The Audiology and Balance Unit of Hamad Medical Corporation has witnessed significant developments since moving to its new headquarters at the Ambulatory Care Center in June last year.

The Department provides all services of the hearing and balance unit that was previously provided at Rumailah Hospital, including hearing clinics, neonatal hearing disorders, dizziness, tinnitus and all related examinations, as well as advanced inner ear rehabilitation services including the rehabilitation laboratory, and treatment of patients with disorders associated with dizziness.

Dr. Khalid Abdul Hadi, Senior Consultant, Hearing and Balance Disorders and Director of the Audiology and Balance Unit stressed the excellence of the level of care provided by the Unit through its clinics in the Ambulatory Care Center, noting that since its establishment in 2003, the Unit has been keen to provide the best care and support services for patients with hearing and balance disorders in the country.

He added that there have been continuous developments during these years, including the provision of hearing aids for more than 7,200 patients with hearing impairment, and helped 275 patients hear again, or in some cases for the first time, by providing cochlear implants. In addition to the establishment of a specialized training diploma program in the field of hearing for Hamad employees and the implementation of a National Center for Early Detection of Hearing Loss in every newborn in Qatar.

"Most of the patients we treat have sensorineural hearing loss. The condition can be present at birth (congenital) or can become evident later in life (acquired). Acquired hearing loss can be caused by several factors, including exposure to loud noise, ageing, head trauma, or a virus or disease. Congenital hearing loss typically happens during pregnancy as a result of genetic conditions or abnormal fetal growth," said Dr. Hadi.

Dr Hadi said that since transferring services to the ACC, over 26,000 patient visits have been recorded, including over 95 patients having received aural rehabilitation in the audiology laboratory and 8,235 patients receiving treatment for dizziness disorders (vertigo), except those provided in Building 316 of Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City.

The Audiology and Balance Unit at the Ambulatory Care Center offers the latest care and treatment programs in a hospital environment that utilizes the highest standards of technology and services available for the treatment of hearing disorders in Qatar and other countries in the region, and enhances the patient experience and gives them the opportunity to see a doctor and undergo diagnostic tests and treatment, where possible, on the same day, which prevents them from visiting the doctor several times.

The hearing Unit is witnessing continuous developments, and plans to develop work during the coming period include, the manufacturer of computer ear moulds by the scanner and uncomplicated method of the three-dimensional system, so that all types of molds can be designed for different types of headphones and earplugs for swimming and noise protection.

Laser therapy sessions will be initiated at the clinic, an effective method of treating tinnitus caused by internal ear diseases, as well as starting the diploma programs in clinical audiology in collaboration with Canada's University of Toronto, while continuing the continuing education of physicians and technicians through periodic workshops and weekly lectures.

Source: QNA

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Sumaica Asad

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