RCP: Service is inadequate
Thursday, 07 Feb 2008 11:06
Although many people suffer from hearing problems in the UK services to treat them are not given the priority they deserve, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has said.
A working party report from the college claims that some people with hearing and balance disorders can wait years to see an appropriate specialist.
Commenting, RCP president Professor Ian Gilmore described hearing loss and balance disorders as "hidden handicaps" that have "profound personal, occupational and economic consequences".
"Despite at least half the population suffer such symptoms during their lifetime, people with these debilitating conditions do not get the priority service they deserve, as recognised by the House of Commons health committee report in 2007," he said.
The RCP recommends that a reorganised multidisciplinary service model with improved medical support is put in place to improve care.
It also wants hearing problems to be given greater priority in medical training and for the number of audiovestibular physicians and paediatricians to increase.
