Sensorineural hearing loss in paediatric patients

​​​​​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

Subjective hearing loss with normal audiogram

Note: follow SWISH referral guidelines for hearing loss identified in neonates

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.​​

  • Sensorineural hearing loss associated with ototoxic medicine(s)
  • Sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by diagnostic audiology assessment ​​refractory to systemic steroids (incomplete resolution of hearing loss)
​Category 3

Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days.

Gradual, longstanding or pre-existing sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by diagnostic audiology assessment


Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral
  • Details of the presenting condition, 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 audiogram (with bone conduction)

If available

  • Results of MRI (brain and IAM)​

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.



 

Current as at: Monday 23 March 2026
Contact page owner: System Purchasing