Patient Information hub
In this hub you will find patient resources on a number of topics including relevant conditions, treatments and general hospital information. This information is designed to inform our patients, their carers and families about their healthcare. These fact sheets and videos are written or created by our health professionals and are all regularly reviewed as well as consumer reviewed. The info hub also includes relevant information from some of our partner health organisations.
These fact sheets are not intended to replace medical advice or diagnosis. If you have questions about your condition, healthcare or surgery please speak to your GP or relevant healthcare provider.
If you have any questions about a fact sheet please contact marketing@eyeandear.org.au
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General information
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Eye and Ear on the Park Transport
How to get to Eye and Ear on the Park (St Andrews place)
Welcome to the Eye and EarPatient information booklet. Includes: How to get here, parking, our services, your rights and responsibilities, interpreters, visitor information.
Your Rights To Healthcare in VictoriaThe Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights affords you the right to access healthcare, safety when doing so, respect, communication, participation, privacy and comment.
Low Vision ServicesA list of external vision services and their contact details. Note: these services are NOT affiliated with the Eye and Ear.
Medicare ineligible patientsInformation if you are unsure about eligibility for public healthcare in Australia.
How to get to the Eye and EarAudio information on how to get to the Eye and Ear. Click on the speaker icon to listen.
How to make an appointmentAudio information on how to make an appointment at the Eye and Ear. Click on the speaker icon to listen.
How to provide feebackAudio information on how to provide feedback. Click on the speaker icon to listen.
Outpatient Clinic InformationInformation for attending Outpatient clinics
Protecting your privacyInformation on how we protect your privacy in compliance with relevant legislation.
Pre-surgery instructions main hospital (private)Instructions for private patients prior to their surgery.
Pre-surgery instructions main hospital (public)Instructions for public patients prior to their surgery.
Pre-surgery instructions - Eye and Ear on the Park (private)Instructions for private patients prior to their surgery at Eye and Ear on the Park.
Pre-surgery instructions Eye and Ear on the park (public)Instructions for public patients prior to their visit to Eye and Ear on the park.
General anaesthesia - discharge instructionsInstructions to follow after your discharge from the Eye and Ear if you have been under general anaesthesia.
MRSA (Golden Staph)Staphylococcus aureus (also called Staph) are common bacteria that live on the skin and in the nose. In most cases the bacteria are harmless. However, if they enter the body through a break in the skin, it can cause infections that require antibiotic treatment.
VREVancomycin resistant enterococci are bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Informed ConsentInformation to help explain your rights as a patient to give informed consent for any procedure.
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Audiology
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Acoustic shock
Acoustic shock (AS) is a psychological shock response from exposure to a sudden, brief and unexpected loud sound.
Assistive listening devicesAssistive listening devices (ALDs) can be used with or without hearing aids to assist people with a hearing impairment with communication.
Bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA)A BAHA is a surgically implantable device. It is used to treat hearing loss in people that are unable to wear conventional hearing aids.
Dizziness and balance disordersDizziness is one of the most common health problems for adults. Dizziness is often used to describe symptoms including that you or the room is spinning or moving (vertigo), a loss of balance, giddiness, unsteadiness, light-headedness or weakness.
Eustachian tube dysfunctionThe Eustachian tube is an airway passage which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose/throat.
Hearing aidsA hearing aid is a small, programmable amplifying device that is worn either in or behind the ear. Hearing aids can help most people with hearing loss, even if they cannot restore normal hearing.
Hearing and communications strategiesA person with a hearing impairment can feel embarrassed, frustrated, depressed and tired. This fact sheet provides guidance as to how to manage for the hard of hearing.
Hearing loss and hearing aidsOne in every six Australians is directly affected by hearing loss. This fact sheet will help you identify if you are among them and what help is available.
Hearing lossThe incidence of hearing loss in Australia is steadily rising, with one in six Australians directly affected by hearing loss. It is predicted that by 2050, this figure will increase to one in four people.
Middle ear fluidWhen blockages occur in the outer ear tubes, fluid produced by the lining of the middle ear becomes trapped. When this fluid becomes infected it can cause an ear infection.
Musicians' earplugsMusicians' ear plugs allow users to protect their ears from loud sounds while filtering the sound so that music and/or speech is not significantly impacted.
