B.C. lags behind other provinces and territories when it comes to hearing health coverage: expert
A resolution by the Saanich council meeting is set to address the need for hearing health care funding in B.C. at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention.
This resolution supports the work of the Help BC Hear Better group, which advocates for the creation of a formal provincial Hearing Health Program that includes the funding of hearing aids, particularly for the vulnerable populations of children and seniors.
Saanich Councillor Karen Harper will be leading the resolution at the upcoming UBCM meeting.
“I have personal experience with hearing loss,” Harper said. “Wearing hearing aids has made it possible for me to continue my work as a city councillor. By putting forth this motion for discussion, we hope to inspire other municipalities to support this important initiative.”
Hearing loss in children can lead to delayed speech and language development and impact their educational and social development. In seniors, hearing loss contributes to social isolation, leading to poorer health outcomes. Research has shown a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline; treatment with hearing aids and counselling may potentially mitigate this risk for adults at risk for cognitive issues.
“Hearing assessments, hearing aids, and supportive rehabilitation services are not covered through basic MSP for most children, adults and seniors,” said educational audiologist Elissa Robb. “A pair of hearing aids can cost [up] to $8,000. These high costs prevent people and families from accessing necessary hearing health care and hearing aids.”
Robb added that B.C. lags behind other provinces and territories when it comes to consistent hearing health coverage.
Untreated hearing loss also leads to increased health care costs, experts say.
“According to the World Health Organization, for every dollar invested in a hearing health care program, there is a return of investment of 16 dollars,” says Dr. Brian Westerberg, UBC head of otolaryngology.
Help BC Hear Better is a team of hearing health professionals, university researchers, and people with hearing loss who are advocating for stable, provincial hearing health care funding in B.C.
To learn more about the organization, visit helpbchearbetter.ca.
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