Improving Access to Adult Hearing Care: A Retrospective Review of an Awareness Campaign and Community Hearing Test Service.

INTRODUCTION

Age related hearing loss is in the top ten contributors to the global burden of disease and one of the largest modifiable risk factors for age-related dementia. However, awareness of the consequences of untreated hearing loss is poor and many adults do not seek hearing assessment. Despite World Health Organisation recommendations, no EU country currently has a national adult screening programme.

METHOD

The aim of this trial was to raise awareness of hearing loss by providing screening audiograms in a range of community settings. Results were explained to every participant and professional advice given. Seven hundred participants came forward for testing with a mean age of 60 to 70 years old.

RESULTS

Data was recorded from 597 individuals (51% female and 49% male), 44% had a disabling hearing loss (≥35 dB HL in the better ear) and 15% of individuals had a moderately severe loss or greater. No participants currently wore or had been fitted with a hearing aid. Both the proportion of those with hearing loss and the severity of the hearing loss increased with age. Tinnitus was present in 38% of the sample and wax occlusion in 24%.

CONCLUSION

Many individuals came forward who had not accessed the audiological services currently provided. This indicates a need for more awareness of hearing care in the population and an unmet need for audiological services.