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Here are the contact details for Audiology at Warrington Hospital. Please contact them if you need repairs or replacements. whh.audiology@nhs.net

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All services are by appointment ONLY. This applies to all sites across Warrington, Runcorn and Widnes. Please telephone or email the department for current advice. Tel: 01925 662420 Email: whh.audiology@nhs.net

Change my appointment

x

Appointment Form

If you have been given an outpatient appointment at the hospitals and are unable to attend for whatever reason you can use the form below.

It is really important that you let us know of any changes as soon as possible. This means we can offer the original appointment to another patient.

Please complete the form below with your contact details and as much information as possible. You can find most of the information we need on your appointment letter.

If you have any problems using this form, please call the number on your appointment letter and we will do our best to help you. You will receive a response from us so you know it has been received and actioned.

If you wish to change the date and time of your appointment you, you can click the re-book option and state any dates that are not suitable for you, or you can contact us using the number on your appointment letter.
To change your Breast Screening appointment, please use whsthkbss.nhs.uk

Audiology is a challenging and expanding field of clinical science and technology, involving the study of hearing and balance. Our team provide a comprehensive service to adults including:

Adult Hearing Assessment

Audiological Rehabilitation

Digital Hearing Aid Fittings

Diagnostic Audiology, for hearing/balance disorders

Grommet Review Clinic

Complex Case Clinic (for adult hearing aid users requiring more intensive aftercare)

Regular joint clinics with Telecare & Sensory Team (Warrington Borough Council)

Hearing Aid repairs and follow-up service

Tinnitus Therapy

Diagnostic Audiometry, to support Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Services

Paediatric testing and fitting of hearing aids

We also provide a Newborn Hearing Screening programme, with further diagnostic testing and work closely with our local community and education services, in providing a full comprehensive paediatric (children's) hearing service.

If you live in Halton, your Audiology appointment may be at the new Halton Health Hub at Runcorn Shopping City or Halton Hospital Audiology dept .

The Hub has NHS signage and is a short walk from Car Park 3, which has ample disabled parking bays and is free of charge.

When you arrive, you will find that the front windows are fully frosted, so passers by cannot see people in the waiting area. The reception desk is set back from the front doors. All of our treatment rooms are fully private.

If you already have NHS hearing aids, please remember to bring them to your appointment.

Services will continue as normal at the Warrington Hospital and Halton Hospital sites and any patients attending Warrington clinics will not be affected by this change.

Our Services

Our services are currently provided across three sites:

Warrington Hospital

Halton Hospital

Highfield Hospital

Halton Health Hub (Halton shopping city)

Contact information

Warrington Hospital Audiology Department
Appleton Wing
Warrington Hospital
Warrington
WA5 1QG

Telephone1: 01925 662420 (Audiology reception)

Contact Email: whh.audiology@nhs.net

What are the waiting times?

We can usually see you within three weeks of receipt of your referral and if appropriate, following testing, we then fit you with a hearing aid(s) within four weeks. Please see the referral information section below for further information on how to be referred to our services.

Who's in the team?

The department consists of 23 staff, comprising of highly experienced and specialised Audiologists, Assistant Audiologists, New-born Hearing Screeners, Clinical and Clerical Support Staff. The department is also a recognised training centre for the University of Manchester, where students are placed to gain valuable clinical experience.

Main Contact Information

Warrington Hospital Audiology Department
Appleton Wing
Warrington Hospital
Warrington
WA5 1QG

Telephone1: 01925 662420 (audiology reception)

Contact Email: WHH.Audiology@nhs.net

The Nightingale Building (formerly known as Halton Hospital)

Other Information & Downloads

Hearing Aid battery issuing centres

If you already have a hearing aid and require replacements batteries, find out where you can get batteries by clicking on the town name below.

Batteries can also be obtained from:

Warrington Hospital Audiology Reception (Appleton Wing, outpatient area) -Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

Halton General Hospital General Office - Monday to Friday

Highfield Hospital (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 4pm and Tuesday 12 to 4pm

Great Sankey Neighbourhood hub, Lingley Green Ave, is available by appointment on the third Wednesday of each month 1.30pm to 4pm

Please note that we are closed on Bank Holidays

Information on Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of noises in the head and/or the ears which has no external source. It is not a disease or an illness, but is a symptom generated within the auditory system.
Patients referred for tinnitus therapy must first be seen by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. This consists of a clinical ear examination, full medical history being taken, a full hearing test as well as arrangements to be made for any other appropriate tests to be carried out. Patients may then be referred onto the Department of Audiology for further help in managing their tinnitus.

The Tinnitus Therapy Clinic at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals is a well-established service. It is delivered by competent and experienced tinnitus therapists, who will initially carry out a detailed assessment appointment. During this assessment, patients will also be asked about the impact of their tinnitus on their emotions and lifestyle. They will also be informed of the physiological and emotional mechanisms of tinnitus, and how best to manage their symptoms.

Treatments include:

1. Sound enrichment therapy, such as hearing aids (if applicable), CDs, sound enrichment balls, environmental sounds andTinnitus-related Apps (for smartphone users).

2. Counselling - directive/non-directive/cognitive behavioural therapy/ Mindfulness

Information on balance disorders

Balance disorders can be extremely uncomfortable and debilitating. We offer a comprehensive investigation service for patients, suffering with dizziness and balance disorders.
What is the balance system?
The balance system is a 'tripod system' of sensory information. It is the co-ordination of information from: the visual system, the proprioceptive system (information about positions, from your feet, limbs and joints) and the vestibular system (information from the balance organs in the middle ear). The brain processes the information from all these systems and ensures that the muscles in your limbs and eyes respond correctly when your balance system is challenged. For example: You are walking along, when suddenly you trip over a stone. Your balance system reacts to ensure that you do not fall, and makes corrective movements with your limbs and eyes.
What is dizziness?
Vertigo (an illusion of movement), dizziness and balance problems arise when there are problems in one of more of the systems involved in balance. It is important that the cause of dizziness be determined by professionals.
How to access the service
If you think you have a dizziness problem, please contact your GP and ask them to refer you to an ENT doctor at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The doctor will assess you condition and request V estibular Function Tests, if required.

Referral information

How do you know if you have a hearing loss?

How do you know if you have a hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be due to the aging process, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital or hereditary factors, diseases or a number of other causes.

You may have a hearing loss if:

You hear people speaking, but cannot understand exactly what they are saying

You frequently ask people to repeat what they have said

You don't laugh at jokes because you miss too much of the story, or the punch line

You frequently complain that people "mumble"

You need to ask people about the details of a meeting you have just attended

You play the tv or radio louder than your friends or family would like it

You cannot hear the doorbell or telephone ringing

You find that looking at people, when they speak to you, makes it easier to understand

How do I arrange to have my hearing checked?

