With just a few weeks to go before a pivotal election in Scotland, now is the time to urge our local representatives to address a major public health issue that has been overlooked for far too long.
As I write, the needs of the 1.5 million people in Scotland who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus are being neglected, and this must change.
It’s unacceptable that people with hearing loss in Scotland face routine waits of up to 18 months for audiology services, with some forced to wait even longer.
Too often, healthcare services in Scotland also fail to meet the communication needs of deaf people and those with hearing loss, such as providing an accessible alternative to the telephone, or a BSL interpreter for those who need one. This leaves people unable to fully understand or participate in decisions about their own care.
We want Scotland to be a country where the 1.5 million deaf people and people with hearing loss or tinnitus are fully included and treated with respect, dignity and understanding.
In the run up to the election, RNID is urging people to raise these issues with their local MSP candidates. You can contact your local candidates by visiting www.rnid.org.uk or by clicking here.
Regards,
Ruth MacLeod,
Health Policy Advisor, RNID – the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
A groundbreaking genetic test that reduces the risk of deafness in newborn babies is being introduced by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) as part of a national rollout funded by the Scottish Government.
The rapid point-of-care test, which will launch in September, identifies a genetic variant that can cause permanent hearing loss when babies are treated with the common antibiotic Gentamicin.
It allows for more tailored care, with babies identified to have the variant provided with an alternative antibiotic.
The Genedrive test will start being used for babies requiring antibiotic treatment for infections within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow next month, with the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Princess Royal Maternity Hospital to follow soon after.
It will be rolled out to all territorial health boards with neonatal units over the next 18 months.
The initiative follows an assessment by the Chief Scientist Office-funded Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway, led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), and a Programme for Government commitment from the Scottish Government to provide £800,000 to support national adoption.
NHSGGC, through the West of Scotland Innovation Hub (WoSIH), recommended the test for consideration by ANIA.
It follows the ongoing UK-wide PALOH (Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing) programme and an assessment by the Scottish Health Technologies Group.
Last week, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited the RHC neonatal unit to meet clinicians and representatives from the WoSIH, who have played a leading role in bringing the innovation to Scotland.
Ms Minto also discussed the planned national rollout with members of the CfSD.
Once fully implemented, it is anticipated that more than 3,000 newborn babies would be tested during the first year.
The test was developed by the company Genedrive, in collaboration with researchers from Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester.
It is currently being used in 14 neonatal units across the UK, contributing to the PALOH-UK study.
NHSGGC is progressing staff training at the RHC, with the first tests scheduled for September.
Neonatal teams will be equipped to manage the testing process, adjust antibiotic treatment where necessary, and support families with confirmatory genetic testing if a positive result is found.
NHSGGC is also providing real-world data from the rollout and study to support the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)’s evidence generation recommendations, helping to refine national guidance and inform future adoption.
The rollout reflects NHSGGC’s broader commitment to harnessing digital innovation, improving access to personalised care, and shifting the balance of care to prevent harm before it occurs through its Transforming Together programme.
Dr Helen McDevitt, Consultant Neonatologist with NHSGGC and clinical lead for the PALOH-UK study at the RHC, said: “The introduction of this point-of-care genetic testing for newborn babies requiring antibiotic treatment for bacterial infection is a landmark moment for neonatal care in Scotland.
“By introducing this test, we are taking a vital step in preventing avoidable hearing loss in newborns and ensuring safer, more personalised treatment.
“We were pleased to meet Public Health Minister Jenni Minto today to discuss the rollout of this test, which will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of many people.
“Through our adoption of this test, NHSGGC will also be able to provide real-work data to support NICE in order to help inform its national guidance.”
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government is funding the rollout of this test across all of Scotland’s neonatal units over the next 18 months.
“I want to thank the hardworking staff at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Glasgow who I met yesterday and who showed me a demonstration of the genetic test for newborn babies.
“NHS reform in Scotland will be accelerated by scientific and technological innovation, and this Government is committed to supporting Scotland’s excellent research base and adopting novel, evidence-proven approaches to drive further improvements for patients.”
Katie Cuthbertson, National Associate Director of the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, said: “We are delighted to support the rapid adoption of this pioneering genetic test through the ANIA pathway.
“This test will help prevent avoidable hearing loss and improved outcomes for families across Scotland, and represents a major step forward in delivering safer, more personalised care for newborns.
“We are excited to continue to collaborate with Boards and clinicians across NHS Scotland, to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovative, precision medicine and sustainable healthcare transformation.”
Gino Miele, Genedrive Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are proud that NHS Scotland has sought to implement our interventional rapid genetic test nationally, ensuring over time that it is available to neonates across Scotland who might otherwise be at risk of hearing loss.
“We look forward to working closely with CfSD, ANIA and individual sites to implement this into standard clinical practice throughout Scotland.”
