COVID-19 IMPACT/ CLINIC REOPENING UPDATES

We understand how disruptive the COVID-19 pandemic has been to all our lives and the hardship the lack of audiology services has created.

Some of our audiology clinics have opened; others remain closed until approval for our return has been granted by the clinic or hospital.  These decisions are based on hospital staffing, number of coronavirus cases in the area, and meeting “gating criteria” for opening.  

As audiology clinics begin to resume, please note that there will be changes to ensure your health and safety as well as that of our staff:

• Patients whose appointments were cancelled when the pandemic began will be given priority for rescheduling. If you were already scheduled for an appointment and your appointment was cancelled, you will be contacted to reschedule. You do not need to call for an appointment.
• All patients must be screened and registered at the clinic prior to your audiology appointment.
• Properly worn facemasks are required throughout the entirety of your appointment. 
• One guest may accompany patients ONLY IF directly involved in their care.  We highly encourage patients to come to their appointments alone.
• NO WALK IN PATIENTS WILL BE SEEN IN AUDIOLOGY FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. Patients will be seen BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 
• Stringent disinfecting measures will take place of all equipment and furniture between patients. 
• You may be asked to remain in the waiting area during your appointment while your hearing aids are checked.
• If you need batteries, you are encouraged to get them through your CHR (where available) or by calling Santi Begaye at (505) 962-2605.

Hearing Aid Assistance

Patients with broken or malfunctioning hearing aids are strongly encouraged to mail (or give to your CHR to mail where available) their hearing aids to our office for check, clean, and manufacture repair (if needed). You may mail your hearing aid to the address below. We recommend mailing with a tracking method should the hearing aid get lost.

Please mail to:

AAIHB/Attn. Santi
7001 Prospect Place NE

Albuquerque, NM  87110

(505) 962-2605

Waiting List

Audiology services will resume at different times at different clinics, based on guidance/approval from the given clinics. You may contact your clinic to see if audiology services have resumed. If they have not, please call Lori Workizer at (505) 217-2812 and leave ALL the following information:

• Your name
• Your chart number or date of birth
• The clinic where you are normally seen (required!).
• Your telephone number.
• The reason for your appointment (hearing test, hearing aid check, etc.)

Lori will give your information to the appropriate audiologist so that you may be put on the waiting list for an appointment once clinic resumes. You will be contacted regarding an appointment when we are able to schedule you.

While we understand this presents further delay in being seen in a timely manner, please note that we have made these decisions with your health and safety in mind.  We appreciate your patience as we slowly resume clinical services in a safe manner.

Keep yourself and your family safe.

Please remember to engage in COVID-safe practices.

• Stay home whenever possible; avoid unnecessary travel.
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and others.
• Avoid gatherings greater than 5 people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces.

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Loss of taste or smell

Find more information here:

New Mexico Department of Health: https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-safe-practices/

Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (AASTEC): http://db.aastec.net/covid-19/index.html