New supports are music to our ears!
Our sense of hearing is crucial for some many things in our life, so a recent move by the Department of Social Protection to increase support for hearing aid products and services from 27 March through the Treatment Benefit Scheme is good news indeed.
A recent study by Hidden Hearing shows one in two Irish adults know someone that has experienced hearing loss, and seven per cent of the Irish public feel their hearing has declined in the last year.
Currently, the Government pay half the cost of a hearing aid subject to a fixed maximum of €500 for each hearing aid once every fourth calendar year. It also pays half the cost of repairs to aids, up to a maximum of €100, once every fourth calendar year.
From 27 March, the department will pay the full cost of a hearing aid up to a maximum of €500 (€1,000 for a pair) once every fourth calendar year. It will also pay the full cost of repairs to aids, up to a maximum of €100, once every fourth calendar year.
“It is good news that the Government is making hearing aids more accessible, particularly to those on lower incomes. Hearing loss dramatically impacts quality of life and can have serious knock-on effects in other areas of health, with links to depression, diabetes, dementia and stroke where poor hearing is untreated,” said Dolores Madden, Audiologist and Marketing Director at Hidden Hearing.
“It has been a tough year for everyone, but the end is in sight and we are all thinking about what we are going to experience when the restrictions lift. We are encouraging those who are worried about their hearing to book in for a free test now to be ready for the world when it reopens,” she added.
After a year which has felt muted for most people, 88 per cent have missed the sound of catch ups with friends in a café during the Covid-19 lockdown period, while 8 in 10 would be happy to go for a hearing test.
Hidden Hearing clinics are open and are an essential service run even during lockdown. Those enquiring about an urgent appointment now, or who wish to book a consultation, can call 1800-370000.
Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s longest established exclusive hearing care experts. Safety protocols are in place at all Hidden Hearing clinics, so visitors can attend clinics in safety and confidence. See hiddenhearing.ie.