TLC Care has partnered with TympaHealth to offer a game-changing hearing assessment service in each of its homes
Advertisement feature | Image credit: TympaHealth
With aging populations and fewer GPs offering wax removal, ear and hearing health services are in high demand, and patients need new ways to access healthcare.
TLC Care has announced that it is partnering with TympaHealth to roll out the world’s first all-in-one hearing health assessment system in each of its eight luxury care homes, including Cambridge Manor Care Home. The service will be offered in-house to all of its residents.
Poor ear and hearing health can lead to problems such as social isolation and depression and can seriously impact on communication, often leading to confusion. Hearing loss can also be confused with dementia and is one of the single most modifiable risk factors in the prevention of dementia.
Image credit: TympaHealth
TLC were approached by TympaHealth, who presented their pioneering all-in-one hearing health assessment device, which provides a hearing health check, wax removal and screening hearing test. It also enables a remote platform for image review by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and creates a digital ear health record that can be shared with the GP.
After carrying out a successful trial in three of its homes, TLC has decided to implement the system in all eight of its care homes. This will allow hearing tests to be carried out in each home without the need to transfer residents to audiology or ENT departments – reducing the need to move residents with limited mobility. Those with dementia will also benefit from being treated in their rooms by people they know, instead of being taken to unfamiliar surroundings which could trigger confusion or anxiety.
Team members have received training to enable them to safely carry out wax removal using micro-suction. They have also been trained on how to identify abnormalities in the ear, take images and send them to the GP to support with instant referrals to ENT.
Image credit: TympaHealth
The service has already been well received by residents and their families. “The familiar surroundings of mum’s care home are what really makes her comfortable to have this treatment… every time we mention the hospital to her, it’s ‘no, no I’m not going to the hospital,’” comments the son of one resident. “Having her ears looked after here and having the team understand what the problem is, it’s a great thing for me.”
“It has made such a difference to our residents, being able to offer this service,” adds Jian Chummei, home manager at Cambridge Manor Care Home. “Some of our residents are very frail and traveling to hospital appointments is difficult.”
As a result of this fantastic service, homes can address hearing problems and offer relief immediately. Residents can hear better, communication is improved, and feelings of isolation are reduced.
Click here to watch a video to find out more about the services and to hear from the team members, residents, relatives and clinicians. If you would like to find out further details about Cambridge Manor Care Home, whether for yourself or a loved one, get in touch via the TLC website.
