I have a hearing impairment in both ears and have been wearing hearing aids since 2009.I lost these in Feb 2016 and was referred by my GP to Watford general to enable a new hearing test to be undertaken and bee hearing aids issued. Despite chasing my referral several times I waited nearly 7 months to be given an appointment at the ear nose and throat clinic. During this time I was without hearing assistance. I took a day off work to attend the appointment fully expecting hearing aid replacements to be issued. I was seen by a nurse at 4pm and they had no knowledge that I had already been using g hearing aids for 7 years...despite the fact this was stated in my GP referral and of course in my medical records. A hearing test was undertaken by a nurse and I was then seen by a consultant. They were also unaware that I had been wearing hearing aids for 7 years. Once they were advised of this they nformed me that I would be referred to the hearing aid clinic and would be notified of a new appointment. I advised that I had expected to be issued new hearing aids at this appointment and had already waited 7 months for this ..and that had been made clear in my GPs referral. I was advised that nothing could be done for me that day but that an attempt would be made to fast track my referral. I was given no detail of the outcome of my hearing test and I felt the consultant was disinterested. There was little empathy for my situation which had been 7 months without hearing assistance...this was completely avoidable if my referral had been read with care ...and the hearing test and hearing aid referral should have been arranged for the same day.
"Ear nose and throat appointment"
About: Watford General Hospital / Ear, Nose and Throat Watford General Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat WD18 0HB
Posted via nhs.uk
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