Support for newly diagnosed babies with hearing loss
This page has been designed to be used alongside the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) booklet that you have been given. If you have not received a copy, please let us know. The following provides details of who to contact locally for more information and support. We have also explained the next steps for you and your baby within the Audiology department.
On this page
What happens next?
You will be contacted by the Advisory Teaching Service within 48 hours of the hearing loss being diagnosed. A named Advisory Teacher will provide support to you and your baby.
It may be necessary to arrange further testing to get more detailed information about your baby’s hearing loss. Once this information is available, an impression of the shape of your baby’s ear(s) will be made and an appointment arranged to explain and fit the hearing aid(s).
We understand that each child and families’ needs are different and will work with you to provide a tailored plan.
At first, frequent follow up appointments at the Audiology department will be needed. These appointments will be arranged every 3 months until your baby is 2½ years old.
After this, the number of visits will vary for each child, usually reducing to every 6 months until they are 5 years old. At this stage, we will normally try to arrange annual reviews but this will depend on the individual needs of each child and may continue to be more frequent if appropriate.
At every stage, the paediatric team will keep you and the relevant professionals informed and updated.
Contact information
We are here to support you. If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us.
Audiology
Shakil Sumithra
Tel: 0300 422 8210
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4:00pm
Email: ghn-tr.paediatric-hearing.svcs@nhs.net
Community Paediatrician
Dr Shyam Bhakthavalsala
Tel: 0300 422 5700
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Email: ghn-tr.atieology-communitypaediatrics@nhs.net
Advisory Teaching Service (term time)
Tel: 01452 426955
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4:00pm
Email: gloucester.ats@gloucestershire.gov.uk
NHSP Team Leader
Kiki Mak
Tel: 0300 422 5514
(Secretary Sharon Ridler)
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Further information
Gloucestershire Advisory Teaching Service
Website: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ats
Gloucester Deaf Association
Website: www.gda.org.uk
National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)
Website: www.ndcs.org.uk