This leaflet answers common questions about the changeover (transition) from the children’s (paediatric) audiology service to the adult audiology service. If you would like further information, or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to ask your new audiology team.

You have been a patient under the care of a local paediatric audiology service, having your hearing monitored and/or your hearing aid/s provided and serviced by them. As you are approaching the age of 18, you will be preparing to move into the adult audiology service.

This service is provided by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and is based across three hospitals: Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, and the Royal Free Hospital.   

Why do you need to transition into adult audiology?

If you are nearing the age of or have already reached 18 and live locally, it is time to move from the paediatric service. You are now an adult and can no longer be seen at the paediatric audiology department. This move from the paediatric to adult audiology department is called transitioning.

What will happen?

The paediatric department would have spent time with you, preparing you for this move, and providing you with information about what to expect from our service. 

Your first appointment at the adult audiology service will be requested by your paediatric audiology department, whether you wear hearing aid/s or not. 

At your first appointment, we will ask you about your hearing needs and advise on how the service here is provided. You will be given information about our audiology service. We can also offer advice on other technology and/or assistive listening devices that may be helpful to you. 

While this might seem like a big change, please rest assured that as you transition into this service, we will work with you to ensure you get the support and information you require. We aim to promote your understanding of the transition process, allow you to feel confident and in control and encourage you to be independent with your hearing care. 

What are the differences in appointments and care?

The appointments scheduled by us are different to what you are used to. We will automatically arrange the first three appointments. After this, it is up to you to contact the department as and when you need us. 

We will not routinely call you back every year for review. If you require a new hearing test, you can request a referral from your GP every three years. 

Hearing aid repairs are available once you have had your initial appointment with the adult audiology department, however you will need to book appointments for repairs.

Please note that all documentation will now be addressed to you, however if you want to bring someone along with you to your appointments you can. If you want us to send documentation to your parents/guardians, please let us know and this can be arranged.

What remains the same?

Our dedication to your care is of utmost importance to us and we will always endeavour to ensure you are clearly informed every step of your journey in this adult service, and appropriately supported by the audiology staff.

If you do not attend an appointment

Please note, if you do not attend an appointment with us, we might have to discharge you from our service. If this happens, you will not be able to be seen by us without a new referral from your GP.