Standardised Diagnosis and Care Pathway for Elderly Residents with Possible Hearing Loss
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Yip Hon Weng’s inquiry on establishing a standardised care pathway for elderly residents with hearing loss, covering screening, diagnosis, and subsidies. Minister Ong Ye Kung replied that established pathways already exist through Project Silver Screen, which provides community-based screenings at active ageing centres and community centres. Seniors identified with hearing abnormalities are referred to Community Audiology Clinics for assessments and hearing aid fittings, or to specialists for complex medical conditions. Polyclinics and GP clinics also provide referrals, and eligible applicants can receive means-tested subsidies of up to 90% via the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund. Residents with severe hearing loss may tap on MediSave and MediShield Life for costlier devices like cochlear implants, ensuring comprehensive financial and follow-up support.
Transcript
8 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry plans to establish a standardised care pathway for elderly residents with possible hearing loss, setting out clear processes for screening, referral for diagnostic assessment, timely access to hearing aids and subsidies, and appropriate follow-up support; and (b) if so, what the key features and timeline are.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: There are established care pathways for seniors with possible hearing loss. For example, seniors can receive hearing screening at convenient locations like active ageing centres (AACs) and community centres (CCs) under Project Silver Screen (PSS). PSS screening is conducted in convenient locations in the community, like AACs and CCs.
Seniors found to have hearing abnormalities will be referred for further diagnostic assessments at the healthcare clusters, such as at Community Audiology Clinics (CACs). Seniors who require hearing aids can receive hearing aid fitting and evaluation services at the CACs. Seniors who have more complex conditions will be referred to specialists in the public healthcare institutions.
Besides PSS, seniors who present at polyclinics and GP clinics with hearing difficulties will also be assessed and referred for follow-up at CACs or the public healthcare institutions as required.
In addition to the subsidised rates provided for the procedures above, eligible seniors who require subsidised hearing aids may also tap on the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund, which provide means-tested subsidies of up to 90% for eligible applicants. Those with severe hearing loss who require costlier hearing devices, such as cochlear implants, may also tap on subsidies, MediSave and MediShield Life.