Hearing therapy

The service provides dedicated hearing therapists who can advise, support and counsel anyone who experiences difficulty in communicating effectively because of a hearing problem or other related issues.

We offer advice on

Listening skills - There is a difference between listening and hearing, listening is a skill and like any skill it needs confidence and practice. We can offer information to help improve those listening skills and improve confidence. Active listening for communication leaflet

Managing Tinnitus  - see tinnitus section.

Balance rehabilitation - see vestibular assessment section

Hyperacusis - Desensitisation for over sensitivity to normal sounds - the brain is able to amplify produced at normal level, and can perceive this as pain and discomfort, we offer techniques to help desensitise and be able to manage listening conditions. Hyperacusis model

Managing sudden hearing loss - Adaption to change, the grief cycle, discussion of rehabilitation including equipment and any further management. 

Effective listening devices - addressing the correct equipment to the problems faced by the individual. Sound therapy for desensitisation

Equipment - Loop systems, doorbells, telephones, streaming devices and alerting devices

Individuals can be seen at University Hospital North Durham or Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Initial assessments can be face to face or telephone and can take up to 1 hour to complete. During the assessment the hearing therapist will take an in depth history of your concerns and needs and decide on the most appropriate management strategy. Subsequent appointments may be required depending on your circumstances and these can be arranged if required.

Our hearing therapists have developed close links with other professionals within health and the community who specialise in other areas of rehabilitation, for example physiotherapy, the falls service, social services, lip reading or tai-chi classes. During an assessment it may be beneficial for you to access some of these services and we will discuss this with yourself.

After any assessment, all relevant information will be passed to the necessary professionals as required.

see the useful contacts section for further information and local contacts