If you feel that your hearing has deteriorated and you would like your hearing checked, please contact your GP, who will refer you for a hearing assessment.

If you already have a hearing aid from our department please contact us directly to arrange a hearing re-assessment.

Do I need to do anything before my appointment?

You should make sure that your ears are clear of any wax. If in doubt, consult your surgery. Ears blocked with wax may give inaccurate results for your hearing test and it may not be possible to take an impression of your ear, if needed. We are happy for you to bring a friend or relative, along to the appointment with you.

What will happen at the assessment appointment?

The Audiologist will ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle and assess the impact any hearing problems are having on your life.

The Audiologist will then examine your ears, to check for any abnormality and then a thorough hearing test will be performed. Once testing is completed, the Audiologist will explain the results to you and recommend the best course of action. If a hearing aid is recommended, an impression of your ear may be taken and your fitting appointment will be made.

Fitting of your hearing aid

If it is found that you need a hearing aid, the department issues digital hearing aids routinely, and they are behind-the-ear style (BTE).

The hearing aid will be specifically programmed to your hearing loss and can be adjusted to best suit your preferences and needs. The sound quality produced by digital hearing aids is significantly better than that of older analogue hearing aids. Also, digital hearing aids do not cut out all background noise, but aim to reduce the level in different listening situations.

When the hearing aid has been fitted and you are happy with the sound, the Audiologist will show you how to operate the hearing aid, replace the battery, clean the hearing aid and make sure that you are confident in fitting it yourself.

You will also be given information regarding where to obtain batteries, which are free of charge for NHS hearing aid users.

Please click here, for further information on how to get the best out of your hearing aid.

Already a patient?

For patients who already have a hearing aid from us, requiring a fine-tune appointment or hearing test, please contact the department for advice on how to arrange this on 01925 662420.

Please note:
All simple hearing aid repairs (e.g. replacement tubes and spare parts) nowrequire a booked appointment, by contacting the department directly.

Appointments are available at:
Warrington Audiology: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Halton Audiology: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm

Or via one of our Community Clinics: click here for more information.

Other useful links

Our team recommend the following sources of national information as useful further reading:

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All services are by appointment ONLY. This applies to all sites across Warrington, Runcorn and Widnes. Please telephone or email the department for current advice. Tel: 01925 662420 Email: whh.audiology@nhs.net

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The Osia® System features a powerful implant that sits entirely under the skin. The active implant includes the Piezo Power™ transducer, which generates sound vibrations.

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It's really important to keep hearing aids clean so they are effective. Wax in tubes effects the amount of sound able to travel through to the ear. We recommend a cleaning routine is established with your child to help them to learn about how to look after their hearing aids.

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A tamperproof battery drawer should be used on hearing aids when your child is under 5, has siblings they live with under 5, or if they have additional needs that mean button batteries are a hazard. A green tool is used to open the aids. This should be checked every day. If it is broken, please contact Claire, Jane or Jennifer and we will arrange to repair it.

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Ear Mould and Hearing Aid Checklist to use before re-tubing

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Ear Mould and Hearing Aid Checklist to use before re-tubing

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Please follow this guide to make sure the ear moulds are suitable for re-tubing. Please contact your teacher of the Deaf if you are unsure.

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This link takes you to the NDCS website. You will find a variety of books with Deaf characters in to suit a wide range of ages. Enjoy reading!

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15 inspiring kid’s books with deaf characters, or by deaf authors

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In honour of International Children’s Book Day, we’re sharing 15 amazing children’s books with Deaf characters or written by Deaf authors. These stories offer young readers the chance to explore Deaf culture, learn about sign language, and celebrate diversity in an engaging and fun way. From picture books to middle-grade reads, there’s something for every child to enjoy!

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Free to become a member. This organisation has some really useful information to help support your understanding of your child's deafness. You can connect with other families on the forum.

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National Deaf Children's Society | Supporting deaf children

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We are the National Deaf Children's Society, the leading charity for deaf children and young people. We're here to support every deaf child who needs us.

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When tubes are hard or discoloured, they should be changed so the sound is not negatively effected. First, check the moulds to make sure they aren't split. Check out our 'Ear mould Guide' before you start!

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This is a link to a handy glossary. There's so much specific vocabulary used around hearing loss and technology, this may help to decipher some of it! You can always ask your QToD for explanations of this vocabulary.

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Read the National Deaf Children's Society glossary for a helpful A-Z list of relevant terms and their definitions.

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This is a lovely book to share with children as they prepare for cochlear implants.

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Safety Information with Cochlear Implants

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Safety Information with Cochlear Implants

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This helps you locate a lost processor and gives you more control over your settings from your phone.

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If you're not hearing as well as you would like to in a particular setting, the app can help*.

Select SCAN / SCAN 2 to continuously and automatically adjust your hearing settings to suit your situation

Use personalised Programs to quickly adjust your hearing settings to suit a specific situation

Adjust the loudness, quality and tone of your sound with Master Volume, Bass and Treble

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If you're not hearing as well as you would like to in a particular setting, the app can help*.

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This charity is run by families for families.

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We offer first-hand experience of the difference that cochlear implantation can make to the lives of deaf children and their families. We can help with issues that surround life with an implanted child to provide a vital part of the pre and post implantation process - support for families by families.

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CICS | Cochlear Implanted Children's Support Group

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We offer first-hand experience of the difference that cochlear implantation can make to the lives of deaf children and their families. We can help with issues that surround life with an implanted child to provide a vital part of the pre and post implantation process - support for families by families.

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Support For Deafness and Visual Impairment in Northwest England - DSN

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DSN provides a wide range of sensory support services for visually impaired, deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people across the Northwest of England

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Here's a handy information guide all about glue ear.

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Unilateral / Monaural or Single-sided hearing loss

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Unilateral / Monaural or Single-sided hearing loss

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Here's some information about a hearing loss on one side.

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When someone can hear well with both ears their brain is able to filter out unwanted background noise and concentrate only on what they want to listen to. This is much harder for a child with unilateral deafness which means there are some situations where they will find it more difficult to hear well. These include:

hearing sounds or speech on the side with the deafness because the head naturally blocks some sound from that side making it harder to hear for the ear with a normal level of hearing (this is called the 'shadow effect')

identifying what's causing a sound, the direction a sound is coming from or judging how far away the source of the sound is

understanding speech when there is background noise.

This can affect a child with unilateral deafness in a number of different ways.

Incidental learning and speech and language development

Incidental learning is learning that takes place in everyday settings, at home or out and about, and is not taught at school. Children learn language through play and by hearing things going on around them. This helps them build vocabulary, and gives them grammar and general knowledge.

