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A new audiology service is helping children with hearing, speech, and language concerns.
The new service opened its doors earlier this month and for the first time in the Darling Downs, children now have access to a public diagnostic audiology service.
Director of Speech Pathology, Gai Rollings said the service is designed to target children between the ages of nine months and 16 years.
“Until now, we only offered hearing screening services for children at Darling Downs Health. This new service provides access to a free audiology assessment if there are issues identified at the screening appointment. In the past we have had to send children back to their GP for a referral to a private audiology service.
“The service is available to children who have not been recently tested and who are not currently receiving support from an audiologist via another service.
“The great thing about this service is that referrals will be accepted from multiple sources including families, schools, and childcare centres. A medical referral is not required.
Director of Speech Pathology, Gai Rollings
“Children living anywhere in the Darling Downs Health region can access the service, however, at this stage they need to travel to Toowoomba to access testing,” Ms Rollings said.
The new service operates primarily from Toowoomba Hospital with some appointments available at our Child, Youth and Family Health Services located on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba.
Acting Executive Director Allied Health, Andrew Day said the service will play a vital role in ensuring children with hearing, language or speech concerns receive the care and support they need to thrive.
“We know that if hearing, speech, or language issues aren’t detected and treated early, it can lead to several long-term consequences such as learning difficulties and delayed speech and language development.
“This service ensures that all children across the Darling Downs have access to the highest quality care,” Mr Day said.
To contact the audiology service, phone 4616 5049.