Joint Audiology & Otology Guidance review

As we see greater and varied restriction throughout all parts of the UK it is important to review the joint guidance produced in September.

Your risk assessment should be based on the local restrictions in your area and level 4 in appendix 9 considered if your area is under greater restrictions.

Audiology was classed as essential retail in the March legislation and allowed to remain open, we do not believe this classification has/will change.

In all areas of the U.K. under local lockdown or Tier 3 restrictions we advise a digital first approach for your existing patients to limit their travel for items such as domes, receivers, tubes and batteries that could be delivered to home. You do not have to close your practices/clinics but we would suggest you provide a letter, email or text confirmation of an appointment with you in case the patient’s travel need is questioned.

Audiology appointments remain essential medical visits and should be carried out in line with the existing protocols from the Joint Guidance dated 1st September 2020.

Latest government guidance is available at:

England: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

Wales: https://gov.wales/coronavirus

The joint Audiology and Otology Guidance is available here