Self-referral

Podiatry is a medical speciality which diagnosis and treats foot related problems of patient with an assessed risk; providing education and support for self management in order to promote foot health.

Patients can now self refer in for routine adult hearing loss assessments. (patients present with non-complex, age-related hearing loss that does not require GP intervention). Download the attached form or pop into the practice for a paper copy.

Do you meet the criteria?

Introduction to Self-Referral for adults with hearing loss

 What is self‑referral? 

Self‑referral is a direct way to access Audiology for a hearing assessment and, if needed, NHS hearing aids. It means you do not need to see your GP or practice nurse first. 

Important: If you already have NHS Tayside hearing aids, please contact us directly through our Ongoing Care Service instead of completing this form. 

What can we treat? Self‑referral is specifically for adults who are experiencing difficulty with their hearing. Many people develop hearing loss gradually as they get older, and may not notice it at first. Common signs include:

1. Turning the TV up louder than others prefer
2. Finding conversations difficult in busy places
3. Struggling to hear on the phone
4. Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
5. Having family members say you don’t hear them
6. Feeling that people mumble

In many cases, hearing loss can be improved by wearing hearing aids.

NHS Scotland provides digital hearing aids free of charge. 

Am I eligible? 

We may not be able to accept a self‑referral if any of these apply (you may wish to still complete the form so we can advise you of the next steps)

• You are under 18 years old
• You live outside NHS Tayside (and North East Fife) 
• You have had an NHS Tayside hearing test within the last 12 months and do not currently use hearing aids
• You have previously attended the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department
• You are referring yourself without any of the common signs of hearing loss
• You are not open to considering hearing aids
• You have symptoms that require GP assessment first, such as:
• Ear pain
• Vertigo/spinning dizziness with nausea
• Sudden hearing loss within the last 48 hours

Urgent advice 

If you have recently or suddenly developed hearing loss, please contact your GP urgently or call NHS 24 on 111. Sudden hearing loss is not always serious, but in some cases it is a medical emergency, and treatment is only effective within a short time window. 

Who are we? 

The Audiology Department is staffed by a team of experienced clinical audiologists, audiology assistants, and administrative staff, all trained to assess and support adults with hearing difficulties. 

Are NHS hearing aids digital? 

Yes. NHS Tayside provides modern digital behind‑the‑ear hearing aids, including options with:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Compatibility with mobile phone apps to adjust settings

We customise hearing aid fittings to suit your personal hearing needs and preferences.

What next?

Please complete our self-referral form and return to:

Audiology, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Health & Community Centre, Clepington Road, Dundee, DD3 8EA