Residents in Birmingham and the West Midlands region who are experiencing hearing loss or problems with balance or tinnitus can visit a brand new NHS Audiology centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Audiology Centre held an open day to showcase the new facilities and the department’s expertise. 

Previously located at Selly Oak Hospital, the Hearing Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (HARC) treated many thousands of patients with hearing difficulties over the years. The centre transferred across to the Edgbaston site in December 2012 and changed its name to signify the move.

Among guests at the open day was Emma Bridgewater from Birmingham Institute for the Deaf (BID) Services who said:

“As a deaf organisation, BID Services work hard to promote better communications and services for deaf and hard of hearing people. We really enjoyed the chance to look around the new department, meet the team at the QE and learn more about how they care for people with hearing loss. There are so many different facets to the service – what came across was how the team can do everything from a simple hearing test to caring for patients with complex conditions. It’s like a one-stop shop for patients because the team provide so many additional services such as hearing therapy. We really enjoyed having a nose around!”

The new centre offers free hearing tests and high-quality digital hearing aid services, as well as a range of other services dedicated to helping adults with their hearing, balance and tinnitus. The centre also has an experienced Hearing Therapy team and high-tech implantable devices programmes.

As well as the main centre at the QE Hospital, a new community clinic at Lordswood GP Practice will open imminently. Dr Huw Cooper, Consultant Clinical Scientist, added: “We are really excited to be opening our new community clinic right on the doorstep of so many South Birmingham residents. We are bringing the expertise of Queen Elizabeth Hospital into the community so it’s easier for people to access the service.”