Located at the Royal Bolton Hospital

Our adult audiology department specialises in assessing, diagnosing and treating hearing and balance problems.

Our highly skilled team of audiologists use a range of tests to assess hearing and can fit hearing aids for patients as necessary. We also provide therapies and counselling for tinnitus (noises in the ears), balance tests and rehabilitation, hearing screening for adults with learning disabilities and a paediatric (child) to adult service transition process for young hearing aid users.

We work closely with other professionals including the paediatric team and the ear, nose and throat department.

Adults with learning disabilities

We are one of the few services nationally that provides a hearing screening service specifically for adults with learning disabilities. Our innovative model of care developed in Bolton has been acknowledged and publicised nationally.

Hearing Aid Service

The latest digital hearing aids are provided to all patients. Our service has short waiting times for initial hearing loss assessments, typically within four days of a referral you’re your GP. Existing patients can also contact the service for a hearing aid assessment.

Referral information

If you feel that your hearing has deteriorated and you would like your hearing checked, please contact us;

• Calling the team on 01204 390435
• Completing the Audiology self-referral form (adults) and return by email to Audiology@boltonft.nhs.uk
• Complete the form and return by post to Audiology Department, Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0JR

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 GP. 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 one is needed.

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 perform a thorough hearing test. Once the 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 an appointment to have it fitted will be made.

Hearing Aid Repair Clinic Opening Times

Closed weekends and Bank Holidays.

Located at the Breightmet Health Centre 

We support children in Bolton from birth to 16 years (16 to 19 if in full time education or with special needs) with hearing and balance difficulties. We provide hearing and vestibular (inner ear balance) assessment and management.

We work closely with other professionals including the paediatric team, school nurses, health visitors and the ear, nose and throat department as well as the sensory support and family support services for children with hearing impairment.

What do we offer?

Our paediatric audiology Department offers appointments for hearing assessments within six weeks of referral.

We have specialist clinics for children with complex hearing and/or balance problems, tinnitus (noises in the ears/head) and hyperacusis (sensitivity to sounds).

We offer hearing aids where appropriate and provide support for those that wear them. We also offer medical investigations to discover possible causes of permanent hearing loss and balance problems.

Referral information

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

If they 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 their ears are clear of any wax. If in doubt, consult your GP. Ears blocked with wax may give inaccurate results for their hearing test and it may not be possible to take an impression of their ear, if one is needed.

What will happen at the assessment appointment?

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

The audiologist will then examine the ears to check for any abnormality and perform a thorough hearing test. Once the 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 their ear may be taken and an appointment to have it fitted will be made.