COVID-19

NWHT COVID PAGE

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

Dear Patient,

Our team has worked closely with the state to ensure our COVID Exposure Plan exceeds the requirements needed to guarantee the greatest safety for our patients and team. You’ll notice longer appointment durations and greater PPE use during your next visit to the office.

To ensure that all patients are comfortable in a safe and clean environment:

  1. One-on-one appointments are scheduled with significant time gaps to ensure ample time to clean, disinfect and sanitize between patients.
  2. Staff is wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment during all appointments (including: gloves, mask, facial shields and lab coats).
  3. Masks will be provided for any patients who arrive without one.
  4. Patients are immediately escorted to a consultation room to limit waiting room use. 
  5. Although we normally strongly encourage the attendance of family during patient appointments, during this time we are requesting limited guests to help reduce office occupancy.
  6. We are offering curbside assistance for certain maintenance appointments, allowing patients to stay in the safety of their own vehicles.
  7. Remote in-home programming and telehealth appointments are available for many situations.
  8. We are mailing needed supplies directly to our patients.

Please call us at (206) 367-1345 to schedule an appointment, as we are encouraging appointments over walk-ins at this time.

Yours in better health,
Melanie K Hecker, AuD
Owner of Northwest Hearing and Tinnitus

OFFICE HOURS

Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION

Public Health recommends keeping a social distance from others and practicing good hygiene — continuous hand washing and avoiding touching your face.

For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Department of Health call center at (800) 525-0127 and press # to learn what is happening in Washington state.

Additional COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) information resources:

SYMPTOMS

Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms that can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Most infected people will recover on their own.

TIPS

It’s still cold and flu season, and the same practices that stop the spread of these common illnesses are recommended:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol hand sanitizers are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick (except to get medical care). Keep sick children home from school or daycare.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you use a tissue, wash your hands afterwards.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
  • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.

For more information, please visit the CDC website for the latest COVID-19 information.