Assistive devices (WM)

Why do I have this appointment?

You were recently seen in the audiology clinic regarding your difficulty hearing with your hearing aids. The audiologist may have suggested that we assess you for assistive devices as available and supplied by either the Hounslow Social Services Sensory Team or the Richmond Adult Social Care Access Team.The purpose of this appointment is to demonstrate some devices to you.

Please bring your hearing aids with you to this appointment.

What will happen at my appointment?

At this appointment we will verify your personal details. You will be asked some questions about your ears and your hearing difficulties at home. We will then proceed to demonstrate assistive devices such as an amplified and flashing doorbell, TV loop system and the TV echo link system.

After this we will complete the referral form for the relevant Social Services Team. You will receive a copy of this form.

Please ensure your mobile phone is switched off before you are called into the consulting room.

Please note: The audiology team only assess you for these devices. The Social Services team supply and install the devices. If you need any help in the future regarding maintenance of the devices you need to contact the Social Services team.

Helpful contact information:

• Hounslow Adult Safeguarding, Social Care and Health
  General enquiries: 020 8583 3100

• Richmond Adult Access Team
  General enquiries: 020 8891 7971
  E: adultsocialservices@richmond.gov.uk

Who will see me?

All assistive devices appointments are carried out by a qualified audiologist or  rehabilitation officer. The audiologist is registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists. We are a teaching hospital so on occasion there may also be a student present in the appointment. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know when you check in for your appointment at the audiology reception desk.

How long will my appointment take?

The appointment has been allocated for 60 minutes. We aim to see you on time but sometimes audiology clinics can be unavoidably delayed as someone in front of you may need more time. We will keep you informed if there is a delay to your appointment.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

If you need an interpreter please contact us for this to be arranged. We cannot guarantee availability of interpreters for all languages, so please arrange this well in advance.

If you require hospital transport please contact us well in advance to arrange this.

If you wish to bring a family member, carer or friend to this appointment please feel free to do so.

Can I reschedule my appointment? 

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, you are only allowed to do this twice. Please contact us soon as possible to rebook your appointment. Please note the hearing clinic has limited availability. If you miss your appointment, you will be discharged back to your GP’s care and will need a new referral.