The Island's Audiology Service has relocated from the ground floor of Noble's Hospital, to the first floor of the west wing, next to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department.
The new location will be more convenient for patients as the Audiology and ENT services work closely together, with patients frequently visiting both clinics. It will also help to improve efficiency and communication between the two teams, strengthening their working relationship.
The move enabled the former audiology clinic space to be converted for the on-Island treatment of 'wet' Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). With this new service, patients – many of whom are older – will no longer have to travel to the UK for treatment. It has also enabled the ARMD facilities to be located alongside existing ophthalmology services so that an integrated service can be developed from a single location in the hospital.
The new audiology clinic space was custom designed with a dedicated reception area, consulting rooms and audio booths for diagnostic hearing tests.
Stephen Griffiths, Head of Audiology, said: "Our new location will be more convenient for patients who use ENT services and the move has enabled us to review the design of our clinic space to ensure it continues to meet the needs of patients. It's a fresh, clean and welcoming environment and I hope our patients are as pleased as we are with this development."
The drop-in clinic times at Noble's Hospital remain unchanged as does the location of the Children's Audiology Service which continues to be based at the Community Health Centre on Westmoreland Road in Douglas.
Patients are reminded that hearing aid batteries can be supplied from a number of GP Practices around the Island, avoiding the need for a journey to Noble's Hospital.
Around 600 people are referred to the Audiology Service each year. In addition, each year the service carries out around 2,000 hearing tests, undertakes 2,600 hearing aid repairs and undertakes around 360 first time hearing aid fittings.
Anyone with queries should contact the Audiology Service on 650407. Patients are advised that the quickest route to the new clinic is through the entrance for the Emergency Department at the west end of the hospital.
