Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide

Allied Health

Audiology

Children's Audiology Services Clinic at WCH

The Audiology Unit provides a comprehensive evaluation of hearing. We test babies and toddlers, school age children and teenagers. We work very closely with Allied Health Professionals and Ear Nose and Throat Specialists.

We provide an Audiology service for Paediatric Inpatients and for Paediatric Outpatient clinics, as well as for other specialised clinics in the Hospital. We also accept outside referrals.

We specialise in the assessment of children under 5 years of age who have:

suspected hearing loss
speech and language delay or disorder
an 'at risk' history for hearing loss
developmental delay or other disability
behavioural or learning disorder.

Cochlear Implant Program

As part of our hearing loss management program, we provide services to children with severe to profound hearing loss who may be suitable for cochlear implantation. This includes close liaison with the ENT Department, Child Development Unit, Speech Pathology, Australian Hearing, and Educational Facilities. We provide long term management, programming (MAPping) of the Cochlear Implant, and post-operative evaluation.

How to access the service

We prefer a written referral from Medical/Allied Health specialists, posted or faxed to the Department.

Information for families

The early diagnosis of hearing loss is very important. Studies have shown that if a severe hearing loss is diagnosed in the first 3 months of life with intervention provided by 6 months of age, the outcome with respect to speech and language development is significantly improved.

Please discuss any concerns about your child's hearing with your GP, Child and Family Health Service worker or a medical specialist.

If you have continued concern please contact our unit directly.