A history of innovation in Audiology services

With a business existence of over twelve decades, Euthymiades takes us back to the 19^th century and back to a visionary man named Ioannis Euthymiades, who was born in Larnaca in 1850 in a historic two storey building on Nicolaou Laniti street in the iconic Phinikoudes area. This building has been renovated and today is listed as a monument. His home is where he launched his commercial activities, albeit restricted in the difficult conditions and prohibitions under Turkish rule. Ioannis had three children, Zenon, Yiorgos and Nicholas.

Nicholas, born in 1878, studied law and then rose to the position of judge, working even beyond retirement.

Zenon Euthymiades was born two years later, 1880, in Larnaca. He studied Finance and French, the dominant trade language at the time.

He married Maltese Mary Kafiero and they had three children, Maroula, Lisa and Ioannis.

Zenon was quite the business entrepreneur.

At the young age of 19, in March 1899, he founded the Zenon I. Euthymiades general commerce, imports and exports company.

This could be said to be a natural progression of his father’s trade.

His company imported a wide range of products, including foodstuff, houseware, toys, radio sets, watches, fabrics and industrial raw materials.

He had built a well-established successful business, when Zenon Euthymiades suddenly passed away at 48.

The tragic loss forced his son Ioannis, who was younger than his sisters, to cut his studies short and take over the business, still a teenager. There were many obstacles on the way, but it proved to be the right decision, as the company grew at a rapid pace.

Ioannis Euthymiades was born in 1911. He wed Athena N. Vasileiadou from Vatyli and had two children, Maro and Zenon.

Maro was the eldest. She was born in 1939 and after graduating with distinction from the Pancyprian Gymnasium’s (one of the best high schools of the time) Science Department, she studied Architecture and Urban Planning at the National Technical University of Athens.

Maro broke new ground in gender equality, as she was the first female architect in Cyprus.

She was a highly successful professional, working on large scale architectural and urban planning projects in major European cities, such as Athens, Rome, Madrid and Munich.

Following her return to Cyprus, she worked for several years at the J+A Philippou architectural office and then moved to the public sector, securing a position at the Urban Planning and Housing Department.

Her brother, Zenon I Euthymiades was born in 1939. He was always keen on working in the family business and following a degree in finance in London, he remained abroad and was trained in the specialised field of hearing aids.

When his father Ioannis Euthymiades passed away in 1971 at the age of 60, Zenon took over the business. He married Ann Maroun from Larnaca and had five children; Athena, Mia (Euthymia), Alexia, Yiannis and Michalis, who continued on their father’s path, building on his important contribution and multi-dimensional work. They are the fourth generation of Euthymiades.

Athena studied Audiology both at undergraduate and post graduate level at British universities and duly followed the profession. She is currently an Audiologist at the School for the Deaf.

Mia studied finance at an American University and is now working for the Company as an Operations Manager. Alexia studied Audiology, like Athena,, but chose to remain in England following her graduation, building a family and career.

Michalis initially graduated with a degree in finance from a London university and then went on to study Audiology. He is the company’s CEO.

The first Audiology Centre in Cyprus

As fate would have it, under the directorship of Ioannis Euthymiades (1911-1971), the business also imported radio set made by Austrian firm Ingelen. As it happened, the wife of Ingelen’s owner was hard of hearing, so he made a hearing aid for her. Euthymiades showed an interest as he had a friend who was hard of hearing and in order to help him out, (initially) he imported the first hearing aid in Cyprus, back in 1945.

It proved to be very successful, so the company began importing hearing aids, gradually  investing even more in this enterprise.

A number of products from various companies were tested out at the first and only audiology centre in Cyprus, developed further by Ioannis’ son Zenon Euthymiades, before deciding to cooperate with the two most technologically advanced firms in the industry Swiss Phonak and Danish Oticon, that continue to be pioneers to this day as they constantly invest in research and development of hearing system.,

An Oticon Denmark document, certifying cooperation with Euthymiades Audiology Centres.

 

Phonak was founded in 1947 and remains an innovator and world leader in hearing aids, having invested in relevant research for over seven decades, an effort that has secured and maintained top quality products.

Oticon that is based in Copenhagen Denmark is a leading and one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world. It was founded in 1904 by Hans Demant, with a mandate of innovation and technological advancement.

With the purpose of providing comprehensive services for the hard of hearing, the Euthymiades Audiology Centres have installed and secured all the necessary equipment, including audiometers and tympanometers, produced by Danish makers Interacoustics. for the diagnosis of various audiology problems.

The medical equipment manufacturer in question is a world leading supplier of diagnostic solutions on hearing and balance. For more than half a century, Interacoustics has been providing Audiologists and Otolaryngologists worldwide with the best technical support on evaluating hearing and balance.

Euthymiades Audiology Centres provide a wide range of hearing aids and cochlear implants, along with their consumables, produced by leading international makers and aimed at the best possible treatment of all hearing issues.

