that makes it easy to find the right information, appropriate services, and meaningful connections with other people.
NADP is a professional association for those working in the Tertiary education sector involved in the management or delivery of services for disabled students. Their aim is to promote excellence in the quality and consistency of educational supports services provided for disabled student.
Manchester Deaf Centre is the largest organisation in Greater Manchester providing support to a wide range of people with sensory impairment. The centre is a popular place for D/deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing people to meet and socialise and also to access information and our Communication Service that enables Deaf and hearing people to communicate in a wide variety of settings.
The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is a world leader, with a trained team of friendly and experienced advisers for anyone who experiences tinnitus or those simply seeking guidance or information about the condition.
WORKING WITH & COMPLYING WITH NATIONAL GUIDELINES & REGULATORY BODIES:
