B.C. children are falling behind in accessing treatment for hearing and speech impairment, according to the province’s speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
"The provincial government must take action to ensure all of our students can access treatment for speech, language and hearing difficulties," said Becca Yu, president of Speech and Hearing BC, in a statement Sep.5.
"Communication is the first step to success in school and life. We have a responsibility to make sure that B.C.’s children can access the services they need,” said Yu.
Children and students are waiting months to see a publicly funded speech-language pathologist or audiologist in the province, according to the group, which urges early intervention to treat communication problems.
If hearing problems are not addressed early in children it is likely to lead to learning deficits, followed by development of self-regulation and societal repercussions that snowball into permanent health problems.
“This September, as kids head back to school, we must ensure all students have access to the help they need to thrive,” stated the non-profit organization, which has 1,300 members.
Speech and Hearing BC has an ongoing petition online, with the Help BC Hear Better campaign, to urge the provincial Ministry of Health to augment resources for hearing health, not just for kids but also seniors.
These two segments of society have the most to lose from hearing loss, the group notes.
“Over three-quarters of seniors have hearing loss in both ears. Hearing loss can also lead to delayed speech and language development in children, and have an impact on social development. Left untreated, hearing loss can also adversely impact the health and quality of life of our population, especially seniors,” the petition states.
Cognitive decline is a particular concern for seniors who have hearing loss.
The group, including experts at the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences department, claims B.C. “lags behind” other provinces and territories when it comes to hearing health coverage, as hearing aids in B.C. cost more than elsewhere in Canada.
Glacier Media contacted the Ministry of Health Thursday to understand what it is doing to address the backlog and high costs of treatment. This article will be updated should an answer be provided.