Because children with unilateral deafness may not always overhear what people are saying or hear what's going on around them, they may appear 'out of it', as though they don't know what's happening or appear unconnected to their environment.

Small adjustments to your environment and how you communicate can make listening much easier for your child. For example:

position yourself closest to your child's ear with better hearing

have good eye contact

speak clearly, naturally and at a normal pace

when in a group, speak one at a time.

Our Being Deaf-Friendly section contains other tips for communicating with children who have a hearing loss and advice on how to create better listening environments.

Our page on developing language and communication in 0-2's is full of practical ideas about how to promote communication and language development.

You may also find our information on speech and language therapy helpful.

Tiredness

Children with unilateral deafness may be using more energy concentrating on listening, particularly in noisy environments, and as a result may experience problems in concentrating, tiredness and frustration that affects their behaviour. They may prefer to play alone and experience more difficulties than other children in reading and learning.

Road safety

Unilateral deafness makes it difficult for a child to tell which direction traffic is coming from, so it's important to teach your child to take extra care when crossing the road.

When out cycling, rear view mirrors on your child's bike can help them to see a car when it's behind them. Our page on cycling is full of tips on how you can help your child to ride their bike safely.

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One-sided hearing loss | Single-sided deafness (SSD)

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If your child has unilateral deafness, that means they have hearing loss in one ear - it is also called one-sided hearing loss, or single-sided deafness

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These are the Starkey, Contact mini hearing aids.

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This system can be used to provide optimal support for language development, social exchange and comprehension, as conventional hearing systems or surgical intervention in young children are often complicated, irksome and do not always achieve the desired results.

Our child-friendly bone conduction hearing product consists of an electronic casing with a miniature vibration receiver. It transmits sound through direct contact with the head, where it is transformed into a nerve impulse in the inner ear.

The contact mini can be incorporated into a wide range of headpieces, hair bands and Alice bands in colourful designs with decorative motifs. Increasing numbers of adults are also discovering the advantages of this hearing system: particularly for sports enthusiasts, the contact mini is a practical companion for example when walking or skiing, and can easily be added to sports caps and ski helmets.

The contact mini is used by renowned hearing implant manufacturers in alternative treatment plans.

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This system can be used to provide optimal support for language development, social exchange and comprehension, as conventional hearing systems or surgical intervention in young children are often complicated, irksome and do not always achieve the desired results. Our child-friendly bone conduction hearing product consists of an electronic casing with a miniature vibration receiver.

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This app will let you trace where the hearing aids are when they were last switched on. Handy for locating missing aids! It will also let you check the battery life remotely. This is a really useful feature, especially if you have children who are unable to let you know when the batteries have run out!

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Oticon Companion app | One powerful app. So many benefits.

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Empower yourself in any situation with the Oticon Companion hearing aid app. Control, customise, and care for your hearing.

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Here are instructions to pair Oticon hearing aids to either an Android or Apple phone.

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Do you stream sound to your hearing aids with Streamer Pro? If so, you can now use your phone as a remote control with the Oticon ConnectLine app.

Oticon ConnectLine lets you simplify life
Swipe, see, select and control multiple audio devices and manage your hearing aid settings all from the same place.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Android, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

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How to pair your hearing aid with a mobile phone

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Oticon Streamer Pro lets you talk on your mobile phone hands-free, effectively turning your hearing aids into a wireless headset.

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This fund can be used for a number of reasons and you can apply directly to them.

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Family Fund deliver grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young people on a low income across the UK

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Children’s Audiology – Warrington – Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

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Read our update on our children’s services for parents and carers of Warrington.

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Here's what to expect at your child's audiology appointment.

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Here are some LING sound cards. Great for doing a quick check.

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Here's some information about the LING Sounds. There are some ideas of how to use the card resource to quickly check if your child has access to different speech frequencies.

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This company make headbands for bone conduction hearing aids. They have lots of different choices!

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Malinka - Unique, stylish, individually custom made hearing aid bands that are compatable with most bone conduction brands.

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At 18, she decided to have a cochlear implant. Since having it, she trained to become a teacher of the deaf!

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BBC Two - See Hear, Series 33, Episode 30, Cochlear Implant

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We meet a young woman who, at the age of 18, decided to have a cochlear implant.

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Lots of information on this website

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We are RNID: the national charity supporting more than 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

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From fire alarms to door bells, there are a wide range of devices available to support.

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Stay independent - and continue to enjoy the things you want to do - by making the best out of new and existing technology. Find out about the different types of products and technology that you might benefit from.

Alerting devices

Communication

Entertainment

Tinnitus

Developing new technology

Find out more

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Stay independent - and continue to enjoy the things you want to do - by making the best out of new and existing technology. Find out about the different types of products and technology that you might benefit from.

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Here's a link to some parent sessions. They are free to join.

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We have a range of free online events that you can join. You'll be able to get lots of information, join discussions with other families, and ask questions to our experts.

As long as you have access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, you'll be able to join.

You don't need any previous experience of the topics covered in these events. You can join in as much or as little as you like. We'll send you everything you need to know to be able to join.

Places at these events are limited, so booking in advance is essential.

My Child Has a Unilateral Hearing Loss

Monday 4 March

7pm to 8pm

Suitable for families with children ages 0 to 16 years

In this session, an audiologist will provide in-depth information about unilateral hearing loss. You'll learn about some of the unique challenges it can bring and how to best meet your child's needs.

Managing Feelings

Wednesday 20 March

7pm to 8pm

Suitable for families with children ages 0 to 8 years

Childhood is the best time to build self-esteem, self-confidence, and resilience. By giving deaf children the tools and language they need to recognise and express their feelings we can lay the foundations for strong emotional and mental health.

Join this session to learn how to explore feelings with your child and to practise acknowledging and accepting your child's feelings. We'll also discuss the importance of recognising and labelling feelings, and practise using different strategies to express feelings.

Overcoming Sleep Issues

Monday 25 March

7pm to 8pm

Suitable for families with children aged 0 to 16 years.

Led by our resident sleep expert, this session will help you understand the causes of sleep issues for deaf children and provide some ways to overcome them.

Understanding Parenting Styles

Wednesday 27 March

7pm to 8pm

Suitable for families with children ages 0 to 8 years

In this session, you'll have the chance to explore your own parenting style, the needs behind behaviour, and some strategies for managing and changing unacceptable behaviour.

We use different parenting styles at different times. There are no rights and wrongs; every family will have different rules or boundaries because we all have different values. By the end of this session, you'll understand different parenting styles and how they can impact deaf children.

Communication support for our events

We'll have experts on hand to support you in joining the event online. You can also watch or download our guide to joining our online events.

Zoom auto-generated captions and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be available.

If you have any questions or require any other communication or language support, please email [email protected] .

