Audiotech Healthcare Corp.'s U.S. clinic operations posted record revenues of approximately $150,000 (U.S.) during the month of November, 2004. This represents an increase of more than 85 per cent over the average monthly revenues from U.S. clinic operations during fiscal 2004. Management attributes the strong growth to expanded relationships with the medical community and the recent addition of new services, and expects the trend to continue as a result of the opening of the new regional hearing and balance centre in Idaho this coming spring.
The construction of the new hearing and balance centre in Idaho Falls is progressing ahead of schedule as a result of the mild winter. Brick work on the exterior of the building is nearing completion and siding will be installed early in the new year, weather permitting. The interior drywall work is also under way and is expected to be completed in about two weeks.
Based on the current enthusiasm of the medical community for the new Idaho Falls hearing and balance centre, management is confident that this new clinic model will prove not only to be a great success, but that it will serve as a template for the start-up of similar clinics in other key markets in the northwest United States. Accordingly, potential locations for future clinics are currently under consideration, and will be investigated in detail over the coming months. Dr. Gerald Mill, PhD, audiologist and chief U.S. operations manager, recently commented: "We talk about the graying of America and how important that is to the future of the hearing care business. Hardly ever mentioned, however, is the incidence of balance disorders in the older population. It is a very significant problem and probably exceeds hearing loss in total numbers. Many individuals who will be hearing impaired in their retirement years will also be challenged with balance disorders, yet they are being ignored by conventional hearing care clinics. Our new hearing and balance centres will be there to assist an aging population of patients with both hearing and balance problems, as well as the medical community as a whole which will be challenged to find economical solutions to provide a high standard of care."
Additional updates on the construction of the flagship hearing and balance centre in Idaho Falls will be announced as milestones are achieved.