For more information about the final programme, speakers or the EHFG conference please contact us directly! SAVE THE DATE! 18th EHFG: 30 September 02 October 2015
EHIMA (European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association) Founded in 1985 The world's largest and most advanced hearing aid manufacturers. 95% of all the hearing aids made in Europe. EHIMA members are committed to a transparent and open dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that better hearing is included in all discussions about health and ageing, to the mutual benefit of both individuals and society.
Hearing aids a good investment Hearing aids help solve severe problems, not only related to HEARING, but psycho-social problems (incl. depression) and mild cognitive impairment. Hearing aids are a good INVESTMENT for individuals as well as for governments.
Diversity of products and services Custom made In the Ear hearing aids Counseling systems and training Behind the Ear hearing aids Bone ancored hearing aids Diagnostic Equipment Hearing Aid Fitting systems Cochlear Implants Connectivity devices
Hearing Rehabilitation Aware ness Diagno sis Fitting Rehab and training Follow up Service Difficult process, stigmatization Newborn screening Competence and technology Especially with paediatric fittings Monitoring and modifications, earmoulds Setting up and repairing
Full hearing rehabilitation Too many people worldwide suffer because they don t have access to the appropriate health technologies (WHO, 2012) Hearing loss is the second leading cause of YLD after depression (Years Lived with Disability) However, successful fitting of a hearing aid is not just delivering an instrument (=access), but assuring full and appropriate rehabilitation This is true in developed as well as in developing countries Hearing aid technology is one part of a big puzzle
Levels of hearing care provision Hearing aid repair technician Hearing aid manufacturers Earmould technician Audiologist ENT Specialist Speech Therapist Fourth Level Tertiary Level Secondary Level Audiology technicians District hospital Doctor PEHC-trained Worker Primary Level Hearing-impaired adults & children and their parents, teachers
Running a hearing care system: Primary, secondary and tertiary level: Labour Service and repairs Maintenance of facilities Batteries Ear moulds Wax protection Re-evaluation, fine-tuning, possible re-fitting Speech/language training Screening programs Level 4: Hearing aids Often seen: bundled price, covering all of the above
Key points Hearing aids and hearing technology - not the only critical issue Technology is important Technology is available and robust The technological development continues (improved performance and connectivity) It is a frequently made mistake to see hearing aids in isolation from the general health system. They are inter-linked. The target is a long term sustainable appropriate hearing health care set up including awareness, diagnostics, delivery, rehab and service
Policy recommendations Achieve regulations that support innovation and professional hearing healthcare: Harmonisation of the use of tools, measurements and methods Innovative and coherent EU policy and regulatory framework A global allocation of the necessary frequencies for wireless services Work towards fulfilling the need for a sufficient number of welleducated hearing aid professionals in each member country
Call for Action Improve awareness about the benefits of hearing care for both the individual and for society: Scientific proof exists documenting that untreated hard of hearing citizens have a lower quality of life than hard of hearing citizens helped by hearing aids or surgical/medical solutions Increase general awareness and public knowledge of the importance of good hearing Raise awareness in the medical profession (GPs, ENT doctors, geriatricians, etc) Expand the access to hearing screening programs Reduce the stigmatisation connected with hearing loss