The Tartan Army’s ‘Hampden Roar’ is as loud as a jet plane on match day, new research from Specsavers revealed.
As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers recently put the decibel level of the famous Hampden Roar to the test.
The passionate Scotland home support has had some memorable moments down the years, leading to its reputation for having some of the best and loudest matchday atmospheres in the world.
Notably, Leigh Griffiths’ two free-kicks against England back in 2017, Gary Caldwell’s winner against France in 2006 and more recent dins as Scotland have made it to back-to-back European Championships are famous and revered throughout Scottish culture.
Looking to capture some of that magic, audio experts took in the Nations League play-off second leg against Greece at Hampden Park last weekend.
Scotland went down 3-0 to Greece on the night, nevertheless, the Glasgow crowd did their best to cheer Steve Clarke’s team on as, throughout the evening, they maintained an average decibel level of 90dB – which is the equivalent of an electric drill.
The atmosphere at the national stadium built up nicely ahead of the match as the Tartan Army reached 100dB when crowd-favourite Scott McTominay’s name was read out over the loudspeaker – a cacophony akin to a jackhammer for the popular midfielder.
It was crackling inside Hampden Park as the teams came out, reaching ambulance siren levels of 115dB, while the noise peaked for the national anthem – Flower of Scotland – as boisterous Scottish lungs soared to jet engine levels of 121dB.
Early first-half chances kept the racket steadily above 100dB, before dipping to between 70 and 90db in the second period as Greece headed towards victory.
Jenny Stephenson, Divisional Chair for Scotland, said: ‘Hearing loss affects people of all ages and, unfortunately, the longer we leave hearing issues, the worse they can become. That’s why it is so important to look after your hearing and have regular hearing checks.
‘Not only is it good for your health, it means you’ll be able to hear our famous Scottish symphonies loud and clear at matches.’
As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing, by making expert care accessible and affordable for all.
Its hearing experts provide comprehensive free hearing checks in stores across the country and can help you find the right hearing device to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Visit www.specsavers.co.uk or go in store to book an appointment with one of our hearing experts.
Scotland’s first state-of-the-art hearing stores open in capital
Edinburgh has welcomed its first-ever World of Hearing store by Boots Hearingcare
Almost a fifth of people admit they may have a hearing loss but don’t wear a hearing aid
The new store gives customers an immersive experience in order to see which hearing aid is best for them.
On Monday (29 July), Edinburgh welcomed Scotland’s first World of Hearing store from Boots Hearingcare.
The store is not a regular hearing test centre. It offers an impressive high-tech immersion room designed to revolutionise the way people think about hearing care.
The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, officially opened the store, with councillors including Hal Osler, Lezley Marion Cameron, and Claire Miller in attendance, as well as representatives from the Lions Club and Deaf Action.
With approximately 11 million people in the UK living with an untreated hearing lossii, it is the UK’s second most common disability.
The new World of Hearing store offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings – such as a busy restaurant or concert.
This helps people get a feel for what it would be like to have a hearing aid fitted in real life. The new store supports Boots Hearingcare’s mission to break down old fashioned stigmas around the use of hearing aids and demonstrate first-hand how transformational life can be when you reconnect with the sounds you love.
The store also allows customers to trial hearing aids before purchasing, enabling them to experience the benefits first hand.
Jack Lovie, Hearing Aid Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, said:“The team and I are very excited to be part of the first World of Hearing store in Scotland.
“This state-of-the-art experience will provide a new perspective on hearing aid technology and hearing aids, by providing new and innovative ways for the people of Edinburgh to discover how their hearing, confidence and overall quality of life can be significantly enhanced through the use of modern hearing solutions.
“Regular hearing tests are crucial not only for ear health but also for mental well-being, as hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and reduced social participation. By ensuring that hearing health is actively monitored, individuals can enjoy those special moments more with family and friends.”
According to Boots Hearingcare research:
· 35% of hearing aid users in Scotland lived for five years with an untreated hearing loss before taking action, with 44% of people living in denial of their hearing loss.
· 32% of Scottish hearing aid users began to socialise less frequently as a result of not being able to hear, with 26% who began to dread social situations and / or family occasions.
· Almost half (47%) of people missed out on socialising with friends as a result of living with an untreated hearing loss due to feeling anxious about not being able to hear and finding the listening effort too tiring.
· Over half (56%) of Scottish hearing aid users coped with an untreated hearing loss by turning up the volume on the TV and by guessing what was being said during conversations.
· 53% of hearing aid users in Scotland believe there is some stigma associated with hearing loss and/or wearing hearing aids.
· 74% of Scottish hearing aid users have loved being able to chat with friends and family more easily since being fitted with hearing aids, with 56% of those loving this the most about the hearing aids.
Echo Lu, Managing Director of Boots Hearingcare said: “We are delighted to be opening the World of Hearing store in Edinburgh, the first of its kind in Scotland, providing customers with an immersive state-of-the-art environment to solve their hearing problems.
