Urgent action called for on 'Shocking' audiology delays in Leitrim

Ireland’s leading Deaf and Hard of Hearing charity, Chime, has strongly criticised the lengthy delays in audiology treatment, highlighting what it calls a ‘dysfunctional’ system.

According to the latest figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE), 761 people in Sligo-Leitrim have been waiting over a year for audiology treatment. Nationally, waiting lists have ballooned from 20,000 in 2020 to over 26,500 in 2024, with nearly half of those affected being children under the age of 18.

Chime CEO Mark Byrne has described the situation as unacceptable, calling on the Department of Health to introduce an immediate audiology waiting list initiative to tackle the backlog. He has also urged the HSE to engage with private sector providers to reduce waiting times and eliminate inefficiencies.

“Undiagnosed hearing loss amongst children can lead to significant challenges, including speech and language delays, learning difficulties, and social isolation,” said Byrne. “Among adults, there is a strong link between hearing loss and the early onset of dementia. But right now, someone who is 82 may be 85 before they even get an audiology referral appointment.”

Chime has also pointed to the World Health Organisation’s stance that early intervention in hearing loss can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare.

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