Placing an emphasis on protecting hearing, the company produces the most specialised earplugs.

Major development

A landmark in the Centre’s and Company’s history was the creation of the first Children’s Hearing Centre in Cyprus in 2015. It continues to provide technologically advanced and specialised clinic services, with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation across all ages, between 0-16.

With modern equipment and excellent know how in examining children for hearing issues, the Centre provides the most advanced and specialised solutions.

The founders and successors

Zenon Euthymiades (1880-1928), established the company in 1899, when he was just 19. He was succeeded by his son Ioannis Euthymiades, who was born in 1911 and passed in 1971 at the age of 60. The business was based in Larnaca until 1938 and then moved to Nicosia for easier accessibility to the whole of the Cyprus market.

Zenon I Euthymiades was just 20 when he joined the company in 1959, working alongside his father Ioannis. His children are today’s shareholders and have proved worthy successors, keeping to their path forged by their father and the values set down in their longterm history.

The 4th generation

The current CEO is Michalis Z Euthymiades, with Mia Euthymiades holding the Operations Manager position.

Sole representatives and distributors

The Euthymiades Audiology Centres are the sole distributors of Phonak Switzerland, Oticon Denmark and Interacoustics Denmark.

Personnel

The company’s staff work  in a healthy business environment. As they say:

‘We cultivate a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, utilising our abilities to the maximum. Special audiologists and hearing aid dispensers possess the necessary knowledge and expertise , but also continue their professional training, so they can assist the hard of hearing individuals to optimize their quality of life through improved communication.

A people centered business

Euthymiades Audiology Centres go back more than a hundred years. They are rooted in the 19^th century, when Zenon Euthymiades, at just 19, founded the company Zenon I Euthymiades, dealing in general commerce, imports and exports.

The decisive moment however of today’s Audiology success came in 1940, when his son, Ioannis Euthymiades introduced the first hearing aid to Cyprus. That same decade, the first Audiology Centre and the first certified Audiology lab are established on the island. Zenon Euthymiades, the grandson, continued on the path of developing the company into modern times. Today, the 4^th generation is leading  the Audiology Centres into the future; Michalis and Mia Euthymiades are actively in charge.

Michalis took some time off to discuss the company’s history, today’s realities and the vision ahead.

A major challenge

What is it like leading a company with more than a century in existence?

I felt a huge sense of responsibility when I took over the business in September 2015. It was a massive challenge that I took over with pride, succeeding my father Zenon Ioannis Euthymiades. Along with my sister Mia as Operations Manager, our vision was to take the company to the next level. We implemented an expansion strategy, taking on new personnel, to enrich our experienced staff.

The effort though was not just ours, ;we achieved this through the support of our clients, listening to their suggestions and proposals, so we can evolve and move forward, investing and expanding the Euthymiades Audiology Centres across Cyprus. With yet more branches, medical equipment and staff, we reach as many people as possible, always striving to respond to their ever evolving needs.

Τhe past and the future?

What does the history bring to the present and the future?

With 10% of the adult and paediatric population globally affected by some degree of permanent hearing loss, our work is vital, timeless and immediate. With the solid foundation of our past, we are dealing with the ever changing atmosphere of the present and taking solid steps towards a brighter future. With the rapid development of technology (wireless communication, television, Bluetooth, rechargeable devices and so on), people have many and changing needs. Our company rises to the occasion and adapts to the realities of our time, continually changing and evolving.

The first hearing aid on the island

The most important moment in the company’s history?

‘The beginning is ‘ half way up’ . Our grandfather’s response to a friend’s need, led to the introduction of the first hearing aid to Cyprus and virtually changed single handedly, the audiological and auditory future of the country. We are really proud of that, but remain humble. We are modest, because taking over such a historical company is a great responsibility and it takes courage to respond and protect the solid foundations bequeathed to you.

People centered

Any decision making and behaviour advice by your father?

Always act in time! That is our father’s greatest advice, the essence of his personality.

The customer is always right. Our company is geared towards people’s needs and he taught us to always put that first. Mutual trust is key in client relations.

Always follow the change, he says, so we can remain strong and ahead.

Never stop investing in the latest equipment, systems and methods so we can always stay ahead of the market and our clients can enjoy the best possible auditory satisfaction.

Quality always overrides cost.

Never hesitate. Be ready. The toughest decisions are the most necessary for future viability.

Always act with honesty and integrity.

Zinon.I.Euthymiades, pictured here with his children Michalis (CEO) and Mia (Operations Manager).

Be preventive

How informed are Cypriots when it comes to hearing loss issues?

The truth is that we take some things for granted, we do not value them until we suddenly realise we may start losing them. The same goes for hearing which can be gradually affected through aging, or even be affected suddenly following an accident or other health reasons.

