Ireland’s hospital waiting lists for routine procedures often feature in national news reports. Otolaryngology (ENT) wait-times were the third-longest of the publicly visible waiting lists at January 2016. Accordingly, Sound Advice was invited to present at an Open Health Data Night at the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, on January 20th, 2016 in a panel
Earlier in 2014, Ireland screened the 100,000th baby to be tested for newborn hearing issues since rollout of UNHS concluded in 2013. Latest HSE figures show that: Each month, an average of 6,000 babies now receive a newborn hearing test. Of this total, 180 babies (3 per cent) are referred onward for further diagnostic testing. About nine
Newborn hearing testing in Ireland is progressing well, with potential impact on the lives of children eligible for unilateral or bilateral cochlear implants, the Medical Independent reports – but the system has follow-up ‘shortfalls’. Read: The Sound of Silence Early detection of hearing issues is essential for children to benefit from the cochlear implant programme, the MI quotes
After this post, families in Ireland organised via the Sound Advice Facebook group, into the ‘Happy New Ear’ campaign for bilateral implants. At end-2013, the HSE announced that bilateral pediatric cochlear implants in Ireland would be funded. Despite the progress of Ireland’s national newborn hearing test programme, parents have concerns about the lack of two (bilateral) cochlear implant
The HSE is to actively shorten hearing-test waiting-lists in its Mid-West area, which covers North Tipperary, Clare and Limerick, and consists of about 53 per cent adults and 47 per cent children, the Irish Medical Times reports. Read: New HSE initiative to cut hearing-test waiting list Only recently, the HSE advised that newborn hearing tests
From November 7th, 2011, babies born at Waterford and Wexford Regional Hospitals can have free newborn hearing tests, in an opt-in programme that is also available to babies born outside of hospital in Waterford. These new hospital newborn hearing test programmes, costing in the region of €1.1 million annually, are part of the HSE’s Newborn Hearing Screening Programme for
The HSE’s National Audiology Review (NAR, April 2011) listed a priority as to “Implement a National Newborn Hearing Screening Programme” in Ireland. In addition to the HSE’s estimated, annual €11 million funding for audiology services, €3.7 million was made available to apply NAR recommendations. From this total, just under €2 million was to fund implementation
Cork University Maternity Hospital is now testing the hearing of newborn babies before they leave hospital, according to The Irish Times newspaper. The optional, free and non-invasive test is run while the baby is resting. A booklet, ‘Your Baby’s Hearing Screening Test‘ explains the full procedure. Further Reading * The HSE’s National Audiology Review document (April
On April 26th, phase one of a national newborn hearing testing programme in Ireland will begin in Cork, with national roll-out expected by end-2012. The HSE assigned just under EUR2 million for the programme in its 2011 plan, with a view to expansion across the HSE South region at end-2011. Ireland has about 74,000 births
On November 5th, 2010, The Irish Medical Times published a very significant piece, “Review Set To Tackle Audiology Waiting Lists“. IDK is delighted to see the NAR taking these steps in very difficult economic conditions. DeafHear (formerly the NAD) also deserves commendation for its sustained campaign toward universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). According to the
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