Message of encouragement to UK audiology from Britain's hearing aid manufacturers

April 6, 2020. The British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) has today issued the following message: In this challenging and unprecedented situation caused by the Coronavirus outbreak, BIHIMA wants to reassure all its stakeholders and associates that it is committed to supporting the industry, doing all it can to share resources, circulate information and keep our industry united through these difficult times.

All BIHIMA members are working as hard as possible to ensure that hearing instrument users still have access to vital hearing technology and audiology services, although inevitably there has been a need to prioritise urgent care.

We believe that hearing well is vital for good quality of life, and communication within homes and by phone is now more important than ever. BIHIMA members and hearing care professionals are trying to balance these priorities, while following the advice of the UK government on social distancing, as well as looking after the health and wellbeing of their staff.

We welcome the government’s announcement that community audiology clinics are exempt from general retail closures. We also welcome the recommendations from the BAA which outlines a hierarchy of audiology activity within the NHS and gives suggestions for alternative ways of working.

BIHIMA also offers the UK audiology community the following useful resources: government guidance on COVID-19 infection prevention and control and Action on Hearing Loss' Coronavirus response including a policy statement and information on accessibility of audiology services.

We want to encourage all our contacts and supporters to stay as safe as they possibly can, to follow government and company advice, and to focus on the brighter and stronger future that undoubtedly awaits our industry.

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