We all know that age comes with its own medical ‘baggage’ so to speak, but we choose to ignore the signs or yet again are simply afraid of being stigmatised if we seek help. I disagree with that reasoning. The only way to prevent the stigma of permanent hearing loss, is to seek help, and realise that hearing aids are the necessary tools to lead normal lives, hear what our loved ones have to say, continue socialising, working and continuing our normal daily life.

Preventively, it is necessary to accept the fitting of hearing aids or cochlear implant  (depending on the problem) from the crucial early age of 2-3, in children born with permanent hearing loss. This can lead to normal language and communication development, and securing more equal opportunities in the future.

Do Cypriots act preventively or simply last minute, when it’s usually too late?

Health prevention and protection always yields the best results. So hearing is no exception. We must protect our hearing from infection and noise pollution, as well as reverse age effects, with a timely response.

In fact, studies have indicated it takes 7 years from the first symptom of hearing loss to seeking an auditory solution, when it comes to age-related hearing loss, scientifically known as presbycusis. That kind of hearing loss makes the acceptance of the hearing aid by the brain an even greater challenge. That’s why we always promote prevention and auditory assistance intervention, in order to maximise potential benefits.

Recycle everything

Corporate social responsibility. How does it translate to action?

We recognise our own responsibility towards our society and the environment and respect the values and principles of our culture. We recycle batteries and promote rechargeable hearing aids. We encourage our clients to contribute to the battery collection cans found at all our branches nationwide. We use less paper in boxes, recycling anything and everything that is reusable. That includes hearing aids that are no longer operational. We have digitalised most of our work to limit paper use to the minimum.

Crisis is also about opportunity

We live in tough times. The pandemic followed in the footsteps of the financial crisis.

The pandemic has made business viability very difficult and brought about a number of challenges. But every difficulty also produces opportunities provided that a company   can limit the damage and manages to survive . It is important for every business to productively utilise times of reduced demand and maintain communication with its clients, even only online. It has to be cost effective and work towards increasing productivity. As our father says ‘For Every closed door there is a  window of opportunities and possibilities’.

How do you see things post pandemic?

It will soon be in the past with demand for products and services rising again. Businesses take the hit in their stride, adapt to this challenge and be prepared for better days to follow.

Timeless vision, values and principles

• The timeless vision of Euthymiades Audiology Centres Company is a country where hearing loss is not an impairment for any of our fellow citizens. This is the framework in which we provide audiology services, always utilising the latest technology in hearing aids.
• Our goal is to maximise the quality of life for the hard of hearing individuals; today, all degrees of hearing impairment or loss are manageable.

• The Company’s growth.

Integrity, ethics and quality of service capture the essence of our fundamental values and principles. ‘This is the kind of framework representing everything that we do for our fellow citizens’.

Innovation is always at the forefront of the company’s approach, always utilising the latest technological developments in audiology solutions.

As they put it, ‘…that’s how we provide the most advanced solutions to people; by applying methods like these, we achieve optimal audiological results aiming to exceed the needs of our clients’

Top of the range, specialised services for all ages

Euthymiades Audiology Centre provides technologically advanced, specialised auditory services for all.

• Children: The full range of diagnostic evaluation for children of all ages. The most advanced equipment and know how are utilised to examine children from 0-16. The examination can even occur during sleep or play, depending on the child’s age and developmental stage.

• Adults: Modern and internationally certified methods are used to diagnose hearing loss, choose and fit the most suitable hearing aids.
• Other services: Home visits for people with mobility issues,
• Technical lab: A fully equipped workshop with qualified and experiences technicians for assembling, and repairing every type of hearing aid.

Types of hearing aids

• Amplification devices: Euthymiades Audiology Centres provide the entire family of hearing aid l products of Oticon (Denmark) and Phonak (Switzerland). Τhere are various types of hearing aids available and choosing the most appropriate one to fit an individual depends on various factors.
• Cochlear implants: Damage or absence of hair cells in the cochlea can lead to serious sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This might result from illness, injury or congenital hearing loss. The cochlear implant will target this loss through electrical means.

Internet hearing test

An Euthymiades Audiology Centres innovation is the online hearing test (non-diagnostic), an easy task that takes a few minutes. It’s accessible on the Company’s website (https://euthymiades.com.cy)

Seven audiology centres across the country

Euthymiades Audiology Centres are accessible in seven areas across the government controlled areas of Cyprus, as follows:

• Nicosia, Demosthenes Severis 19
• Astromeritis, Archbishop Makarios 3^rd, 93B (adjacent to the traffic lights)
• Latsia, Archbishop Makarios 16
• Limassol, Spyrou Kyprianou 109
• Larnaca, Raphail Santis 15 (opposite Holy Cross clinic)
• Pafos, Aristotelis Savva 5 (near General Hospital roundabout)
• Paralimni, April 1^st 24

 

The contact number is the same nationally, 77 77 73 37.

The international number is +357 22 37 71 77.

The company’s website address is https://euthymiades.com.cy and its email is [email protected]