You can claim free hearing aids thanks to changes in PRSI
PEOPLE with hearing problems can now claim free hearing aids under new PRSI changes.
However, new research has revealed that while almost half of Irish adults (47%) regularly worry about losing their hearing, yet only 25% of people would act quickly (within a week) if they noticed a change in their hearing.
Fears relating to cost (62%) was the biggest deterrent to wearing hearing aids. However, this no longer needs to be a concern for many thanks to the changes introduced to the PRSI treatment benefits.
Following changes to the scheme by the Department of Social Protection, those eligible for the benefit can now avail of a pair of hearing aids up to the value of €1,000 or put their PRSI contribution towards the cost of a more expensive pair of hearing aids.
Even with a medical card, many will also have PRSI entitlements which would make them eligible for a free pair of hearing aids. Specsavers opticians and audiologists who commissioned the research say that with hearing aids available from just €600, this is the very first time people can claim free hearing aids under the scheme. To celebrate the new benefits, which will see thousands of people qualify for free hearing aids, Specsavers has made
April ‘Healthy Hearing Month'. Specsavers Sligo audiologist Andy Thompson said: “With one in six Irish adults affected by hearing loss, we are on a mission to break down the stigma often associated with hearing loss and start having a more honest and open conversation about this important health issue. “Unfortunately, the perceived cost of hearing aids and outdated stigmas can deter people from seeking help and they do not realise the life changing benefits they can offer.” He said this was why they were having their Healthy Hearing Month, with a pledge to test and screen over a quarter of a million of the Irish population over the next two years.
“By launching this long-term campaign, we hope to turn up the volume on hearing health and inspire people to be more proactive.”
Mr Thompsonsaid that throughout the pandemic, their customers told them how they really noticed how much they relied on their hearing aids to remain connected during a time that forced people to be apart. “Hearing aids ensure connectivity to friends, family and the outside world. We saw how important this connectivity was throughout the pandemic. Hearing aids were a lifeline for people who were forced to isolate, not able to see people and so relied on phone calls or the comfort of radio and TV.
“Hearing aids are far more than being able to hear clearly. Untreated hearing loss can have far-reaching implications beyond hearing with links to feelings of depression, frustration and anxiety.”
During this most recent lockdown, almost a third (29%) of over-65s have been found to be feeling lonely, with 39% of them finding it difficult to stay in touch with loved ones. Mr Thompson stated: “Seeing the positive change that hearing aids have on a person's daily quality of life is what makes this job so worthwhile.”
He said that while their campaign is ongoing this month, they were committed to raising awareness in the long-term.
“It is vital that we all help to keep this important conversation going,” he added.