Deafness links to dementia spur call for faster access to NHS hearing tests

Leading dementia experts are urging quicker access to NHS hearing tests because of the increased link between deafness and dementia.

Their plea comes as people in more than half of Scotland are waiting more than two years to have hearing aids fitted.

Last week The Sunday Post revealed research that shows an increased risk of dementia in a diagnosis of deafness.

Over half the population aged 55 and 80% of people over the age of 70 will have hearing loss, according to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).

But Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the RNID have revealed that 12 of Scotland’s 14 health boards show 41,500 patients are waiting for audiology appointments vital to diagnose hearing loss.

Scots wait an average of 30 weeks for a first appointment and an average of 26 weeks from assessment to fitting hearing aids, the FOIs show.

The Scottish Government’s target time from GP referral to treatment is 18 weeks.

The RNID also reports that some patients feel rushed and leave the clinics with little guidance on using their ­hearing aids.

Emeritus Professor June Andrews, a leading international expert on dementia, called the waiting times worrying.

“The Lancet medical journal tells us that acquired hearing impairment is a risk for dementia,” she said.

“Addressing that loss with hearing aids is vital because when we become older, the opportunity to address health problems closes faster.

“Treating deafness earlier certainly saves our NHS money in the long term.”

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Her concerns are echoed by leading dementia expert David Wilson-Wynn, senior care consultant with the Dementia Services Development Centre at Stirling University.

“Evidence which shows an increased link between deafness and dementia is mounting and it is important to have a hearing test as soon as you feel your hearing is impaired,” he said.

“There is also evidence from France that demonstrates the slowing of cognitive changes/decline when patients were given a hearing aid.

“Any long or unreasonable waiting time for an audiology appointment or hearing aid is unreasonable and arguably more expensive for the NHS in the long term.

“Many people cannot afford private hearing aids costing around £2,000 or more.”

He is urging the Scottish Government to raise the profile of the deafness link with dementia.

“I also feel that within policy, we have not made the connections between the increased risk of dementia and hearing loss in government policy,” he added.

The RNID stressed the importance of reducing audiology and hearing aid fitting waiting times.

“Having ready access to audiology services is vital,” it said. “For those who need them, being fitted with hearing aids can be life-changing – positively impacting on quality of life, boosting physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing.

“However, people in Scotland are not getting access to these services in a timely manner.”

It adds that poor access to audiology clinics causes distress to people needing vital support for education and at work.

It said: “Left untreated, deafness can contribute to isolation, potentially raising the risk of cognitive decline.

“We call on the Scottish Government to instigate the recommendations of their 2023 review of audiology ­services in full, including the review’s recommendation for routine publication of waiting times, to ensure there is an ongoing focus on reducing these.”

Professor Kevin Munro, of Manchester University, warned against patients fearing that deafness means certain dementia. “It is a risk factor and we need more research to prove the link between deafness and dementia,” he said.

“However, have any hearing loss treated earlier than later because it can affect so much of our social and professional lives.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We know services are facing sustained pressure and this is not unique to Scotland, with similar challenges being felt right across the UK. But some people have had to wait longer than they should for appointments and referrals – that is not acceptable.

“We are taking action, and the 2025-26 Budget is providing a record £21.7 billion for health and social care.

“The Scottish Government has accepted the findings of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland. A final report will set out how each of the recommendations have either been already fully implemented, or embedded into longer-term programmes to ensure they are delivered.”