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Online Information and Advice Sessions | National Deaf Children's Society

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Join our free online information and advice events about supporting your deaf child, benefits, technology, and home learning. Chat to our experts and other families with deaf children.

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Here's some information about the LING Sounds. There are some ideas of how to use the card resource to quickly check if your child has access to different speech frequencies.

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Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant Safety Information

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Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant Safety Information

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Free training sessions are available from Apple stores. There are a range of functions available to help.

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Set up hearing-related accessibility features on iPad

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Set up hearing-related accessibility features on iPad.

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This is a useful recourse from the NDCS to use when your child is going to be getting hearing aids.

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Does your child attend extra-curricular activities? Whether it's Scouts or Gymnastics, give them this handy communication guide to help them understand how to communicate most effectively.

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Fingerspelling the alphabeth if you're right handed

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Fingerspelling the alphabeth if you're right handed

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Fingerspelling the alphabet if you're left-handed

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Fingerspelling the alphabet if you're left-handed

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Here's a link to a page on the NDCS website. There are lots of tips for supporting communication when your child attends extra-curricular activities.

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Taking part in activities and attending events can help deaf children and young people to make friends, develop new skills, be creative and build confidence. In this section you'll find information, advice and tips on making activities accessible to deaf children and young people.

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Adaptions and inclusion | Helping deaf young people join in

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We have information and resources on how you can make a range of activities inclusive for deaf children, including: swimming, football, music and arts

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Spare Batteries are available at the following places. 

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Spare Batteries are available at the following places. 

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You can collect spare batteries from the places listed. Please remember to take your book with you.

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What is Deaf Active?

Did you know, that approximately 9 million people in the UK have hearing loss (1 in 7 of the population)? Deaf Active was established in 2004 as a constituted group, dedicated to supporting these 9 million people and in 2008 we managed to attain charitable status for all of our efforts!

Below, you can find out about all of our upcoming events, news and check out out the gallery to see for yourself!

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Did you know, that approximately 9 million people in the UK have hearing loss (1 in 7 of the population)? Deaf Active was established in 2004 as a constituted group, dedicated to supporting these 9 million people and in 2008 we managed to attain charitable status for all of our efforts!

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This is a useful short booklet to share with younger children so they are prepared for their visit to audiology.

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A lovely activity booklet that explores the feelings around their Deaf brother or sister.

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Here's another company who will create bespoke headbands for your child.

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These may be useful for younger children who wear behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids. Other companies are available.

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This is the manual for the EduMic.

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The National Deaf Children's Society now have a new app. Follow the link to download on your device.

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Find out about My NDCS, a free app for parents and carers of deaf children. The app provides support for you and your deaf child, today and as they grow.

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This is a local organisation that run some activities. Have a look under the 'What's On' tab.

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Deafness Resource Centre - Support for deaf people in St.Helens, Halton, and Knowsley

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Deafness Resource Centre provide support for D/deaf adults, children and their families, in St Helens, Halton & Knowsley.

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The British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT) commissions television programmes made in British Sign Language by Deaf people for Deaf people.

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For children aged 5 and over.

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In some cases you will be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This payment is for supporting the additional requirements of your child due to their additional needs, for example additional travel expenditure. Please contact your Teacher of the Deaf for further information.

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If you're under 16

You can only apply for DLA if you're under 16 and you live in England or Wales.

If you live in Scotland, you can apply for Child Disability Payment.

If you're over 16

You cannot apply for DLA. You can apply for:

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults - DLA rates, eligibility, changes because of Personal Independence Payment.

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Please use the tool when opening the battery drawer. If you need a new one, please contact your teacher of the Deaf for a replacement.

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How to open the tamper resistant battery drawer on Oticon Opn Play BTE PP and Xceed Play BTE SP

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APD and childhood deafness | APD and deafness support

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Listening or making sense of sounds may be difficult for children with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), we support any child with a hearing loss who also has APD

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What is ANSD

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is a relatively rare form of sensorineural deafness (deafness in the inner ear). ANSD affects about one to two babies in every 10,000 born and occurs in about 1 in 10 children with sensorineural deafness.

ANSD occurs when sounds are received normally by the cochlea (inner ear) but become disrupted as they travel to the brain.

Children with ANSD are likely to have greater difficulty understanding speech and distinguishing one sound from another, especially when there's background noise. The difficulty they experience is more than would be expected for a child with a similar level of hearing. Whilst some children with ANSD will have exceptionally poor speech recognition for their level of hearing, there may be others who will hear in a similar way to another child with 'typical' sensorineural deafness.

A similar experience would be using a mobile phone when the reception is poor and the sounds they hear are distorted.

Typical features of ANSD

hearing that may vary from normal hearing thresholds to profound deafness

hearing that may change over time: it may improve, deteriorate (be progressive), or fluctuate on a day-to-day basis

difficulty understanding speech, especially with background noise

speech recognition that is worse than predicted for the child's level of hearing

difficulty in hearing rapid changes in speech (difficulty following conversation)

fluctuations in hearing related to body temperature (for example, a fever) has been found to affect a few children with ANSD

Why is ANSD called a spectrum disorder?

ANSD is called a spectrum disorder because if affects children in different ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

How ANSD affects the hearing system

ANSD is a type of sensorineural deafness. Sensorineural deafness occurs when the inner ear (cochlea) or hearing nerve is not working as well as it should.

The cochlea contains thousands of sound sensitive 'inner' and 'outer' hair cells. The outer hair cells help amplify the sound vibrations which travel from the middle ear to the inner ear. The inner hair cells then convert these vibrations into electrical signals which then travel along the auditory nerve as impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets these impulses as sound. Find out more about how the ear works.

With ANSD, the outer hair cells appear to function normally. ANSD can affect one or more of the following parts of your hearing system:

the inner hair cells

the synaptic junction of the inner hair cell and the junction of the auditory nerve

dys-synchrony of the auditory nerve causing disruption to the signal as it travels along the nerve to the brain

underdeveloped or absent auditory (hearing) nerve

impaired temporal resolution (the ability to perceive rapid changes in auditory signals over time)

auditory neurons in the spiral ganglion

brainstem auditory nuclei.

ANSD usually affects both ears (bilateral) but can also affect one ear only (unilateral).

Causes of ANSD

ANSD happens more frequently in babies who have spent time in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and is particularly common in babies born extremely prematurely (less than 26 weeks gestation).

Premature babies are more at risk of having ANSD because they are prone to:

infections

severe jaundice (hyperbilirubinaemia)

lack of oxygen or a period of dependency on a ventilator

some drugs used to treat neonatal infections are known to be ototoxic (meaning they can cause damage to the inner ear), which could cause deafness and ANSD.

