Table 1 Clinical audiology and ophthalmology examination procedures

Otoscopy: examination of the pinna (outer ear) and external auditory meatus (ear canal) using British Society of Audiology (BSA)-recommended procedure for otoscopy (British Society of Audiology, 2010)

Observation of eyes and adnexae for any pathology, visual field testing (using confrontation test and amsler grid for screening major visual field deficits), and intraocular pressure measures to detect any ocular pathology

Ambient noise: background noise checks should be made prior to and during audiometric testing to ensure that noise levels do not go over the recommended level of 35 dBA as stated in the BSA-recommended procedure (40 dBA maximum) for pure tone air conduction and bone conduction threshold audiometry with and without masking.

Current optical correction: determination of lens type and power with associated distance and near visual acuity, used as baseline visual performance

Pure tone audiometry: air conduction and bone conduction according to BSA-recommended procedures for pure tone air conduction and bone conduction threshold audiometry

Visual needs: Identification of main activities with associated distance and global light sensitivity to make refraction at appropriate distance; recommendation of any adaptive equipment to cover unmet visual needs

Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP) [41]

Visual function evaluation: ascertainment of subjective refraction (or objective when, owing to factors such as poor cooperation, subjective is not possible) with associated visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and binocular vision