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Hearing aids—a case for review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

M. L. L. Harries
Affiliation:
Cambridge
D. M. Baguley
Affiliation:
Cambridge
D. A. Moffat*
Affiliation:
Cambridge
*
D. A. Moffat BSc F.R.C.S. Consultant Otoneurosurgeon, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ

Abstract

An analysis of a series of 100 patients aged 60 years or over, referred by their General Practitioner to the Department of Otolaryngology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, specifically for the provision of a hearing aid, is presented.

Forty-six per cent of patients failed to satisfy the criteria suggested by the Technicians, Therapists and Scientists in Audiology as a screening for treatable pathology.

This study has shown that the existing referral pattern of general practitioner to consultant otolaryngologist for the provision of a hearing aid reflects the highest quality of care for the patient.

Direct referral or open access of patients for hearing aid fitting may risk failure to diagnose early and treatable conditions.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1989

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References

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