Audiology and hearing services, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

The Audiology clinic provides a comprehensive paediatric diagnostic service to children and babies with hearing problems from birth onwards.

We are experienced in treating patients who are difficult to test and will also provide second opinions, counselling and information about the effects of hearing loss.

Our mission is to provide a service that is of the highest possible quality using the most up-to-date techniques. The early detection of hearing loss is promoted and staff are vocal advocates for early intervention and rehabilitation of the hearing impaired. Referrals are accepted from paediatricians. 

Clinic assessments are available from birth and referrals are accepted from doctors associated with the Hospital.

• Phone: (02) 7825 2788 
• Email: SCHN-CHW-audiology@health.nsw.gov.au
• Location: Outpatients building, level 2 

The Deafness Centre is a multidisciplinary child development clinic for children with permanent hearing loss. 

For children diagnosed with a permanent hearing loss the Deafness Centre provides:

• general information and support
• information on early intervention options and communication methods\
• information on the cause of deafness, including genetic counselling and testing
• hearing aid clearance
• diagnosis of additional physical, intellectual or learning difficulties
• assistance with management of behavioural and emotional difficulties at home and at school.

Our paediatricians provide assessment and investigation of children with hearing loss and work with allied health professionals, educational consultants and families to form a a care plan that is specific to the child’s and families’ needs.

Before your appointment: The intake officer will send out a questionnaire and collect information such as audiograms, school information, speech pathology reports  prior to the appointment. The intake process ensures that families can gain maximum benefit from the first visit. 

Social work:

A social worker is available to provide support and counselling to families whose child is diagnosed with permanent hearing loss.  The social worker can help with issues including:

• understanding and coming to terms with your child’s hearing impairment
• counselling and therapy with children, parents and families
• resources, information and referrals to community resources
• education and support groups for families with a child with hearing loss.

Education: 

The education consultants support families by providing:

• information on education options for early intervention, school age children as well as advice for school leavers
• educational assessments
• a learning program for the child
• advice to teachers on teaching strategies and classroom management
• liaison with school and education centres
• school visits. 

Phone: (02) 7825 2139
Location: Speech Pathology - Deafness Centre Unit, Outpatients building, level 2

The Microtia clinic at The Children's Hospital at Westmead helps parents gain appropriate advice about their child's microtia. The clinic provides assessment by a plastic surgeon, ENT surgeon, a paediatrician, an education consultant and social worker.   

Our staff can advise on current treatment options to improve your child’s hearing and alter the appearance of their ears. Usually the surgery for this condition is not done until your child is over eight years of age. Children have ongoing reviews to monitor progress with speech and language and provide updated advice on treatment.

The clinic is co-ordinated by a paediatrician who also reviews the child for a cause of the microtia and associated problems. An education consultant, who is a teacher of the deaf, is able to offer educational advice. A social worker is also available for children and their families to provide support and counselling.

The Microtia Clinic is part of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. All services are covered under Medicare. Please make sure you bring a referral and your Medicare card to each visit.

Learn more: microtia.com.au

The Cochlear Implant Centre provides:

• assessment of severe or profoundly deaf children for potential cochlear implant  
• ongoing post-operative care for children with a cochlear implant. 

Services include programming the device, intensive auditory, speech and language therapy, family counselling and support and liaison with other educational agencies. 

A referral from a general practitioner or other medical referral is required. An initial medical interview and assessment with a surgeon will be arranged in the first instance.

Contact: For information about cochlear implants or related services, phone the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre on (02) 9844 6800.