Charity calls for urgent action to improve access to hearing technologies for older adults

Oct. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- This is the warning from The Ear Foundation's chief executive Sue Archbold on the launch of the charity's Bending the Spend Report in London on October 13.

National hearing charity The Ear Foundation has called for immediate improvements in treating adults aged over 65 with hearing loss for millions of our older citizens to avoid dementia, depression and reduce the risk of life threatening falls.

The research shows that money for making these improvements could be found from the extensive savings achieved by people depending less on health services and having their hearing loss properly addressed.

Sue Archbold says: "Hearing is one of the most acute unmet needs in terms of the health of older people today as people face a greater risk from health problems and the social isolation of deafness.

"Many older adults who have hearing aids that are no longer effective are unaware they could be considered for the more advanced technology of a cochlear implant. In fact, just 5% of those who could benefit from a cochlear implant are fitted with one."

Research by The Ear Foundation into the benefits of cochlear implantation shows that over £92 million a year has already been saved in reduced use of GP’s and social work services. "Over the period of the research (1992 - 2009) this represents an overall saving to the public purse of £1.56 billion - more than enough to fund expenditure on hearing services in the NHS for the next three years going forward," says Archbold.

As a matter of urgency, The Ear Foundation is calling for;

1.       The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to review its current guidance on cochlear implantation so that a wider group of adults can benefit;

2.       Better education in the benefits of cochlear implantation for audiologists and GPs to ensure that all those who could benefit can do;

3.       Commissioners to take into account the long-term savings of being fitted with this technology and ensure that as savings are realised they can be invested in extending the service.

Archbold says that action is needed now: "We're not asking the Government to spend more money, but to reconsider how the money is spent - 'bending the spend' away from dealing with the consequences of hearing impairment to addressing the problem at source.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

·         For more information on The Ear Foundation visit www.earfoundation.org.uk

·         By 2030 adult hearing loss will be in the UK's top 10 disease burdens, above diabetes and cataracts, according to the World Health Organisation

·         By 2031, it is estimated that 14.5 million people in the UK, approximately 20% of the population, will have hearing loss

·         Adult onset hearing loss is among the top 10 disabilities in terms of years lived with disability for those over 60 in England and this will continue to grow as life expectancy increases

·         Those with severe hearing loss are at five times the risk of developing dementia as those with normal hearing

·         In the UK, around 650 adults are given a cochlear implant each year but only 5% of those who might be able to benefit are currently getting one

·         Patients fitted with cochlear implants describe the technology as profoundly changing their lives including greater ability to communicate, retain and gain employment, continue to care for others and maintain their own independence

·         The Bending the Spend report has been funded by Cochlear

·     NICE guidelines: Currently the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that a cochlear implant is a possible option in one ear for everyone with severe to profound deafness, if they do not get enough benefit from hearing aids after trying them for three months.  Evidence suggests that many more people could benefit.

For media interviews, case studies and copies of the report in advance contact: Louise Esplin, Esplin PR, Tel: 01235 850115 Mob: 0777 567 8237 Email: esplinpr@gmail.com;