05 July 2024

Time for new government to transform the nation’s hearing health

The Association for Primary Care Audiology providers is calling on the new government to transform NHS ear and hearing care in England by ensuring all patients can access primary care audiology. This will: 

• Help tackle the audiology and ENT waiting list crisis  
• End inequalities in access to ear and hearing care 
• Reduce pressure on GPs 
• Save the NHS money - allowing it to see more patients for the same spend.

People with hearing loss, earwax, tinnitus and other audiological issues cannot get the NHS support they need. This profound and growing public health challenge has a huge impact on lives, workforce and wellbeing. 

As a matter of urgency, we need to reduce the increased risks and spiralling health and care costs associated with unmet ear and hearing needs. 

Primary care audiology - accessible ear and hearing care sets out the need and evidence for change. We show the NHS can afford to fix the structural issues in ear and hearing care and meet the population's audiological needs in a sustainable way. 

We will continue working with the government, the NHS and sector partners to establish audiology as England's fifth NHS primary care service.  

Note to editors  
 
The NCHA is the leading association for primary care audiology providers. Our members support the UK's ear and hearing care needs: https://www.the-ncha.com/about-us 
 
Contact our health policy experts by email: [email protected].
 
Read our position statement: Audiology - the fifth primary care service.
 
Learn more about our goals in Primary care audiology - accessible ear and hearing care for all.