Page 5 - Primary Care Audiology

Urgency of change

“The [ENT] outpatient waiting list is still enormous and rising [and]
referrals outstrip capacity, and this has been gradually worsening
over the past 10 years…
We must realise that we cannot offer a comprehensive ear and
hearing health care service based in hospitals. We must develop
primary or intermediate services that can deal with the simple
and recognise the more complex […] There needs to be a national
initiative to tackle this issue now...”
ENT UK 8

Millions of people across the UK with hearing loss, earwax, tinnitus
and other audiological issues cannot get the NHS support they
need. This is recognised as a significant and growing public health
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challenge impacting all aspects of individuals’ lives, work and
wellbeing. This is especially true for age-related hearing loss, the
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most common type of hearing loss, which increases the risk of
dementia and other health problems.
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The need for earlier diagnosis and support for ear and hearing
problems is strongly underpinned by clinical and economic
evidence. As a matter of urgency, health and care systems across
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the UK need to reduce the growing risks and the spiralling health
and care costs associated with unmet ear and hearing needs.

“The psychological, financial and health burden of hearing loss can
be reduced by prompt and accurate referral, robust assessment
and correct management.”
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 12

Primary care audiology – accessible ear and hearing care for all 5