Hear, hear! Midland Hearing Care mark fifth anniversary

This year marks a significant milestone for Midland Hearing Care as they pass a half decade of service.

Established in January 2019 as a diagnostic audiology clinic in Longford town Midland Hearing Care has organically grown to become one of the most important audiological treatment services in the region.

Originally based in a room at Longford Medical Park GP surgery, the business relocated to 1 Church Street, in September 2020.

The high standard of service has allowed them establish a brand and reputation within the local community of Longford, with referrals from local GP’s, regional GP’s and Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants over that past five years.

Jenevieve Butler, a dual qualified Speech Language Therapist and Clinical Audiologist

Midland Hearing Care headed up by Jenevieve Butler, a dual qualified Speech Language Therapist and Clinical Audiologist.

Her areas of interest include diagnostic audiology assessments for children (age 4+) and adults, hearing aid rehabilitation and assistive listening technologies, hearing aid verifications (REMS), tinnitus intervention and management, custom ear protection, microsuction wax removal and vestibular balance disorders.''

Jenevieve has observed a growing interest in the service:

“There's just such a lovely community element to the way our business has grown. We're keeping busy because of that positive word-of-mouth through the local community of Longford, Leitrim and surrounding counties. Patients will refer other family members, people even bring their neighbours because of that we're getting a lot of repeat business.”

The Church Street clinic has a suite of cutting edge diagnostic audiology technology. Patients are assessed in a soundproof booth. The services on offer include occupational industrial hearing assessments for workers, aviation, military and police.

Adult hearing assessment in a sound-proof booth

Jenevieve says there is an increase in the demand for hearing assessments:

“We've noticed a greater prevalence of hearing loss, particularly in our 10 year old to 40 year old cohort of patients. More people are gaming or using in-ear phones for extended periods of time. This noise exposure causes a risk for hearing health.”

The repercussions of such exposure is treatable:

“We're trained in tinnitus and hearing loss management, we can start to offer a lot of counselling and advice on how to protect their ears and reverse a lot of the damage caused by noise exposure.

“Younger people want to look after their hearing and invest in proper ear protection, proper quality noise cancelling earphones, so they can enjoy the decibels responsibly and safely. It's not just about treatment, it's also about giving people advice.”

Jenevieve Butler with ENT Microscope and microsuction equipment

Giving the customer what they need has been the hallmark of the service provided by Midland Hearing Care:

“It's a very bespoke service. And one size doesn't fit all,” Jenevieve explains, “It's very patient focused. We find those seeking our service are well researched, they know what's available. They want that personal touch, before they part with their hard earned cash.”

Megan Stirk, a dual qualified Speech Language Therapist and Clinical Audiologist

Megan Stirk, Clinical Audiologist, is another key team member. Originally from South Africa, she obtained her degree in Speech Therapy and Audiology in 2014 and has been gathering clinical experience in both public and private practice ever since.

Megan’s areas of special interest are micro-suction and irrigation wax removal, hearing aid rehabilitation, hearing aid fittings and Real Ear Measurement verifications, tinnitus intervention and management, aural rehabilitation, including the selection of compatible hearing aid accessories and FM systems. Megan is a member of the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists and Irish Academy of Audiology.

Practice Manager Claire Coy

Practice Manager Claire Coy joined Midland Hearing Care in December 2020 and comes from a strong customer service background. Claire works closely with Clinical Audiologists Jenevieve and Megan, to deliver patient focused care.

When contacting the clinic, Claire will ask a few questions to help in the most appropriate way. Claire can assist with a range of issues including scheduling appointments, hearing aid trouble-shooting and mini repairs, following up on requests, providing receipts and does invaluable general administration and technical work.

Jenevieve says having the right team is vital to delivering a quality service that will continue to grow:

“It's not just about treatment, it's also about giving people advice, because we're a private practice, we can offer time for consultations. People value the service because we answer questions, there's no 'rush in, rush out'.”

With half a decade of service under her belt Jenevieve hopes to build on the firm foundations:

“Now that I have the support of a wonderful team of talented staff, I have plans to continue with my post graduate masters degree in Audiology, with a special interest in assessment, intervention and management of vestibular disorders.

“I would also like to establish a centre of Audiological excellence including a vestibular balance clinic for the Midlands/West over the next five years.”

Midland Hearing Care's dedication to their patients means they will continue to increase their presence in the local community and the surrounding counties to meet the needs of their loyal customers.

What our clients say about us -

* 5-star service. Without a shadow of a doubt one of the best clinics we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, we were greeted by the lovely and helpful Claire and then met with Jenevieve and Megan, both Jen and Megan went above and beyond in what they do best, it’s refreshing to see people who take pride in their profession. Franco - Children’s hearing assessment

* ‘Thank you for a dramatic improvement after removing impacted wax from my left ear.’ William O’Meara - Microsuction Wax removal

* 5 Star service. ‘Comprehensive hearing test and wax removal. Excellent knowledge and professionalism. Highly recommended’ – Barry Mollaghan - microsuction and hearing assessment

* ‘‘All very good. Great communication. Good pre-explanation - couldn’t hear the radio in Reception  before - I did afterwards!’’ - Mary Griffiths - Microsuction wax removal

* ‘Excellent support and education regarding hearing issues – would highly recommend.’ – Gerry Fox, Hearing Aid patient

* ''With hearing aids, I quickly learned, one size doesn’t work for all. Everyone is different and hearing deterioration is as unique as the individual. Hearing technology is expensive but included in the price are the countless (ongoing) years of learning, training and knowledge that Jenevieve has acquired, in order to qualify as a clinical audiologist. I expect and want that level of understanding, wisdom and patient-focused care when it comes to my health. To me, that’s priceless.’ Eoghan Egan - hearing Aid Patient

1 Church Street, Longford Town, Co. Longford, N39 KR89 - Call: 043 3368029 or Email: info@midlandhearingcare.com   www.midlandhearingcare.com

Open Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm  

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