Neuro-otology investigation unitThe Neuro-otology Investigation Unit was established to help people with dizziness or balance problems. Neuro-otology testing is carried out by a specialist balance audiologist.
Noise induced hearing lossNoise emissions from industrial machines, road-working equipment, drills, lawn mowers, aeroplanes and loud music, all have potential to cause damage to hair cells within the hearing organ (cochlea), leading to a hearing loss.
Office of Hearing Services voucher systemEligible people can apply to the Office of Hearing Services (OHS), for a hearing services voucher. The voucher provides access to a comprehensive range of hearing services.
Sudden sensorineural hearing lossSudden sensorineural hearing loss is the sudden loss of hearing in the ear or the hearing nerve. Many patients wake up with the hearing loss. The hearing loss usually occurs in one ear and can vary in severity.
TinnitusTinnitus is the awareness of noises in the ears (one or both) and/or in the head that are not present in the environment. It is common and normal to experience tinnitus in quiet environments.
Understanding dizziness and your bodyWe often link our dizziness symptoms to a problem with our balance organs in our inner ear. However, dizziness symptoms can also be related to our emotional state.
Unilateral hearing lossThere are various causes for hearing loss in one ear. Hearing can deteriorate gradually over time or it can be lost quite suddenly. Unilateral hearing loss is not a normal part of ageing.
Vestibular physiotherapyVestibular rehabilitation therapy is an effective exercise based program. It improves the symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and unsteadiness resulting from inner ear conditions.
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Balance
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Balance Disorder Portal
Here is useful information about balance disorder.
Balance and Bilateral Vestibular DysfunctionFor people suffering bilateral vestibular dysfunction, the inner ear balance function in both ears is affected, causing a sense of imbalance or unsteadiness when moving.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, especially in the older population. BPPV occurs when crystals, normally located in one part of the vestibular (or balance) system of your inner ear , become dislodged and collect in another part of the inner ear balance system.
Cerebellar AtaxiaPeople with cerebellar ataxia have trouble balancing, walk in an uncoordinated and unsteady way, and find it difficult to carry out fine movements with the hands and arms.
Cerebellar Ataxia FAQAnswers to some common queries about Cerebellar Ataxia. This fact sheet is best used in conjunction with the more complete fact sheet on Cerebellar Ataxia, listed above.
Epley Omniax Positioning SystemThe Epley Omniax Positioning System is automated patient positioning equipment used to diagnose and treat many forms of dizziness that is brought on when a person moves. It is the only system of its type in Victoria.
Ménière's diseaseMénière's disease is a balance disorder characterised by episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation), dizziness, tinnitus (ringing or other sound in the ears), feeling of pressure in the ear and hearing loss.
Vestibular migraineVestibular migraine or migrainous vertigo is a type of migraine that may or may not cause a headache, but can include a number of debilitating symptoms affecting the balance, ears and vision.
Vestibular Neuritis and LabyrinthitisVestibular neuritis (or vestibular neuronitis) and labyrinthitis are disorders that result in inflammation of the inner ear and/or the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain.
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Cataract
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Cochlear implant clinic
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Assistive listening devices
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) can be used with or without hearing aids to assist people with a hearing impairment with communication.
Day to day care of your cochlear implantYour or your child's sound processor is a medical device requiring good care and maintenance to ensure that it provides optimal hearing performance.
Early Listening programThe Cochlear Implant Clinic Early Listening is designed to assist in the education of families to promote optimal listening development through their young child's cochlear implant.
General advice for cochlear implant recipientsFurther advice and resources to help familiarising yourself with the device and where to look for more help if needed.
General medical considerationsA useful guide to some of the medical considerations that may arise from your cochlear implants.
Hints to familiarise yourself with the sound processor before switch onA pictorial guide to your cochlear implant to help you understand the implant and its functions.
Information for your hospital stayThis fact sheet provides general information for your hospital stay.
Listening checklistThis document is designed to be used as a tool if you would like to track your hearing experiences.
Listening rehabilitationInformation on the different help you can access to speed up your rehabilitation.
Sound processor warranty and replacementsInformation on the warranty attached to your cochlear implant and replacements.