Other possible causes may include:

Neurological conditions
ANSD may develop later in childhood for the first time. This is rarer, but may be associated with neurological conditions, for example Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Friedreich's Ataxia.

The reason why children have ANSD is not always known, but there is lots of research happening in this area. For more information on the medical and genetic tests used to try and identify the cause of deafness, read the information on our genetic counselling pages and our booklet, Understanding your child's hearing tests (PDF).

Testing for ANSD

ANSD is characterised by absent or abnormal auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in the presence of functioning outer hair cells.

There are several types of hearing tests that are used in combination to diagnose ANSD. These tests are usually carried out for babies who fail their newborn hearing screen or who are considered at risk for ANSD.

You can find out more about what each of the following tests involves in the hearing tests section of our website.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test

The ABR test measures whether sound is being sent from the cochlea (inner ear) and through the auditory (hearing) nerve to the brain. A child with ANSD will have an abnormal or absent ABR. This may be due to:

damage to or absence of the inner hair cells of the cochlea

the inner hair cells not working together and sending a dyssynchronous (disordered) message to the nerves

damage to or poor development of the auditory nerve.

Some babies, particularly premature babies, may have an underdeveloped auditory nerve, so the ABR test should be carried out again once the baby's hearing system has had time to develop.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds that are generated from the outer hair cells in a healthy cochlea. OAE testing provides an indication as to how well the outer hair cells of the cochlea are working. With ANSD, the outer hair cells are not affected and so the OAE test results will be normal.

OAEs may disappear over time, even for children with normal hearing; the reasons for this are not yet fully understood.

Cochlear microphonic (CM) test

Like the OAE test, a CM test also measures how well the cochlea's outer hair cells are working. CM testing is carried out as part of the tests to diagnose ANSD.

Tympanometry and stapedial (middle ear) reflex testing

This test checks how well the moving parts of the middle ear are working. The middle ear muscles contract in response to loud sounds, and this reflex can be measured as part of the hearing assessment. Where there is a problem with the hearing nerve, as with ANSD, the stapedial reflexes are often absent or elevated.

Behavioural audiometry

Behavioural hearing tests are used for children older than five or six months. These tests use toys and play as part of the hearing assessment and involve your child listening for a variety of sounds as part of a game. These tests will tell your audiologist more about what your child actually hears, processes and responds to.

Imaging studies

Imaging studies, such as an MRI, can be used to examine the anatomy of the inner ear and auditory nerve to see if there are any defects or abnormalities.

Diagnosing ANSD

Diagnosis in babies

Babies who have spent time in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) may be diagnosed soon after birth because both OAE and ABR testing is carried out as part of their routine hearing screening.

Babies who are born well and have not spent any time in special care or NICU usually have just OAE testing. OAE testing alone will not identify ANSD, so if you have concerns about your baby's hearing or speech development, you should raise this with your child's doctor. They may refer you to an audiologist for further testing.

Delayed maturation/myelination

Some premature babies are diagnosed with ANSD but show improvement in their hearing over time.

This may happen when a very premature baby is born before the myelination of their auditory nerve has completed. Myelin is an insulating layer that forms around nerves, including the nerves in the hearing system. This myelin sheath allows nerve impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. Myelination of the auditory nerve happens at about 26-29 weeks gestation before birth.

If myelination is not complete, a baby's ABR test will not give an accurate recording of the function of the hearing nerve. As the nerve matures, some of these babies may show improvement in their hearing over time. This spontaneous improvement has been seen in hearing thresholds up to around two years of age.

It is therefore essential to monitor babies and young children with ANSD closely to distinguish ANSD from delayed maturation in premature babies where possible.

Diagnosis in children

Otoacoustic emissions may reduce or disappear altogether with time in children with ANSD.

If your child has ANSD, the ABR test is unable indicate the level at which they respond to sound. So, as your child grows older, their audiologist will be able to get more information about their hearing using behavioural hearing tests.

How to communicate with your child

Children with ANSD need support at an early age to help them develop language and communication skills. Here are some ways you can help your child communicate:

Use visual support
Your child is likely to benefit from visual support (such as cued speech or sign language) together with spoken language, especially in their early years. This will help to ease your child's frustration at not being able to communicate when they are very young.

Reduce background noise
Background noise is particularly a problem for children with ANSD. Try to reduce background noise as much as possible when talking with your child, for example, by turning off the TV or radio. You can also try using soft furnishings, as well as wall and floor coverings to reduce echoes. Find out more about improving your child's listening environment.

Most children with ANSD do go on to develop good spoken language. However, some children with ANSD, even those wearing good-quality hearing aids, will not be able to hear enough speech sounds for them to be able to develop speech themselves.

For further information on supporting communication development and the different approaches available, visit the communication section of our website.

When a child has unilateral ANSD (affecting just one ear)

Children with unilateral ANSD should be monitored closely to ensure that it is not affecting their language, communication, educational and social development.

If a child has very poor speech discrimination abilities in the ear with ANSD, then they are unlikely to benefit from using a hearing aid but may find a personal radio aid or soundfield system useful. There are some situations where an older child will choose to wear an earplug in the ear with ANSD because they find sound quality on that side can be very distracting.

Technology for children with ANSD

Hearing aids

It is very difficult to predict whether a child will benefit from wearing a hearing aid. About 50% of children with ANSD benefit from some form of amplification, whilst others find hearing aids unhelpful as they are unable to overcome the distortion caused by ANSD. In addition, although hearing aids improve sound audibility, they do not resolve the problem of understanding speech that a child with ANSD may experience.

Because ABR thresholds are unreliable in children with ANSD, hearing aids are fitted based on behavioural hearing tests instead. This means your child's hearing aid fitting may be delayed until they are old enough and developmentally ready to undertake a behavioural hearing test.

Some parents and audiologists choose to wait to fit hearing aids until their child's hearing threshold levels are stable and consistent.

The professionals working with your child will want to regularly check your child's hearing levels when they are wearing their hearing aids, as well as check their understanding of speech and their speech development.

Cochlear implants

If your child has an intact and developed auditory nerve, but has not benefited from using hearing aids, then you could consider having them assessed for a cochlear implant.

Cochlear implants can overcome the problems of dys-synchrony in the auditory nerve because they give direct electrical stimulation to the hearing nerves. Therefore, children with ANSD may be offered a cochlear implant even if they have hearing thresholds better than the usual criteria for needing one.

Children with ANSD usually get similar levels of benefit from cochlear implants as children with typical severe profound sensorineural deafness.

Auditory brainstem implants (ABI)

Children born with very thin or absent auditory nerves may be considered for an auditory brainstem implant.

ABIs are still a very new development. Working in a similar way to cochlear implants, an ABI stimulates the auditory brainstem directly, bypassing the ear and auditory nerve to provide a sensation of hearing.

