Page 25 - Primary Care Audiology

Yet, despite more than 1.97 million hearing aids being fitted annually
in the UK (76% by the NHS and 24% through self-funded care) and
54
the significant health benefits this brings, fewer than half the people
who could benefit from hearing aids access them. Almost all these
people could have their needs met more conveniently, and more cost-
effectively for the NHS, in primary care audiology.
55
A smaller number of people with more severe hearing loss or a
specific cause of hearing loss will not benefit from conventional
hearing aids. Some will choose to explore alternative hearing
technologies such as NHS-funded cochlear implants, bone-anchored
hearing aids, middle ear implants or, in rare cases, auditory brainstem
implants. These specialist devices need to be fitted and supported by
multi-disciplinary teams in hospitals.

Ensuring people have the choice of access to evidence-based life-
changing tech or alternatives, which reflect their individual needs and
wishes, will be at the heart of tackling the risk and cost associated
with unsupported hearing loss.

1,974,500

hearing aids

2,250 1,800 7

bone- cochlear auditory
anchored implants brainstem
hearing aids implants

Endnote 56

Primary care audiology – accessible ear and hearing care for all 25