Insight report: hearing lost: the challenge of audiology care for care home residents
Download (PDF 803.41 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Wolverhampton was asked by the City of Wolverhampton Council Health Scrutiny Panel (HOSC) to undertake a brief engagement work with people around accessing audiology service.
Healthwatch surveyed local care home managers by phone to gain an understanding of the current state of audiology care for residents. They also asked a series of questions regarding earwax removal services. The findings reveal gaps in access to community audiology services, a reliance on the private sector, and the need for routine audiology care in the homes.
22 care homes responded, representing 851 residents and 259 with audiology needs, and 63 using ear wax removal services.
65% of the care homes contacted do not have routine hearing tests available for residents.
56% of care homes said earwax removal services are both affordable and accessible for their residents.
70% of care homes said they were receiving timely service. 18% said they weren’t receiving timely service, and 12% said it depends on the service they use.
Dementia, mobility issues, cost for private treatment, and lack of routine hearing tests are identified as major barriers for residents