More than 3,000 people in Cork on waiting list for audiology assessments

There are 3,100 people across Cork, including 1,495 under the age of 18, facing lengthy periods before they receive an audiology assessment, according to figures provided in a response to a query from this newspaper.

The total number of those on the waiting list for audiology tests in the South West (Cork and Kerry) is 4,459 and is compiled by the HSE based on data from February 28 last.

According to the data provided, there are 2,507 adults waiting for an audiology assessment in HSE South West Primary Care. This is made up of 1,605 adults in Cork and 902 in Kerry.

The wait time for an adult appointment is currently 94 weeks in Cork and 112 weeks in Kerry.

As of the same date, there are 1,952 children waiting for an assessment in HSE South West Primary Care.

This is made up of 1,495 in Cork and 457 in Kerry. The wait time for a children’s appointment is 108 weeks in Cork and 96 weeks in Kerry.

According to a HSE South West spokesperson, children identified with a hearing impairment from the newborn screening pathway do not have a waiting time, and are prioritised within the service.

Mark Byrne, the CEO of Ireland’s leading deaf and hard-of-hearing charity Chime, called on the HSE to consider using private sector providers to help reduce waiting times and eliminate duplication.

“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,” said Mr Byrne.

“The World Health Organization has pointed out that early intervention actually saves governments money in reduced healthcare costs.”

The charity wants the Government to focus on a national hearing plan which was announced in August of last year by the then minister for health, Stephen Donnelly.

Mr Byrne also called on current minister for health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to ensure the working group that was established by the previous government to develop a national hearing care plan “finalises and brings forward its findings urgently”.

A HSE South West spokesperson said that the South West Primary Care Audiology Service was provided by a team of 14.2 audiologists, with one unfilled post.

“The demand for the service is ever-increasing, and we deeply regret that anyone in need of our services is facing longer-than-expected wait times,” the spokesperson said.

“We apologise sincerely — this is not the standard of service we strive to provide, and we are working to address these issues and improve access to the audiology service.”