Tuning into the sound of your implantCochlear implants provide hearing sensations by electrically stimulating nerve fibres within the cochlea (or inner ear). It is important that the right amount of electrical stimulation is used or the noise heard might be too soft or too loud.
Vaccinations for cochlear implant recipientsBacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the brain and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection. Individuals who have a cochlear implant are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis.
What to do if you are not hearing wellIf you, or your child, are not hearing as well as normal when using the sound processor, this fact sheet may help you pinpoint the problem.
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Diabetes
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Diabetes and emotional wellbeing
Living with diabetes can be overwhelming as it requires a multitude of daily self-management activities and decisions. This factsheet may help manage them.
Diabetes: Community health services (Eastern metro)A fact sheet to access services in the Eastern Metro region.
Diabetes: Community health services (North and West metro)A fact sheet to access services in the North and West Metro region.
Diabetes: Community health services (Southern metro)A fact sheet to access services in the Southern Metro region.
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ENT: Ear, Nose and Throat
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Acoustic shock
Acoustic shock (AS) is a psychological shock response from exposure to a sudden, brief and unexpected loud sound.
Balance and Bilateral Vestibular DysfunctionFor people suffering bilateral vestibular dysfunction, the inner ear balance function in both ears is affected, causing a sense of imbalance or unsteadiness when moving.
Dizziness and balance disordersThis fact sheet outlines the most common causes of dizziness and balance disorders and the treatment available.
Ear Infections in Children - Dept of HealthA fact sheet from the Victorian Department of Health on ear infections in children.
Ear wax fact sheetThe normal amount of wax produced can vary from person to person. Sometimes wax builds up in the ear and requires treatment. This fact sheet will help you to distinguish between the two.
Hints to familiarise yourself with the sound processor before switch onA guide that explains the functions of the sound processor so you can get to know it before switching it on.
Hydrogen peroxide fact sheetHydrogen peroxide is a solution (liquid) that can be used to treat ear infections or the build-up of wax. It is generally safe to use in all ears.
Otitis externaOtitis externa (swimmer's ear) is an inflammation of the ear canal skin. It can be triggered by a number of factors that can upset the skin lining the ear canal and cause an infection (bacterial or fungal). Click to see more.
QuinsySometimes an infection of the tonsils may spread beyond the tonsils into the surrounding tissues and cause swelling and inflammation of these tissues. This may result in a collection of pus, which is called a peritonsillar abscess or quinsy.
Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ)The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint where the mandible (the lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of the head.
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Eyes
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10 tips to protect your eyes
Eye safety is important when doing any activity that involves chemicals or materials that can break and fly in to your eye. Here are some tips to make it easy.
AmblyopiaAmblyopia or lazy eye is the reduction in vision in an eye that has not been used during childhood, resulting in reduction of vision in that eye. It occurs when one eye experiences a blurred view and the other a normal view but the brain only processes the normal view.
Amaurosis fugaxAmaurosis fugax (pronounced am-or-o-sis few-jaks) is a painless, temporary loss of vision, in one or both eyes, that is caused by a blocked blood vessel.
Basal Cell CarcinomaA basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest type of skin cancer. Although it is classified as a 'cancer', it does not spread to other distant parts of the body as some cancers can do, but left untreated it will grow larger and can damage important structures, especially an area close to the eye.
BlepharitisBlepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids that usually affects both eyes. It is a very common condition and can occur in both adults and children.
Cataracts (Vision Initiative)A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which may result in poor vision.
ConjunctivitisConjunctivitis means the white of the eye (the sclera) is pink due to inflammation of the clear covering over it (the conjunctivae).
Corneal abrasionA corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the clear part of the eye (cornea). It is most commonly due to trauma/injury.
Corneal foreign bodyA corneal foreign body is a small object which has adhered (stuck) to the front surface of the eye (cornea).
DCR SurgeryA dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is an operation on the tear ducts to help improve drainage of tears from the eye to the nose. It is usually performed when there is a blockage in the main tear duct between the eye and the nose (the nasolacrimal duct), that has caused the eye to water and sometimes become infected.
EndophthalmitisEndophthalmitis is severe inflammation of the inside of the eye. It is a rare condition and is treated as an emergency.
Enucleation and EviscerationEnucleation and evisceration are terms that refer to surgery to remove the eye from the eye socket or orbit.
