North Wales is set to benefit from Wales' first Audiology Vehicle, a van delivering vital hearing tests and support to residents.

The pioneering project, rolled out by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's audiology teams, will complement services already available at local hospitals, helping to get healthcare provision to rural parts of the region.

Funded entirely by charitable donations from Awyr Las: The North Wales NHS Charity and NHS Charities Together, the vehicle will hit the roads at the start of September after a grand unveiling at St Asaph Library on August 27.

Understanding the challenges of providing quiet conditions for hearing tests in the community, the project's planners have ensured the £90,000 mobile facility is equipped with a built-in soundproof room.

John Day, clinical director of Audiology said: "The Audiology Teams have worked together for the past two years to bring this fantastic project to light.

"The new Community Audiology Vehicle has only been made possible thanks to the hard work from the Audiology Teams, Awyr Las and NHS Charities Together.

"We are all looking forward to seeing what this project achieves and how it better supports our rural communities across North Wales."

 The vehicle will hit the roads at the start of September   (Image: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board)

Audiology issues profoundly affect approximately one in six people across North Wales.

These range from hearing problems, tinnitus, and balance issues, all of which can detrimentally hamper the individual's quality of life if left unmanaged.

Chris Easton, director of strategy and impact at NHS Charities Together, said: "We are thrilled to have contributed £30,000 towards this important pioneering project, which has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment for anyone living with hearing-related conditions.

"We know that there are still huge inequalities in access to healthcare, but everyone should be able to access quality NHS treatment, no matter where they live."

Mr Easton added: "We hope that the audiology van will make a huge difference to those living in rural communities across North Wales and we look forward to hearing from staff and patients about their experience using this innovative service."

The initiative will operate all across North Wales, working with the existing network of fixed sites across the region, and ensuring improved accessibility to adult Audiology services.