An ABI does not provide the same benefit or sound as that perceived by a cochlear implant. However, ABIs can help aid lip-reading and provide other clues used in spoken communication (for example, the rhythm and speed of speech).

Other technology

There is a wide range of listening and alerting devices that are beneficial for children with ANSD.

Pre-school children and school-age children often benefit from using a radio aid system. This is when the teacher or parent wears a microphone (transmitter) and the child picks up the voice directly with a receiver, hearing the teacher's voice through an ear-piece or directly through their hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Soundfield systems, where the teacher's voice is fed through a loudspeaker, may also be helpful in the classroom. These systems help to raise the speaker's voice to a comfortable listening level above the background noise.

See further information about radio aids and soundfield systems.

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Advice on ANSD | ANSD and childhood deafness

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Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) causes sounds to become disrupted - if your child has ANSD it is harder to understand speech and hear different sounds

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What is cleft lip and palate?

Cleft lip is a term used to describe a notch, opening or separation in the upper lip. Cleft palate describes an opening or separation in the roof of the mouth, which is either easily seen, or is covered by the lining of the roof of the mouth (submucous cleft palate).

Cleft lip and palate are common and affect about one baby in every 700 births. The degree to which children are affected and the extent of the clefts and their impact on the child varies.

Cleft lip and palate can each occur alone or together. Of the babies born with cleft lip and/or palate, around:

45% have a cleft palate

24% have a cleft lip

31% have both a cleft lip and palate.

A cleft lip, with or without a cleft palate, is more common in boys. Cleft palates on their own are more common in girls. Cleft lip and palate, and cleft palate alone may be more common in babies with close relatives who also have it.

Children who were born with a cleft lip alone are not normally at a greater risk of long-term deafness than the general population. However, children with cleft palate or cleft lip and palate are likely to have longer-term difficulties with their hearing.

Causes of a cleft lip and/or palate

We all start out life with a cleft lip and palate. During early pregnancy these clefts normally fuse together. The exact reasons for isolated cleft lip and/or palate are unclear, although it is usually a random, one-off event.

If your child has a cleft lip and/or palate

Sometimes cleft lip and/or palate are diagnosed during routine antenatal scans. Sometimes they aren't known about until birth. When the cleft lip and/or palate are diagnosed you will be referred to a specialist regional cleft lip and palate service.

A team of professionals will be involved in the care and treatment of your child. This team may include:

a specialist cleft nurse

an audiovestibular (hearing and balance) physician

an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon

a maxillofacial (head, neck, face, jaws) surgeon

a plastic surgeon

a speech and language therapist

an orthodontist

an audiologist

a psychologist

a paediatrician.

The team will also have access to a geneticist and other professionals who may need to be involved in the overall care of your child. The team will discuss with you the treatments your child will need and together you will develop a care plan.

Cleft palate and deafness

Hearing tests

As part of your child's care plan, it's important that they have their hearing assessed. This may be done at the regional centre for cleft palate or they may refer you to your local ear, nose and throat (ENT) and audiology service.

This will normally be done routinely shortly after birth. Your audiology team will regularly assess your child's hearing. This should be at least once a year during the first three years, and again around the time your child starts school, and at ages five and 10 years.

Types of deafness and cleft palate

Glue ear is the most common type of deafness in children with cleft palate. It's a type of conductive deafness - when sound can't pass efficiently through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear (cochlea and auditory nerve).

Glue ear is a build-up of sticky fluid in the middle ear. It may not cause any problems in hearing or it may cause a mild to moderate deafness (20-60 dB) in the affected ear.
For most children without a cleft palate, glue ear is a temporary condition that they grow out of by around eight years old as their eustachian tube and other cavities grow larger.

However, in children with a cleft palate there are likely to be additional structural abnormalities of the eustachian tube and the muscles may not work as well. Almost all children with a cleft palate will get glue ear before the age of one and it may persist much longer than for other children. For this reason children should be monitored closely.

Sensorineural deafness is unusual in children with a cleft palate. This type of deafness may indicate an associated syndrome or, rarely, a co-existing condition (two or more unrelated conditions happening together).

Mixed deafness is when children who have conductive deafness, such as glue ear, also have sensorineural deafness.

Isla's deafness and cleft lip and palate

When Isla was identified as mild to moderately deaf in both ears at four months old due to a cleft lip and palate, parents Becky and Tim had some important decisions to make.

Read Isla's story.

Managing deafness caused by cleft palate

Grommets and cleft palate

Your surgeon may recommend putting in grommets at the same time as the surgery to repair the cleft palate.

In older children grommets may be offered if the glue ear hasn't cleared up spontaneously following the palate muscle repair.

Children who have a cleft palate are much more likely to have recurring glue ear after the grommets have come out. It is possible to put in grommets up to three times but it isn't good practice to carry out repeated grommet surgery after this. This is because every time a grommet is put in the eardrum has to be punctured, and every time one falls out it leaves a tiny scar.

Cleft palate and hearing technology

Hearing aids

Some ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors and audiologists recommend hearing aids as the preferred management for children with glue ear who also have a cleft palate.

The type of hearing aid that will be suitable for your child will depend on the type and level of deafness they have and whether the outer ear is fully formed.

A hearing aid sits on the top of the pinna (the outside part of the ear) and is connected to an earmould that is specially made to fit in the child's ear. Children who have a syndrome associated with a cleft palate may have a very small pinna that can make it difficult to keep a behind-the-ear hearing aid in place. Smaller ear canals can sometimes make it difficult to get well-fitting earmoulds.

Narrow ear canals can cause sound from a behind-the-ear hearing aid to 'bounce' back off the wall of the ear canal, causing whistling or 'feedback' from the hearing aids. If your child has any of these problems, talk to their audiologist about possible solutions.

Children who have conductive hearing loss and have problems wearing behind-the-ear hearing aids may benefit from a different type of hearing device that allows the child to hear sounds using bone conduction.

Technology at school

Find out how a radio aid can help children with hearing aids hear better at school and home, and how a soundfield system can help children with or without hearing aids.

Ear infections and cleft palate

Children with a cleft palate may be more prone to middle ear infections. This is caused by a combination of factors that can encourage bacterial growth in the middle ear. Ear infections can occur with or without glue ear.

What to do if your child has an ear infection

Any discharge (leak) from the ear is abnormal. If it occurs you should see your GP, who may prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic drops. Any prolonged discharge from the ear should be assessed by your ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor.

Swimming and ear infections

Some children appear to get ear infections triggered by swimming. Most doctors feel it's important for children to learn to swim and enjoy swimming rather than worry about possible infection. If your doctor permits swimming, try to stop dirty water entering your child's mouth or being swallowed. Avoid letting your child swim in lakes or non-chlorinated pools as the water usually has a high bacteria count.