“On average, it takes ten years for someone to address they have a hearing problem. We hope this new innovative format can help remove the stigma associated with hearing loss and encourage more people to act on their hearing loss and to experience the joy of better hearing and better quality of life, with the latest technology and great customer care from Boots.”
The store is located inside of the Boots UK store on Princes Street.
HEALTH experts are highlighting the importance of looking after your hearing and vision to help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Due to the similarity of their symptoms, hearing loss can, on occasions, be mistaken for early signs of dementia, particularly when someone is struggling to communicate.
However, leading research also reveals that untreated hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to developing dementia, and that risk increases further if you have a visual impairment too.
That is why this Dementia Action Week (May 13-19), Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh is highlighting the importance of regular hearing and eye tests. The home visits team in Edinburgh provides at-home eye tests and hearing tests to people who are unable to leave their home unaccompanied due to a physical or mental illness, or disability.
Lynne Phillips, audiology partner for the Specsavers Homes Visits team in South and East Scotland, says: ‘Leading research has shown that hearing loss can cause cognitive decline which can lead to dementia[1] – with people with moderate to severe hearing loss up to five times more likely to develop the condition[2].
“For those who also have a visual impairment as well as hearing loss, studies show they are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia than those without[3], as the decline in senses could increase social isolation and place strain on the parts of the brain which are required for good cognitive function[4].
‘This is why regular sight and hearing tests are so important in helping to reduce the risk. The earlier any problems are identified, the sooner protective measures like hearing aids can be introduced.’
Specsavers also provides comprehensive training to ensure that colleagues are equipped and confident to support any customers who may have dementia.
As part of the initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, colleagues who have completed the training are recognised as Dementia Friends, with a badge to wear on their uniforms to indicate their increased level of dementia awareness.
For more information about the Home Visits service visit:
Research commissioned by audiology experts at House of Hearing has revealed that even though the majority of Scots believe hearing is important to having a happy and healthy life, over 60% don’t remember ever having it checked.
The research, which surveyed 209 people in Scotland between 26 and 27 July, including 28% from Edinburgh and the Lothians, asked the public how important hearing was for a happy and healthy life on a scale of 1-10.
Over 70% gave it a score of 8 or higher, and just over a third (37%) responded with the highest value (10). Despite this, the survey found that 67% of people don’t remember having their hearing checked, while only 15% reported having it checked in the last 2-5 years.
Additionally, when asked if they have noticed more problems with their hearing during the pandemic, 77% responded that they had noticed no further changes.
Senior Audiologist Stuart Lyness, House of Hearing, said: “These results demonstrate that while people know how important hearing is to have a happy and fulfilled life, there seems to be hesitation when it comes to proactive care.
“It’s great to see that so many people haven’t noticed a difference during the pandemic, but without regularly getting your hearing checked, you will never be 100% sure. Given this, we always recommend getting your hearing tested every 2 years, increasing this to every year after 70 years of age to ensure you aren’t missing out on any aspect of your life.”
House of Hearing has been providing specialist hearing care for over 50 years, with free comprehensive hearing tests available at its new clinic on Melville Crescent.
The new clinic is fully equipped to provide patients with access to the highest quality audiological facilities. The most comprehensive hearing tests and aural care is available in dedicated soundproof consulting rooms with fully qualified Audiologists using the latest equipment.
House of Hearing also recently launched a new private ENT service, the first of its kind in Scotland, at its new clinic in Glasgow. This clinic will also be the first private clinic in Scotland solely dedicated to providing specialist ENT, Audiology and Aural Care Services, in partnership with local ENT consultants, Clyde Consulting Rooms.
House of Hearing, Edinburgh
Amber Brown
Melanie Jackson, Clinical Lead and Head of Nursing at House of Hearing said: “Ultimately, we want to drive home the message that many people will experience some form of hearing loss throughout their lives, but for most people, this doesn’t have to affect their quality of life.
“We also know the pandemic has likely led to an increase in self-management of issues such as excess ear wax. These should always be managed by a professional as otherwise you run the risk pushing the wax further into the ear or damaging the eardrum.
“At House of Hearing, our specialists are all registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and members of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) to ensure the best care for every patient. We would encourage everyone to consider visiting for either a consultation to assess their wax removal requirements or a free hearing health assessment.”
House of Hearing is the only ENT nurse-led wax removal team in Scotland and their clinic in Edinburgh is the only wax removal service in the country registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
The Glasgow clinic is also expected to be registered in the coming weeks.
A new online resource for people with hearing loss has launched in Edinburgh. The digital directory – designed as a one-stop-shop for adults seeking help and support – details the many services available to the estimated 40,000 people living with hearing loss in Edinburgh.Continue reading Edinburgh launches new directory for World Hearing Day
