Speech and Language Therapy & Audiology Services

The service is staffed by two speech and language therapists (S&LT).  The Senior S&LT manages and works across both Audiology & Speech Therapy. 

Primary, secondary care and community services for adults and children are covered.  Health promotion, education and advocacy is also part of the service.

Speech and language therapy provides treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.  Children may be seen at home, in the schools, at nursery, at KEMH or a combination.  Adults may be seen at KEMH, Tussac House, or at home as appropriate.   Clients may be seen individually, or in groups.  Family members, caregivers, carers and teaching staff may be invited to take part in evidence based programmes designed to empower them to help best support the client’s communication skills in everyday life.  E.g. More than Words, It Takes Two to Talk (Hanen programs.)

Audiology provides hearing assessments for anyone concerned about their hearing or with tinnitus or balance issues and hearing screening for children in FS1.  Modern digital behind-the-ear hearing aids or receiver in-canal aids programmed for the individual and batteries are provided free of charge.  Digital in the ear aids are only provided free for those who meet the clinical guidelines.  Instant-fit in-the-ear aids are available for people with mild to moderate hearing losses, if they meet the fitting criteria, for a service charge.

(Receiver in canal hearing aid)

The audiology service is managed by the Senior S&LT who has basic training in audiology.  An audiologist based in the UK provides a joint telecare clinic with the S&LT periodically throughout the year and visits for two weeks a year.  This is to provide services for clients whose needs cannot be met by the S&LT.  The S&LT also provides some support for the ear nose and throat specialist (ENT) visit. Both the audiologist and the ENT provide support and advice to the S&LT to enhance client management throughout the year as needed.

To contact the Speech and Language Therapy and Audiology team please email [email protected].