Hearing loss Referral Access Criteria
Hearing loss Referral Access Criteria
Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public paediatric ENT outpatient services for hearing loss. This RAC is applicable to referrals for patients aged <16 years only. Please refer to the ENT (Adult) RAC for referrals for patients aged 16 years or more. |
Emergency referral |
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region. |
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Foreign body
- Trauma
- New onset facial nerve palsy
- ENT conditions with associated neurological signs e.g. facial nerve palsy, profound vertigo and/or sudden deterioration in sensorineural hearing
- Acute and/or complicated mastoiditis
- Otitis externa with uncontrolled pain and/or cellulitis extending beyond the ear canal and/or ear canal is swollen shut
- Auricular haematoma
- Any suspicions of the complications of ASOM i.e. Mastoiditis (proptosis of pinna), meningitis, etc
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Clinical indications for outpatient referral |
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS). |
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Hearing loss of any severity
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Mandatory information |
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).
This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
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History |
- Details of previous treatment and outcome
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Examination |
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Investigations |
- Diagnostic audiology assessment (where available and providing it will not cause significant)
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Highly desirable |
History |
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Examination |
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Investigations |
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Indicative clinical urgency category |
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
|
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Sudden, unexplained hearing loss
- Recently diagnosed unilateral/bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) or congenital hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss if acute with discharge
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Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
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- Confirmed structural damage
- Hearing loss in the setting of speech delay or educational handicap
- Hearing loss requiring hearing aid authorisation
- Recent diagnosis of bilateral conductive hearing loss
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Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
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- Recent diagnosis of unilateral conductive hearing loss
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Exclusions |
- Hearing aid dispension
- Excluded condition when the following features apply:
- Symmetrical gradual onset hearing loss
- Patients with a normal audiogram
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Feedback
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Last reviewed: 27-05-2024