Syndromes associated with cleft palate

Most children with a cleft palate or cleft lip and palate have no other medical problems associated with it. However, cleft lip and palate occurs in more than 400 syndromes. 'Syndrome' means a collection of signs or symptoms that commonly occur together, which doctors recognise as being related.

How do syndromes occur?

Syndromes may be caused by changes to genes, known as mutations, which are inherited (passed on) from one or both parents to the child. Sometimes the change in the gene happens in the child for the first time. This is known as a new or spontaneous mutation.

About 30% of children born with cleft lip and/or palate have a syndrome. Here is a list of the commonest syndromes and where you can go for more information and support.

Acknowledgements and references

We are grateful to Mr Raouf Chorbachi, Consultant Audiovestibular Physician with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and North Thames Regional Specialist Cleft Lip and Palate service for his guidance in preparing these webpages.

Full references for this web page are available by emailing [email protected] .

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Deafness caused by cleft palate | Cleft palate and deafness

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If your child has a cleft palate they're more likely to have recurring glue ear than other children - get information on managing deafness caused by cleft palate

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What is cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma is a cyst or pouch of skin within the ear. It is usually due to a repeated ear infection, which causes skin to grow inwards from the eardrum. The first sign may be a persistent smelly discharge (leak) from the ear. If left untreated, it can get bigger and destroy the delicate bones within the middle ear and cause permanent deafness.

Diagnosing and treating cholesteatoma

It is necessary to remove the cholesteatoma before it can cause damage. If children have a chronic discharge from the ear over a long period it is very important that they see an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for assessment and advice. An ENT doctor can usually diagnose cholesteatoma by examining the ear.

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Cholesteatoma and childhood deafness | Advice on cholesteatoma

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Cholesteatoma is caused by a cyst or tissue inside the ear and can lead to smelly discharge - a cholesteatoma should be removed to removed to avoid hearing loss

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What is otosclerosis?

This condition affects the stapes (the smallest bone in the body, found in the middle ear). Although it is known to mainly affect the middle ear, the condition can move to the rest of the inner ear. Sound enters the ear and reaches the eardrum, causing the small bones of the middle ear, the ossicles, to vibrate.

The stapes transmits these vibrations to the inner ear. In otosclerosis, the stapes becomes fixed from an abnormal growth/overgrowth of bone which in turn causes conductive deafness.

What causes otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis can be a hereditary (genetic) disorder, but in many cases where there is no family history, it is thought to be caused by a virus. Otosclerosis usually develops between the ages of 15 to 35 but has been known to occur in younger children.

How is otosclerosis treated?

Treatment may involve surgery (a stapedectomy) which involves replacing the stapes with a prosthetic (artificial) device. Or you may prefer for your child to be fitted with a hearing aid.

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Otosclerosis causes | Otosclerosis childhood deafness treatment

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Otosclerosis is an abnormal bone growth in the inner ear, find out about the causes of Otosclerosis and how childhood deafness caused by Otosclerosis is treated

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large endolymphatic duct and sac syndrome

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EVA and deafness | Managing EVA in children

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If your child has Enlarged vestibular aqueducts (EVA) they will have sensorineural deafness which usually affects both ears - find out more about EVA

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CMV belongs to the herpes virus family. It's very common, affecting people all over the world. Despite there being very little public awareness, CMV is more common than many other conditions associated with deafness such as Down's syndrome, spina bifida, toxoplasmosis and cystic fibrosis.

Many of us will have had CMV by the time we're 40 years old. Sometimes CMV can cause cold or flu-like symptoms but often the infection has no symptoms so we may not know we've had it.

Once infected by CMV, the virus usually stays in an inactive form in the body (often for life). If the immune system becomes weakened the virus can reactivate.

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Cytomegalovirus childhood deafness | Deafness caused by CMV

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Cytomegalovirus(cCmV) is a virus which can cause childhood deafness, CMS can cause both sensorineural deafness and unilateral deafness, and may affect balance

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We're excited to announce the launch of My NDCS, a free app to support you and your deaf child , today and as they grow .

My NDCS is here to give you the information and support you need, no matter your child's level or type of deafness. It's your go-to for expert guidance anytime, anywhere.

App features

Find expert information and resources tailored to where you live and your child's age.

Read stories from other families and deaf role models or use the glossary to look up key terms you might come across.

Record key moments in your child's journey using our journal, reflect on your feelings and mark milestones. You can also write notes during your child's appointments or jot things down to share with professionals later.

Find out about events where you can get advice from our team of experts and meet other families of deaf children.

Get started

The My NDCS app is available to download for iOS and Android users in the UK only. Download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play.

My NDCS is exclusively for members of the National Deaf Children's Society.

Not yet a member? Join us for free today. Download the app, fill out your details and you'll automatically become a member.

Already a member? Download the app, fill out your details and we'll link the app to your membership account.

Turn on notifications

As we continue to develop the app, we'll add new information and stories. Go to 'My account' in the app to sign up to be notified when there are new articles to read.

Share your feedback

We'd love to know what you think of My NDCS. Email your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] .

Currently, My NDCS does not include British Sign Language (BSL) translations. If you're a parent whose first language is BSL, we'd love to find out how we can improve your experience with the app. Email your thoughts to

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My NDCS app | National Deaf Children's Society

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Find out about My NDCS, a free app for parents and carers of deaf children. The app provides support for you and your deaf child, today and as they grow.

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This is a new resource that has some strategies to support a child with glue ear.

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Helping you to support your child

We know that the best advocate for your child is you! We want to empower you with everything you need to know about what glue ear is, how it can impact your child's behaviour and development, and what you can do to help your child day-to-day. At Glue Ear Together, we believe that armed with the right knowledge parents and carers have an important part to play in achieving positive outcomes - and together we are here to support you. We value and draw upon the practical knowledge of parents and carers who are 'experts by experience', and acknowledge the value of peer support.

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Glue Ear Together is a national charity providing information about glue ear to empower parents and professionals and promote positive outcomes

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A new resource that gives information and strategies to support children with a conductive hearing loss.

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Some 3-4 year-olds are eligible for DAF funding. This is an annual lump sum that can be used in their early years settings to support reasonable adjustments, for example, to improve room acoustics.

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The disability Access Fund of £615 is payable as a lump sum once a year per eligible child.

It aids access to early years places by, for example, supporting providers in making reasonable adjustments to their settings and/or helping with building capacity (be that for the child in question or for the benefit of children as a whole attending the setting).

If an eligible child is splitting their free entitlement across two or more providers, the parents will need to nominate the main setting where the local authority should make the DAF payment. This can be done by using the parent declaration form.

