The Audiology Clinic is one of the University’s more recently developed teaching clinics. Aspects went to meet Amanda Casey, Director of Audiology Programmes and Sarah Riches, Audiology Skills Laboratory Manager to find out more about the services on offer and their hopes for the future.
You probably knew by the very nature of its name that the Audiology Clinic specialises in adult hearing assessments but did you know that all University staff and students can take advantage of this service as it is totally free for staff! The service is also widely available to local adult patients who require this service or an 'over 55 years screen'.
As I arrived, Roy Edwards, LHS School Accountant, had just finished having his assessment. Roy said of his experience: ‘I’m really glad that I decided to have a hearing test at Aston’s Audiology Clinic. The service and students were thoroughly professional and the facilities there are fantastic. This really is one of the University’s little known gems! The process itself takes around 30 minutes to have a consultation, carry out the test and be given the results so you can even have it done in a lunch break!’
The clinic is keen for as many staff and students to take advantage of the free screening as it provides valuable experience for first and second year Audiology students. Trained actors who work with Birmingham Medical School are also used for simulations to enhance the student learning experience.
Staff from the Clinic are particularly proud of the facilities they have to offer and it associated with being one of the best skills laboratory resource in the country. Recently the Clinic worked with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) to provide free hearing tests to all of their musicians. Due to the success of this initiative the Clinic will be conducting research with the orchestra in the near future.
The Aston Audiology clinic has long enjoyed a strong partnership with The Hearing Company which is part of the Scrivens Optical Group. In October 2007 they developed and launched the University’s Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology together - which currently has 20 students on it. It is the first of its kind to be accredited by The Hearing Aid Council.
Collaboration is ongoing and recently The Hearing Company agreed to be the Clinic’s recommended private dispenser should patients wish to pursue a hearing aid via the private sector. However all patients are given a rounded view by Aston’s Audiologists and then they make their own decision regarding obtaining a hearing aid via the NHS or through the private sector.
Stuart Spencer, a Training Manager from The Hearing Company said: ‘We fully understand how daunting it can be for people facing up to hearing loss. Our main priority is customer care. Private hearing care allows people to get the help they need immediately with no waiting lists or restrictions on the type of hearing aid they are able to receive.’
Services offered by the Clinic:
Otoscopy– visual examination of the outer ear, ear canal and ear-drum
Pure-tone audiometry – a hearing test which measures the minimum hearing thresholds for speech and environmental sounds
Tests of middle ear function – tests which measure the movement of the ear-drum and middle ear system in response to sound.
All of the Clinic’s services use state of the art equipment in custom-built sound proofed booths. Appointments may take longer than typically experienced elsewhere as they are keen to emphasise critical accuracy and ensure high standards of patient care in the training.
For further information or to book a free hearing test, please call ext 4201 or email audiologyclinics@aston.ac.uk.
Words by Louise Russell
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