The UK NSC recommendation on Hearing loss screening in adults

Find general information about population health screening.

Why is screening not recommended by UK NSC?

•  research into screening and hearing loss found a number of problems which prevent the UK NSC recommending a screening programme

•  the evidence is too limited to establish the best type of test to be used, the level of hearing loss to target, the age at which people should start to be screened and the amount of time between screening test

•  there is also a lack of evidence about the acceptability of the available treatments

• despite the high prevalence of hearing loss and many options for amplification, a significant proportion of those with hearing loss do not use hearing aids for any length of time

• the research also reports a lack of evidence on the benefit from long term use of hearing aids

More about Hearing Loss (adult)

Hearing impairment, or deafness, is when hearing is affected by a disease, disorder or injury. Hearing loss can be present at birth or develop in childhood or adulthood.

» Read more about hearing impairment on NHS Choices

Stakeholders

• Action on Hearing Loss
• Age UK
• British Academy of Audiology
• British Geriatrics Society
• British Society of Audiology
• British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists
• Deafness Research UK
• The Ear Foundation
• Faculty of Public Health
• London North West Healthcare- ENT Department
• National Community Hearing Association
• Royal College of General Practitioners
• Royal College of Physicians
• Screening for Life Coalition
• Signature

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the recommendation is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us. More information for stakeholders can be found in appendix C of the UK NSC evidence review process.

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