Vancouver (October 2, 2023) – British Columbians are unnecessarily suffering from the adverse effects of unaddressed hearing loss, and need provincial coverage to help cover the cost of adequate services needed to improve their quality of life.
When left untreated, hearing loss significantly impacts one’s physical and mental health, their quality of life, and their ability to connect with others and the world around them. Hearing loss in seniors is associated with early cognitive decline and dementia, social withdrawal and loneliness, and an increased risk of hospital readmission. Among children, the ability to communicate is critical to their ability to learn and develop personal and social skills.
“Those who struggle to hear may struggle in other aspects of their development”, explains Becca Yu, President of Speech and Hearing BC. “British Columbians’ health is suffering as a result, and so is the province’s healthcare system”.
As BC’s population ages, hearing loss is becoming increasingly prevalent: 1 in 3 adults between ages 20-69, and 3 in 4 over 70 experience hearing loss in both ears. However, only 20-25% of those who could benefit from hearing aids can afford to wear them.
Hearing loss, when unaddressed, results in an annual household loss of income estimated at $24,000 per year. Moreover, treating hearing loss can not only stifle the progression of the issue, but also prevent other related health conditions – worst-case scenarios are preventable.
The primary reason for this is that the cost of hearing aids remains prohibitive for a large percentage of the population, standing at around $4500 per pair. Currently, BC lags behind other provinces in ensuring that people have access to adequate hearing care, with the majority of the population not eligible for funding to cover hearing services. Costs incurred by a provincial hearing aid program would be offset by savings realized through a reduced burden on the healthcare system.
The provincial government should create a funding program for those most vulnerable to the detrimental effects of hearing loss, namely children and those over the age of 60. Not only will such a program ensure the health, safety, and wellness of British Columbians, but also will align with the provincial Ministry of Health’s Strategic Direction.
