Audiology in Southwark

[OutOfFocus]

Hi
I am wondering if anyone has recent experience of audiology in Southwark.  I had a mixed experience of Guy's but I understand they arent taking community referrals anymore.

I have asked my GP but she doesn't have direct experience. Specifically I need HAs that do T-Loop and GP had no knowledge of which aids did (my Guy's ones DIDN'T and it was a real bummer).

 

[Borderlands]

There are loads of private audiologists around now and at least a couple near or off Lordship Lane. I noticed one just off Zenoria Street in Tintagel Gardens.

 

[OutOfFocus]

Half (3/4?) of me feels I should try NHS before throwing my money at the problem. A private provider (eg Specsavers) paid for by NHS feels the way to go.

But  - If someone could recommend a private audiologist I might be prepared to give them a try.  I spoke briefly to one and didnt feel he was listening (groan) to my issues.

[Penguin68]

The lady in Zenoria Street has been very useful to me and my family, thankfully for (relatively) minor issues; I would certainly trust her for advice on more serious issues, as a first shot. I am sure that if she feels an issue is beyond her competence she will make that clear early on. She does seem to know her stuff (and she's a nice lady, in my experience)

[OutOfFocus]

2 hours ago, Penguin68 said:

I am sure that if she feels an issue is beyond her competence she will make that clear early on.

That is useful. I have slightly odd issues which might merit a referral to a consultant led service. I think I need to discuss with GP, but want to get my options on paper first.

Can I check we are taking about https://clearlyhearing.co.uk/home-clinic-east-dulwich Google is often your friend but can lead you up the garden path.

 

[Insuflo]

I can only speak for my experience of audiology at Guys, which I found to be exemplary. But I don’t have your T-loop requirements and haven’t tried private providers. However, when I first encountered rapid hearing loss, I found a lot of useful guidance on the RNID website. My GP was very proactive re referral to specialists, thankfully. The very best of luck with your treatment.

Edited May 8, 2023 by Insuflo

[Pugwash]

Having been a hearing aid user for the majority of my life can give you some advice.

GP can refer you to an audiologist- the referral can be either via NHS Audiology which for this area is managed by In Health who have clinics all over London. The nearest is Streatham.

I have a behind the ear NHS aid for which has a loop setting, however if my aid breaks down I have to contact In Health to get an appointment for a repair. This is where it gets complicated -without a working aid I cannot use a telephone so have to rely on hearing friends/relatives to phone up to book appointments. Secondly, an appointment at Streatham may take 2- 3 weeks and I cannot be without an aid for more than 24 hours. I had to get to Kentish Town by 8 am to the only clinic with an appointment available within 48 hours.

As a result of the above, I decided to purchase an aid privately to have as a 'spare/backup'. I booked an appointment at Spec Savers in Rye Lane - audiologist  was there on a Sunday. I explained the reason for seeking an aid and discovered that if I had a letter from my GP they would see me as an NHS patient and issue aid accordingly.  I decided to pay as my NHS aid is very good and I prefer it to a private one. The fitting of the aid was done by the audiologist at Spec Savers in Walworth Road. I decided against having a 'loop' installed in the aid as I have never found them useful.

The RNID is a very useful resource - so contact them

 

[sunbob]

I was happy with the lady in Zenoria as well and I think I understood her to say that she would be able to take an NHS referral if you asked your GP to send it to her.

[OutOfFocus]

I think I am unusual in wanting (or rather recognising I want) T-Loop.  And I get the feeling that a lot of aids either don't do it, or it is configured off.

I want it becuase in a resonant building I want to hear what the speaker is actually saying, not what the building is reflecting back.     To put a local focus,  i have been known to go into the centre at St John's church so I can ONLY hear wht the sound system gives me, not overlaid with a lot of reflection. I find that church better when they DON'T use the sound system.

 

[OutOfFocus]

In Health  are one of a number of providers. There is a list here, but no contact details

• Audiological Science
• In Health Ltd
• Modality LLP
• Outside Clinic – Home visits only
• Lewisham & Greenwich Trust
• Specsavers

https://www.selondonics.org/icb/your-health/community-adult-audiology-hearing-service/

The list used to be restrictued to those commisioned by Southwark CCG (RIP). But is would suprise me if I decided to go to Lewisham & greanwich trust I would get "we are only funded for some boroughs".

 

 

 

[Penguin68]

19 hours ago, OutOfFocus said:

Can I check we are taking about https://clearlyhearing.co.uk/home-clinic-east-dulwich

Yes. Clearly Hearing is a group of practices but I am talking about the one in ED, Zenoria St.

[Carrie]

You could try koorosh Nejad [email protected]

No personal experience of using him - but I met him last week and he gave me his card.

www.hearingnow.co.uk