Donegal has 1,412 people on the audiology treatment waiting list for a year, or more – according to the most recently released HSE figures.
The HSE figures have been condemned by Chime, which slammed what it dubbed ‘shocking’ delays revealing a ‘dysfunctional’ system.
Nationally, ++audiology treatment waiting lists have grown from 20,000 in 2020 to over 26,500 in 2024.
Almost half of those awaiting audiology treatment are children under the age for 18.
Ireland’s leading Deaf and Hard for Hearing charity, Chime, urged the Department of Health to immediately introduce an audiology waiting list initiative to deal with delays in treatment.
It says that 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.”
Chime says many people with undiagnosed hearing difficulties are having to go to private providers and avail of the Department of Social Protection Treatment Benefit Scheme.
The charity states that Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, must 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 audiologist, Sinead Dolan, highlighted the case of a woman in the midlands who waited 12 months for a HSE audiology appointment before her GP suggested she go to Chime, which was able to promptly provide her with hearing aids under the Treatment Benefit Scheme.
“She became increasingly isolated and frustrated by her hearing loss during that time. She feels her life is transformed, but she should not have had to wait for a year,” she said.
Chime provides advice, services and community support to Deaf or Hard of Hearing people, and continues to advocate for equal rights and full inclusion in every part for society, www.chime.ie