Ethambutol Ocular ToxicityEthambutol is an antibiotic medication used to treat tuberculosis. In rare cases it can cause visual problems and loss of vision due to eye damage (ocular toxicity)
Focal laser treatmentIf you have been referred for focal laser treatment, this guide will explain how your diabetic retinopathy may be treated with the use of laser treatment.
Glaucoma suspectA glaucoma suspect is a person who is at risk of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which the optic nerve is progressively damaged, often due to increased eye pressure.
Laser peripheral iridotomyA laser procedure in which a small hole is made in the outside of the iris (peripheral iridotomy) in order to prevent angle closure glaucoma.
Laser posterior capsulotomyA laser procedure to fix cloudy vision that may occur as a result of cataract surgery. This fact sheet explains in full.
Laser retinopexyThis type of laser procedure is used to create scar tissue to prevent or stop leaking from the retina. This fact sheet explains in more detail.
Lester Jones bypass tubesA Lester Jones bypass tube is a thin tube made from toughened glass that passes from the inner corner of the eye to the inside of the nose. It is designed to drain the tears from the eye to the nose.
Macular disease treatmentMacular disease affects the part of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for central fine detailed vision. Some conditions which affect your macula can cause distortion or reduction in central vision, making reading, driving and recognising faces difficult.
Methylprednisolone treatmentMethylprednisolone is a steroid drug used to treat or reduce the inflammation of your optic disc, which is located at the back of your eye.
Open globe injury discharge informationAn open globe injury (OGI) is where there is a full-thickness break through the outer layers of the eye. It is most commonly due to trauma.
Orbital DecompressionOrbital decompression surgery is an operation on the eye socket (orbit) that reduces the bulging of the eye or eyes that can occur with thyroid eye disease (TED).
Pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP)This type of laser treatment helps prevent the spread of abnormal blood vessels on the retina.
Posterior vitreous detachmentSeparation of the vitreous from the retina is a common occurrence that increases with age. In most cases there is no cause for concern.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)To help drain fluid from the eye a laser is used to try and unclog the guttering and help lower the eye pressure. This fact sheet will help you understand the procedure and why it may be needed.
ShinglesShingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus which causes chickenpox. It may impact upon your senses.
Temporal ArteritisTemporal arteritis (also known as giant cell arteritis) is an inflammatory condition of some arteries. It is more common in older people, particularly women, and is rare in patients under the age of 60.
Temporal Artery BiopsyA temporal artery biopsy is a minor operation to remove a small section of a blood vessel (artery) on the side of the head.
Thyroid eye diseaseThyroid disease is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune means that your own white blood cells or antibodies are causing damage to parts of your own body in addition to their normal role of protecting you against infections.
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Speech pathology
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Dysphonia
Dysphonia is the term given to a problem with your voice. This can include hoarse voice, voice loss and difficulties producing your voice.
Muscle tension dysphoniaExcess tension in the muscles surrounding the vocal cords may cause your voice box to tighten or constrict. This impedes the movement and vibration of the true vocal cords and causes your voice to sound strained.
Reinke's OedemaReinke's Oedema is a swelling along the full length of one or both of your vocal cords.
Silent refluxSilent reflux (Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux) is when stomach acid comes up your food pipe (oesophagus) all the way to your throat and into your voice box.
Spasmodic dysphoniaSpasmodic dysphonia is a type of dystonia, a neurological disease that causes involuntary/uncontrolled movements in the muscles throughout the whole body or an isolated area. Spasmodic dysphonia refers to involuntary spasm of the vocal cords.
Vocal cord nodulesVocal cords are two small muscles located in the larynx (voice box) that are responsible for voice production. Nodules are small, non-cancerous, callous-like growths that usually form in pairs, one pair on each vocal cord.
Vocal cord palsyPalsy is the total interruption of nerve supply, resulting in no vocal cord movement while paresis is the partial interruption of nerve supply, resulting in weak or abnormal movement of your vocal cord(s).
