There are currently 300 people in Cavan - Monaghan on a waiting list for audiology treatment for a year, or more.
And, the most recent HSE figures released indicates there could be a three-year delay in the provision for audiology services in many parts of the country.
Almost half of those awaiting audiology treatment nationally are children. Undiagnosed hearing loss amongst children can lead to significant challenges, including speech and language delay, learning difficulties, and social isolation," said Chime CEO, Mark Byrne. Chime is Ireland’s national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. 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, Chime points out.
