Over 1,800 senior citizens await audiology appointments

MORE than 1,800 senior citizens in Cork are waiting for an audiology appointment, with over a third expected to wait up to a year.

Figures provided by Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) show that at the end of January, there were 1,836 senior citizens aged 65 and older waiting for an assessment, with 685 of them expected to wait over 12 months.

CKCH has acknowledged the long waiting times and apologised to those that may be negatively impacted.

A spokesperson said: “CKCH acknowledges and deeply regrets the current waiting lists for audiology appointments.

“We would like to sincerely apologise to those experiencing delays in accessing our services.”

Paddy O’Brien, advocate for the elderly, told The Echo that long waiting times for healthcare appointments are “damaging” to the confidence of senior citizens.

“I am deeply concerned,” he said. “Something must be done to try and help to reduce the long waiting lists for elderly people in need of hearing aids.

“I am aware that young children are having a similar experience, with some waiting years. Treating both the young and old in this appalling fashion for essential hearing care is unacceptable.”

Mr O’Brien, who works closely with members of the elderly community, said that he encounters senior citizens on a daily basis who are experiencing major delays.

“To have a good quality of life, it’s important that your hearing is proper. We have elderly people struggling because of the lack of care. These people find it difficult to make a phone call, or are embarrassed as they are missing out in conversation.

“I think it’s most unfair to treat people this way. There are thousands of people on waiting lists and nothing has been done in Cork to reduce the exceptionally long delays.”

A representative from the HSE said: “The HSE report that the delays being experienced in Cork in respect of the provision of audiology care, especially in respect of those aged over 65, are due to a combination of an increase of demand for such services and difficulties in recruiting staff.

The Department of Health and HSE are working together to remedy this with a national hearing care plan.

The plan will consider the appropriate linkage between public and private provision of care to support improved access to services and a reduction in waiting times and the provision of appropriate care.”