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Information in other languages
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Cataract surgery discharge instructions (Arabic)
جراحة الساد (الكاتاراكت) - تعليمات الخروج من المستشفى
Outpatient clinic information (Arabic)كمريض في العيادة الخارجية (عند قيامك بزيارة أحد الأخصائيين في أحد عياداتنا مثل العيون ، الأذن ، الأنف والحنجرة دون أن تكون بحاجة للبقاء في المستشفى أثناء الليل) . وف نقوم بتقييم حالتك في واحدة من العيادات الخارجية الموجودة لدينا عن طريق إستعمال مجموعة من الإختبارات التخصصية ومناقشة خيارات العلاج معك.
Outpatient information (simplified Chinese)对于门诊病人（门诊病人指，如果您来看我们的专家眼科、耳科、鼻喉科，但是不需要在医院过夜），我们会在我们的门诊科室使用一系列专项测试对您的病情进行评估，并和您讨论治疗方案。
Outpatient clinic information (traditional Chinese)我們將會在門診診所為門診病人（到我們其中一間眼、耳、鼻、喉專科診所就診而沒有在醫院過夜的病人）進行一系列的專科測試，並與病人討論治療方案。
廣東話 (Cantonese audio)點擊音頻圖標，收聽廣東話訊息。
普通话 (Mandarin audio)点击声音图标收听普通话的信息。
Cataract surgery dischage instructions (Greek)Εγχείρηση Καταρράκτη - οδηγίες για μετά την έξοδο από το νοσοκομείο
Outpatient clinic information (Greek)Ως εξωτερικός ασθενής (ασθενής που επισκέπτεστε ένα από τα ειδικά οφθαλμιατρικά, ωτορινολαρυγγολογικά ιατρεία μας, χωρίς διανυκτέρευση στο νοσοκομείο) θα αξιολογήσουμε την κατάστασή σας σε ένα από τα εξωτερικά μας ιατρεία, χρησιμοποιώντας μια σειρά από εξειδικευμένες εξετάσεις και θα συζητήσουμε μαζί σας τις επιλογές θεραπείας.
Ελληνικά (Greek audio)Κάντε κλικ στο εικονίδιο του ήχου για να ακούσετε πληροφορίες στα ελληνικά.
Outpatient clinic information (Italian)Come paziente ambulatoriale (un paziente in visita ad una delle nostre cliniche specialistiche oculari, otorinolaringoiatriche senza dover essere ricoverato per la notte in ospedale) noi valuteremo la tua patologia in una delle cliniche ambulatoriali utilizzando una serie di analisi specializzate e discuteremo con te sulle opzioni di trattamento.
Italiano (Italian audio)Cliccare sul simbolo del suono per avere le informazioni in italiano.
Cataract surgery discharge instructions (Italian)Intervento alla cataratta - informazioni per la dimissione ospedaliera
Cataract discharge instructions (Vietnamese)Phẫu thuật đục thủy tinh thể - chỉ dẫn khi xuất viện
Outpatient clinic information (Vietnamese)Là bệnh nhân ngoại trú (bệnh nhân đến khám bệnh tại các phòng khám chuyên khoa của chúng tôi về mắt, tai, mũi và họng mà không cần ở lại bệnh viện qua đêm) chúng tôi sẽ chẩn đoán tình trạng của quý vị tại một trong các phòng khám cho bệnh nhân ngoại trú của chúng tôi bằng cách dùng nhiều xét nghiệm chuyên khoa và nói chuyện với quý vị về các cách điều trị.
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese audio)Bấm vào dấu hiệu cái loa để
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Patient information films and audio
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Anaesthesia for eye surgery
This video explains the process for having a local anaesthetic eye block. This type of local anaesthetic is common for many eye surgeries at the Eye and Ear, including cataracts.
Kara's visit to the eye and earThis short video follows Kara throughout her visit to the Eye and Ear, from her first meeting with our volunteers at the concierge desk to a final visit from her surgeon before heading home.
Sarah's storyThe Eye and Ear has a strong relationship with its research partners, such as the Centre for Eye Research Australia. You can watch Sarah's story, which highlights the work of Professor Robyn Guymer as she works towards a cure for age-related Macular...
How to get to the Eye and Ear (English audio)Audio information on how to get to the eye and ear. Please click on the icon to play the file.
How to make an appointment (English audio)Please click on the audio icon to play the file on how to make an appointment with the eye and ear.
How to provide feedback (English audio)For information on how to provide feedback to the eye and ear please click on the audio icon to play the file.