Hearing aids—a case for review

Abstract

AbstractAn analysis of a series of 100 patients aged 60 years or over, referred by their General Practitioner to the Department of Otolaryngology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, specifically for the provision of a hearing aid, is presented.Forty-six per cent of patients failed to satisfy the criteria suggested by the Technicians, Therapists and Scientists in Audiology as a screening for treatable pathology.This study has shown that the existing referral pattern of general practitioner to consultant otolaryngologist for the provision of a hearing aid reflects the highest quality of care for the patient.Direct referral or open access of patients for hearing aid fitting may risk failure to diagnose early and treatable conditions.