Over 1,200 children and adults in Cork and Kerry are to be recalled for hearing tests after faults were discovered in the work of an audiologist, the Health Service Executive said yesterday.

The audiologist -- whose job was to diagnose and treat hearing loss -- worked with the HSE South until December 2007, but an audit for the specialist's work was not completed until last Monday.

Audiological scientists prescribe and and fit hearing aids and other appliances. The audiologist in question worked in community rather than in hospital services.

The HSE has written to audiology outpatients in Cork, Tralee and Limerick, inviting them for a re-test. The review relates to services at the following locations and times:


Cork (September 2001 -- December 2007)
Limerick (February 2002 -- November 2003)
Tralee (Six clinics in February/March 2005 and July 2006)

An HSE spokesperson said: "This review was set up . . . in December 2008, following concerns raised by clinicians within the Cork Audiology Department about the quality of aspects of the service previously provided to some clients.

"The HSE commissioned an audit of the charts of 1,908 clients," she added.

The audit concluded that 1,231 patients, including children, should be called back for review.


Apology

According to Prof John Bamford, honorary professor of audiology at the University of Manchester and external expert advisor: "Adverse outcomes are not anticipated for the vast majority of those called."

Local HSE manager Deirdre Scully apologised for any concerns the review might cause, adding: "I want to reassure those being called back for a check up appointment that this is a precautionary measure and that should any follow up be required, this will be provided without delay."


An information line has been set up on 1850 24 1850 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday).