Audiology - MRIs for unilateral hearing loss (update June 2026)

If you receive correspondence following a referral regarding this matter via WCCG or other means, we can confirm that the only safety measure that the LMC has ever asked is that these investigations are not requested or recorded under someone else’s name. 

The LMC is currently working with ENT and audiology to create a safe pathway for patients with unilateral hearing loss who require an MRI. SBUHB audiologists are unable to request MRIs in an ENT's consultant's name as they are a primary care service. The LMC has highlighted that these investigations must not be requested or recorded under someone else’s name unless they have specifically consented to this, due to the associated medico legal and patient safety issues.

In relation to your current patients, and to avoid any further delays, the LMC Exec would suggest that you consider requesting an MRI and then re refer the patient to ENT with result and symptoms of unilateral hearing loss.

For future patient referrals the LMC are suggesting that GPs take the following approach:

Dear Consultant ENT Specialist 

This patient has unilateral hearing loss. This is a specialist area outside the expertise of a GP. I am not the most appropriate professional to assess this further. Please investigate and treat as you feel indicated. I enclose a copy of the audiology assessment and MRI report.

When we have any developments, we will update practices.