It takes over a year to get a routine audiology appointment in Kerry.
This is according to the HSE, which was responding to Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin’s query about audiology services in the county.
Government Deputy Chief Whip Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if audiology services in a location in the county will be immediately reopened, as it’s causing hardship to many patients.
The HSE says Cork Kerry Community Healthcare audiology services are provided by a team of audiologists, who assess clients with hearing difficulties.
Referrals to the service are separated between priority and routine waiting lists.
The indicative waiting time for a priority appointment is approximately 12 weeks, while the waiting time for a routine appointment is approximately 59 weeks.
The HSE says these waiting times may vary as the service is operating at a reduced capacity due to public health guidelines and safety considerations for staff and patients during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
It adds that if people in Kerry are in need of device repairs, they can contact the Kerry Adult HSE Audiology Service on 066 71 04 936.
