International Deaf Sport: Audiogram Guide

Planning to compete internationally? 
Your audiogram is the first step towards confirming your eligibility for Deaf international sport.

Start early
Athletes cannot compete internationally without an audiogram approved and registered by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). We recommend starting the process at least eight months before your competition.
 

1. Check your eligibility

To participate in ICSD-sanctioned international competition, an athlete must:

  • Have a hearing loss of at least 55dB Pure Tone Average in the better ear, measured at 500Hz, 1000Hz and 2000Hz.
  • Be a citizen of the country they wish to represent. Athletes representing Great Britain will need a valid British passport.
  • The 55dB requirement is supported by the current ICSD information.
     

2. Download the forms

Documents to take to your appointment

Important ICSD will only accept audiograms:

  • Completed on the official ICSD form.
  • Completed by a qualified audiologist.
  • Completed by hand in pen.
  • Dated within the previous 12 months at the time of submission.

With all applicable sections completed. The audiologist signs and completes all required
sections. In particular for Tests 3 and 4 - Some NHS audiology clinics cannot complete
Tests 3 and 4. If this is the case, the audiologist should:

  • Write "N/A" or "NR" in those sections.
  • Add a note in the comments section stating that the tests were not completed.

Failure to complete the form correctly can result in delays and additional administration fees
(from the ICSD, see their Terms and Conditions on their website).
Athletes should take the form to their audiology appointment along with the
accompanying guidance letter for the audiologist.


Completing the Form
Please ensure:

  • No sections are left blank.
  • All hearing test results are recorded clearly.
  • Add a note in the comments section stating that the tests were not completed.

Choosing an Event on the Form

  • The ICSD form asks athletes to identify a future international event they may wish to
    compete in.
  • This does not need to be athletics-specific.
  • Can be any Deaf international competition.
  • Should ideally be at least eight months away or longer to allow time for
    administration process (from ICSD).
     

This helps avoid late submission charges imposed by ICSD.

3. Book your audiology appointment

UK Deaf Sport has partnered with Boots Hearingcare to offer free audiograms for athletes.

  • NHS audiology service - Athletes may also use NHS audiology clinics.
  • Private audiology clinic - Private hearing clinics are also acceptable.
    Regardless of where the test is completed, the official ICSD audiogram form must be
    used.

Whichever service you choose, the audiologist must complete the official ICSD Audiogram Form.

4. Pay the Audiogram Submission Fee

ICSD currently charges £21 per audiogram submission, UKDS are simply the vehicle for
submission. UKDS will also check your audiogram before they submit it. This will be
covered by the athlete.

Late Submission Charges
Additional ICSD charges apply when audiograms are submitted close to an international
competition:
Time Before Competition Additional ICSD Charge:

  • Less than 3 months $40
  • Less than 1 month $100

These additional costs are the responsibility of the athlete.

4. Complete and submit the form and send to: 

Kathryn Halsey
admin@ukds.org.uk

5. What happens next?

  1. Initial check – UK Deaf Sport checks that the form has been completed correctly.
  2. Audiologist assessment – a consultant audiologist reviews the results against ICSD requirements.
  3. ICSD submission – approved audiograms are sent to ICSD.
  4. Athlete registration – ICSD issues the athlete’s unique identification number.
  5. Confirmation – the athlete is told the outcome.

Your ICSD Athlete Number remains with you for life. 

In most circumstances, another audiogram will not be required.

Helpful Resources

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