​​​Emergency

If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice via phone to on-call consultant/registrar:

  • focal neurological signs or symptoms, including sudden vertigo
  • sensorineural hearing loss and associated head trauma
  • sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (unilateral or bilateral)

Note: urgent clinical review within emergency department (ideally within 24 hours of onset) and formal audiogram are recommended. Systemic therapy is ideally provided within 1-2 weeks but can be considered for up to 6 weeks following onset of hearing loss.

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

Gradual, symmetrical hearing loss that remains aidable.

Note: consider referral to audiologist.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.
  • Hearing loss associated with ototoxic medicine(s).
  • New sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by diagnostic audiology assessment in the presence of risk factors (for example autoimmune conditions).​​

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days.

Longstanding, asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by diagnostic audiology assessment.

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral.
  • Details of the presenting conditions, including description of hearing loss or change in hearing (onset, duration, timing).
  • Provisional diagnosis.
  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions), including specifically:
    • family history of hearing loss
    • serial audiograms with ear and bone conduction, and tympanometry
    • speech discrimination assessment findings.

If available

  • Results of MRI (brain and IAM).
  • Other specialist assessment or report (for example immunology).
  • If the patient identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  • If the patient is considered ‘at risk’ or among a vulnerable, disadvantaged or priority population.
  • If the patient is willing to have surgery (where clinically relevant).
  • If the patient is suitable for virtual care or telehealth.
  • If the patient has special needs or requires reasonable adjustments to be made.
  • If the patient requires an interpreter (if so, list preferred language).

Important information for referring health professionals

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.

Contact us

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Current as at: Monday 17 June 2024
Contact page owner: System Purchasing