Undiagnosed hearing problems are a huge concern

The South Lee area of Cork has 5,208 people on the audiology treatment waiting list for a year or more according to the most recent HSE figures.

The figures have been condemned by Ireland’s leading deaf and hard for hearing charity, Chime, who dubbed the delays as “shocking” and pointing to a “dysfunctional” system.

Chime also pointed out that there is evidence for a delay of up to three years in the provision for audiology services in many parts of the country.

Nationally, the growth for audiology treatment waiting lists, from 20,000 in 2020 to over 26,500 in 2024, has been roundly condemned by Chime.

Almost half of those awaiting audiology treatment are children under the age for 18, the charity said, as its urged the Department of Health to immediately introduce an audiology waiting list initiative to deal with delays in treatment such as those being experienced in Cork.

It said the HSE needs to consider using private sector providers to help reduce waiting times and eliminate duplication and a waste of resources.

“Undiagnosed hearing loss amongst children can lead to significant challenges, including speech and language delay, learning difficulties, and social isolation,” said Chime CEO, Mark Byrne.

“Among adults, there is a strong link between hearing loss and the early onset of dementia, but someone who is 82 may be 85 by the time they get an audiology referral appointment.

“The World Health Organisation has pointed out that early intervention actually saves governments money in reduced health care costs.”

Many people with undiagnosed hearing difficulties are having to go to private providers and avail of the Department of Social Protection Treatment Benefit Scheme, according to Chime.

Chime is now calling on Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, to ensure the working group established by the previous government to develop a National Hearing Care Plan finalises and brings forward its findings urgently.

Mr Byrne said national and regional figures are shocking and getting worse and he is particularly concerned about the growing number of undiagnosed hearing loss cases among children.

Chime provides advice, services, and community support to deaf or hard of hearing people in Ireland. For more information, visit chime.ie.