Children's audiology service

Children are offered an appointment because there is a concern about speech or hearing, or because they have had a hearing screening test in school and further testing is advisable.

We accept referrals from parents, doctors, health visitors, teachers, speech and language therapists. 

Permanent childhood hearing loss is actually quite rare; around 1 to 2 babies in every 1000 are born with a hearing loss in one or both ears. Most babies have their hearing assessed shortly after birth. 

Temporary hearing problems are very common in childhood, and many factors can contribute including coughs, colds and ear infections. This is the type of problem most commonly found during the school hearing screening test.

What happens at the appointment?

When a child attends the Audiology Clinic, they will have their ears examined and tests will be performed to find their hearing level. The type of test depends on the age and ability of the child or young person.

From 6 months onwards: visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)

Sounds of different frequencies and loudness are played through speakers. When the child hears the sound, they will turn their head and a visual reward is activated, such as a toy lighting up. Little earphones can be used to assess each ear separately.

From 2.5 years onwards: play audiometry

Sounds of different frequencies and loudness are played through earphones or headphones and the child is shown how to move a toy (for example - man in a boat, peg in a board) each time they hear a sound.

From 5 years onwards: pure tone audiometry

As the child gets older, they are asked to respond by pressing a button when they hear sounds presented via headphones.

After the test

The Audiologist (the person performing the test) will be able to explain the test results at the end of the appointment and can give you a copy of the results. You can then talk about any further appointments that may be needed.

Contact us and referrals

We accept referrals from parents and health or education practitioners. If you would like to refer a child for a hearing assessment, please telephone, text or email the Children’s Audiology Service in your area. Please include the child’s name and date of birth and reason for referral.  

Email: ncm-tr.communityaudiologynorth@nhs.net   

Carlisle area:
London Road Community Clinic, Hilltop Heights   
London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2NS    
Phone: 01228 608029

Whitehaven area:
West Cumberland Hospital
Outpatients Department
Whitehaven, CA28 8JG
Phone: 01900 705248 

Workington area:
Workington Community Hospital, Park Lane
Workington, CA14 2RW
Phone: 01900 705239

Penrith area:
Penrith Health Centre, Bridge Lane
Penrith, CA11 8HX
Phone: 01768 245616