A COTSWOLD company has been helping to improve care for children with hearing difficulties.
Summit Medical Ltd, based at Bourton Industrial Park, has developed hearing assessment tools for St Michael's Hospital’s paediatric audiology department in Bristol, which works with children of all ages and abilities.
One of the tools used by the clinic, called People in a Boat, had become worn out and could not be replaced.
The original wooden People in a Boat has been helping children recognise left and right through sounds, using figures that they place in the boat on the corresponding side depending on where they hear a tone.
Without replacement options, the hospital contacted Summit Medical, who redesigned and 3D-printed a new version using their in-house rapid prototyping technology.
Nick Bridgman, research and development design lead at Summit Medical, said: "This project is a great example of how innovation doesn’t always need to be complex to make a real difference.
"By applying our rapid prototyping and design expertise, we were able to provide a practical solution that will support clinicians and improve the experience for young patients."
Summit Medical reverse-engineered the original tool and created durable, colourful replacements matched to the colour scheme of all four sound booths in the department.
Zahra Dumbuya, paediatric audiologist at St Michael’s Hospital, said the team was thrilled with the support they received.
She said: "Our Men in a Boat game is much-loved, so it was a sad day when we had to retire our wooden version.
"The upgrade Summit Medical have provided though is incredible and the children have loved playing with it.
"The Children’s Hearing Centre team worked closely with Nick from Summit Medical, from design to production, and we could not have asked for a better result.
"We couldn’t wait to start using them and we have received nothing but positive feedback.
"We are so grateful to the Summit Medical team, especially Nick, for their support."
Summit Medical is known nationally within the NHS for its work in clinical support, revision arthroplasty, and mixing system solutions.
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