Major Emmanuel Deladem Nkornoo, an audiologist at the 37 Military Hospital, has urged the government to waive taxes on imported hearing aids and include audiology and speech and language therapy services in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This, he believes, will improve access to hearing healthcare in Ghana. The high cost of hearing aids currently makes it difficult for many people with hearing loss to obtain the devices and access rehabilitation services.
The cost of hearing aids in Ghana is a significant barrier to access. Average-quality hearing aids cost between GH¢10,000 and GH¢25,000. These devices are largely imported from Western countries and priced in foreign currencies, making them expensive when converted into Ghana cedis. As a result, many Ghanaians struggle to afford them. The Speech Therapists and Audiologists Association of Ghana (STAAG) is advocating for change.
Untreated hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences, particularly for children. Major Nkornoo emphasized that it can affect their educational performance, psychological well-being, and social development. Early intervention and access to hearing aids and rehabilitation services are crucial for children with hearing loss. The government and private sector must work together to address this issue.
To make hearing aids and rehabilitation services more affordable, Major Nkornoo appealed to the government to consider waiving taxes on imported hearing aids. He also called for audiology and speech and language therapy services, including hearing aids, to be covered by the NHIS. This would enable more people to access the services and improve their quality of life.
Partnerships between the government, corporate organizations, and private investors are essential to expanding access to audiology and speech and language therapy services. Major Nkornoo appealed to corporate organizations and private investors to support the establishment of audiology and speech and language therapy facilities across the country. Such partnerships would help create employment opportunities for qualified professionals.
The Speech Therapists and Audiologists Association of Ghana (STAAG) is playing a crucial role in advocating for change. Major Nkornoo, the immediate past President of STAAG, is leading the charge for improved access to hearing healthcare. The association's efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of audiology and speech and language therapy services.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) reported that Major Nkornoo's call for action has significant implications for the country's healthcare system. The government must consider the audiologist's proposals and work towards making hearing aids and rehabilitation services more accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians.
Key points
- Audiologist Major Emmanuel Deladem Nkornoo calls for tax waivers on imported hearing aids.
- He also advocates for the inclusion of audiology and speech and language therapy services in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
- Untreated hearing loss can have severe consequences, particularly for children, affecting their educational performance, psychological well-being, and social development.
