Published on 26 February 2020
A donation from the Friends of the William Harvey Hospital has ‘revolutionised’ testing for patients with hearing loss.
The group bought two tympanometers for the audiology department at the hospital in Ashford, which are used to test middle ear problems and help diagnose hearing and balance disorders.
The devices can also help determine whether hearing aids would be beneficial for people with hearing loss.
Chief audiologist Karen Dyer said: “The new devices are innovative, quick, easy to use, and portable.
“They have lovely images to keep children occupied while we are testing, and mean we can carry out tests on people with learning disabilities, dementia and complex needs that in the past would have been difficult.
“The devices have revolutionised our test options within clinics for adults and children and we use each one more than 20 times per day.”
Tympanometers cause the air pressure in someone’s ear canal to change as they hear a low-pitched tone. The feeling is similar to pressure changes felt during take-off and landing on a plane.
While the pressure is changing, measurements of the eardrum’s movement are taken and recorded.
Jill Barringer, Friends manager, said the group was delighted to be able to help.
For more information on the Friends and how to get involved, find their Facebook page, visit www.friendsofthewilliamharveyhospital.co.uk, email jill.barringer@nhs.net or call 07854 033987.
