CLOSE to 1,500 people are on the audiology treatment waiting list for a year or more in Donegal, according to recent HSE figures.
The statistics have been condemned by Chime, Ireland’s leading Deaf and Hard for Hearing charity, which slammed what it described as “shocking” delays revealing a “dysfunctional” system.
Nationally, audiology treatment waiting lists grew from 20,000 in 2020 to over 26,500 in 2024. This has been roundly condemned by Chime.
Almost half of those awaiting audiology treatments are children under the age for 18.
Chime has 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.
Chime CEO, Mark 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.
“Undiagnosed hearing loss amongst children can lead to significant challenges, including speech and language delay, learning difficulties, and social isolation,” said Mr 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 have to go to private providers and avail of the Department of Social Protection Treatment Benefit Scheme.
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