Call for hearing screening programme
Advocacy group Chime is calling on the Irish government to implement a national hearing screening program for adults over 50. The proposal aims to address long waiting lists and mitigate the broader health impacts of untreated hearing loss.
Why it matters
Early intervention for hearing loss is linked to better cognitive health and independence, making this a significant public health policy issue for aging populations.
Cavan Monaghan TD David Maxwell was among those briefed on a call for a national hearing screening programme for over 50s. It comes as figures reveal there are more than 400 patients on audiology waiting lists in this constituency.
He attended a hearing screening, organised by the national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, Chime, at Leinster House, as part of International Week of the Deaf.
Deputy Maxwell (FG) heard how men and women over 50 should be able to access regular hearing screening to guard against potential health declines in other areas.
Chime says the measure must form part of a delayed National Hearing Care Plan – promised by the Government for June last year.
It said regular screening for over-50s would improve wider health and mitigate against cognitive decline.
Latest figures obtained by Chime record 420 on audiology waiting lists in Cavan-Monaghan.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in