Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) provides a comprehensive range of hearing treatment services for all ages and groups using the latest medical technologies and devices in the field, Dr Khaled Abdulhadi, consultant, Audiology and Balance Medicine and head of the Audiology and Balance Unit.
He told local Arabic daily Arrayah that that the unit offers thorough evaluations and treatment for patients suffering from hearing and balance problems, through and integrated approach that combines modern technology with patient-centered rehabilitation strategies.
The unit offers therapeutic services across 10 different specialties, including hearing and balance, paediatric audiology, tinnitus clinic, ototoxicity clinic, vertigo clinic and rehabilitation for vertigo patients, cochlear implant clinic, hearing aids clinic, auditory-verbal rehabilitation clinic, and the National Programme for Early Detection of Hearing Loss.
Dr Abdulhadi noted that the unit receives more than 3,000 patients monthly and responds to the increasing demand for hearing aids and auditory-verbal therapy in Qatar and the region.
The unit adopts a person-centered model in evaluating and treating hearing loss, offering comprehensive auditory rehabilitation with a modern ear mould laboratory, which is essential for the effective fitting of hearing aids, alongside necessary maintenance services for these devices.
Dr Abdulhadi highlighted that the hearing and balance unit team offers a wide range of evaluations, rehabilitation, and support for children, adults, and the elderly who suffer from hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. The service extends beyond individual care, focusing on support and guidance for families and caregivers to improve the patient's quality of life within the community.
In January of last year, a new hearing and balance unit was opened, which includes hearing aid services and auditory-verbal therapy. It also provides a comprehensive range of services, complementing the treatment plan following the initial diagnosis through ongoing auditory rehabilitation.
The new unit has contributed to reducing waiting times, as its increased capacity accommodates a larger number of patients, providing a more efficient experience. He also stressed that the integration of all essential services in one place has significantly improved patient comfort, increased satisfaction, and improved patient adherence to follow-up appointments, enhancing the overall patient experience.
Reiterating that early intervention is beneficial in managing and treating hearing loss, Dr Abdulhadi cautioned against delays in seeking treatment, as it can lead to social isolation, inability to receive basic education like other children, and financial costs for families and the state. Therefore, parents should closely monitor their children and observe how they respond to sounds around them, seeking medical assistance in a timely manner.
He further stressed the importance of protecting hearing health through measuring sound levels in workplaces, which have very high noise levels, wearing protective headphones or earplugs to reduce their impact on the ears, and taking breaks. He recommended conducting annual hearing evaluations for individuals working in such environments to ensure long-term protection of their hearing.
Dr Abdulhadi also stressed that entertainment venues must ensure safe sound levels that do not harm the audience, and the need for moderate use of earphones to avoid damaging hearing, especially among young people.
Dr Khaled Abdulhadi