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The disability Access Fund of £615 is payable as a lump sum once a year per eligible child. It aids access to early years places by, for example, supporting providers in making reasonable adjustments to their settings and/or helping with building capacity (be that for the child in question or for the benefit of children as a whole attending the setting).

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Nucleus 8 Sound Processor | Using Aqua+ | Cochlear

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This site have a parents section and some lovely ideas for activities in the 'Session Ideas' that support listening and speaking development.

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Our vision is that all deaf children have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers.

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Oticon Opn BTE PP tamper resistant battery door with FM receiver

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September Newsletter

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Please be careful when selecting these that they are appropriate for the age of your child and that the microphones on the aids are not obstructed. Please ask us for specific advice. Happy decorating!

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Personalise your technology | Hearing aids and implants

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Get tips for decorating hearing aids from other parents of deaf children if your child would like their hearing aid or cochlear implant to be colourful and personalised

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Discover a journey of sound, music, and voice helping your little one learn to listen and communicate.

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Advanced Bionics are pleased to announce that the BabyBeats™ early intervention resource is now available as an app In the App Store and Google Play.

Discover a journey of sound, music, and voice helping your little one learn to listen and communicate.

Talking and singing is the most natural way to bond with your baby and to develop their communication. Research shows that your baby will benefit from using musical activities while they are waiting for or when receiving hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Discover how to use music to stimulate; bonding, brain development, early communication and listening skills and early literacy skills.

To start developing your baby's listening and communication skills download the BabyBeats app today:

* Search for "Advanced Bionics" in the iTunes/Google Play store

* Look for the BabyBeats app and download

* Open the app, complete the registration form* and continue developing your babies listening and communication skills

In the app you will find:

* Instructional Videos

* The Parent Guide

* Musical Tracks

* Transportation and Animal Picture Cards

Download the app today!

If eligible, you will receive a BabyBeats early intervention resource pack in the post to the address you enter when registering for the app.
*If you are an AB recipient and would like full access to all of our e-solutions now and in the future, please register with your implant serial number which can be obtained from your CI centre. If you are a professional or wear hearing aids no voucher code or serial number is required.
If you have any questions about BabyBeats please email spp.uk@AdvancedBionics.com

Apple®, iPad®, iTunes® and iPhone® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Android™ and Google Play™ are registered trademarks of Google Inc.

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Discover a journey of sound, music, and voice helping your little one learn to listen and communicate. Talking and singing is the most natural way to bond with your baby and to develop their communication. Research shows that your baby will benefit from using musical activities while they are waiting for or when receiving hearing aids or cochlear implants.

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Some lovely ideas to help children's language learning.

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Speech and Language Therapy: How Tiny Happy People can help if you’re waiting on speech and language referrals

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Tiny Happy People is a resource from the BBC full of content that can help if you’re waiting for an SLT referral or have been set speech and language targets by an SLT.

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Let's Listen and Talk is an in-depth programme developed by specialists at The Elizabeth Foundation. It provides information, advice and tailored guidance to parents, carers and professionals supporting young deaf children from birth to 5 years.

Please note: We are waiving all fees until further notice for Let's Listen and Talk, so families who need it at the current time can benefit from our advice, information and guidance.

Helping young deaf children learn to listen and talk

We have created Let's Listen and Talk especially for families and professionals who want to help deaf babies, toddlers or preschool children develop their listening, spoken language and communication skills.

We have developed the information and activities in Let's Listen and Talk based on our many years of experience delivering services for young deaf children and their families.

The programme is based on techniques we use at our family centre in Hampshire, UK, to provide our Ofsted 'Outstanding' rated education services for babies, toddlers and preschool children with all degrees of deafness.

Available programmes

Let's Listen and Talk offers the following programmes:

It is quick and easy to join using our secure online membership form. Once you have submitted the form, you will be able to access ALL programmes and resources for FREE.

If you have any questions about which Let's Listen and Talk programme will be most appropriate for your child, please contact us.

Watch our Let's Listen and Talk video

Find out more about Let's Listen and Talk - our unique online resource to support parents and professionals helping deaf children learn to listen and talk.

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Help your deaf child learn to listen and talk

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We are providing monthly online drop in events for parents/guardians/grandparents through Google Meet to be a part of the DELTA Community to ask questions, discuss and share experiences of raising their deaf child at home and at school using the language of the home and community.

The following drop in events are taking place on the below dates.

Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 : Bluetooth, iPhones, Android: everything you need to know about hearing aid technology with Paul Harris.

Paul Harris is probably the country's leading expert on hearing aid technology. He will explain to you everything you need to know about connecting hearing aids with other up to the minute technology; Bluetooth, iPhones, Android.

Thursday, April 16th, 2024 : Ten Top Tips for getting your hearing impaired child talking.

Every couple of months our meeting will carry a theme and parents will be able to sign in from the comfort of their own home to be involved in sessions expected to last one hour to 90 minutes.

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DELTA: Deaf Education Through Listening and Talking - Deaf Education

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DELTA aims to promote the Natural Approach that can help deaf children to listen and talk! We run summer schools, information days and offer advice for families.

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sign2sing Christmas tutorial  - We wish you a Merry Christmas

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BSL Songs- We Wish You A Merry Christmas

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Silent Night in British Sign Language (BSL) Christmas Carols in BSL

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Signs and Sounds / Purple Heart Song Circle 💜

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The Twelve Days of Christmas in BSL (British Sign Language) and singing

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Audiology - Inserting and removing hearing aid with an ear mould

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Here are some activities run by Warrington Wolves that our Children in Warrington are welcome to attend.

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A booklet with tips for sleep-overs produced by the Soundwaves Foundation.

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A resource produced by Sound Waves Foundation.

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A resource produced by Sound Waves Foundation.

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A resource produced by Sound Waves Foundation.

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A resource produced by Sound Waves Foundation.

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This is the app for the MED-EL Sonnet processors.

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AudioKey 2 - App for MED-EL Cochlear Implants

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Control your cochlear implant from your phone with the AudioKey 2 app: Change settings, record your hearing stats, and check your child’s processor.

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For children and young people aged 8 - 18 years.

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Copy of Youth Vibe activities FEBRUARY (4)

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iPad workshop: Make it work for you - Family Fund

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Join Family Fund’s free Make it work for you workshop online this March to learn about accessibility features on the iPad.

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Book for Children - Oscar's Hearing Adventure

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Book for Children - Oscar's Hearing Adventure

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With Ponto 5, you get a 360° sound experience that supports the way your brain naturally makes sense of sound.1,2 Its powerful technology has been proven to significantly improve speech understanding* and reduce listening effort.** All still in the smallest bone anchored hearing devices available.