Cork/Kerry region has highest numbers waiting for audiology treatment

A total of 3,046 children in Cork and Kerry waiting for treatment

Labour Party TD Sean Sherlock says the method of measurement of areas where audiology is a concern is incorrect.  Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Almost half of the 24,000 people currently waiting for audiology treatment are children under the age of 17, with the Cork/Kerry region having the highest number of those waiting across all ages.

Older people are also affected with one 82-year old woman told she was being transferred from a three-year waiting list to an emergency waiting list with a two-year delay.

The latest available HSE data shows around the country 12,166 children were waiting to be treated up to July of last year including 3,046 in Cork and Kerry alone.

The data shows among older people 8,513 people aged over 65 are waiting for treatment. This includes 2,430 who have been waiting longer than one year already.

The HSE waiting list data was released to Labour TD Sean Sherlock. He queried why the figures on Cork and Kerry were released as a single number rather than broken down by area as was done elsewhere.

“It continues to be an incorrect measurement of areas where audiology is a concern as everything is grouped into South Lee,” he said referring to the area around St Finbarr’s Hospital.

“Other therapies show a proper geographical spread. Audiology should no different. We can’t direct resources without knowing where the blockages are.” 

Chime, the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, CEO Mark Byrne said: “It is shocking, and the figures are getting worse.” 

Chime CEO Mark Byrne claims the waiting list for audiology treatment is getting worse. Picture: Andres Poveda.

Data provided to the charity in 2021, showed, he said: “The total they had on the waiting list at that time was 18,890, so I make that around a 26% increase in two and a half years.” 

Mr Byrne said the charity frequently hears from the public on concerns including the muted impact of escalation policies.

“I can think of one last year where an 82-year old lady came to us and said instead of a three-year waiting list she was brought down to a two-year waiting list,” he said.

“In what world anywhere does that make sense that you put an 82 year old on a two-year waiting lists. So we hear anecdotal horror stories like that.” 

The data shows a gap between access to services in Dublin and elsewhere.

For example, the region including Waterford, South Tipperary, and surrounding areas has a list of 2,745, while more densely populated Dublin areas have lower numbers.

“The postcode lottery complaint comes into mind, in terms of if you live in Dublin you are probably okay for services in certain locations,” he said.

A national hearing care plan is needed, he said which should also involve assessment of the private market.

It is estimated, he said, 70% of hearing care is offered through private companies.

“We would like to see a plan to address these waiting lists, the HSE has talked about looking at private providers to help with this problem,” he said.

The HSE advises patients: “Sometimes, audiology services can be provided by private providers who have a contract with the HSE.

“To make sure the services are high quality and safe, we monitor and audit patient data. We do this in line with your patient data protection rights.” Newborns and children are offered routine testing, the HSE said.

The Department of Social Protection also provides a grant towards the purchase of hearing aids adults with the required PRSI contributions.