Major Emmanuel Deladem Nkornoo, an audiologist at 37 Military Hospital, says that hearing aids in Ghana are priced between GH₵10,000 and GH₵25,000. This cost is unaffordable for most households, as the devices are imported from Western countries and priced in foreign currencies. Once converted into cedis, the cost becomes prohibitively expensive for the average Ghanaian patient.
The high cost of hearing aids affects many Ghanaians living with hearing loss, with the price of a basic device potentially swallowing a year's income. Major Nkornoo, also the immediate past President of the Speech Therapists and Audiologists Association of Ghana (STAAG), expressed concern that the burden falls heavily on children. Untreated hearing loss can impact their educational performance, psychological well-being, and social development.
Major Nkornoo emphasized the need for early intervention in children with hearing loss to ensure they keep up in school and social settings. To make hearing aids and rehabilitation services more affordable, he is appealing to the government to waive taxes on imported hearing aids. Additionally, he wants audiology and speech and language therapy services, including hearing aids, to be covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The NHIS currently does not cover audiology and speech and language therapy services, including hearing aids. Major Nkornoo argues that including these services would allow more Ghanaians to access care and improve their quality of life. This call echoes a similar push by the Down Syndrome Association of Ghana for NHIS to cover therapy for children with Down syndrome.
Beyond government action, Major Nkornoo is appealing to corporate organisations and private investors to support establishing audiology and speech and language therapy facilities nationwide. Such partnerships would expand access to services and create jobs for qualified professionals in the field.
The high cost of hearing aids and limited access to services are significant challenges in Ghana's healthcare system. Major Nkornoo's proposals aim to address these issues and improve the lives of Ghanaians living with hearing loss. The government has not indicated whether it will consider tax waivers or NHIS expansion to cover hearing healthcare.
The issue of expensive hearing aids and limited access to audiology services highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address hearing healthcare in Ghana. With the right support and investments, it is possible to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with hearing loss and their families.
Key points
- The high cost of hearing aids in Ghana can be a significant barrier to access for many individuals.
- Audiologist Major Emmanuel Deladem Nkornoo is seeking tax waivers and NHIS coverage for hearing aids.
- Expanding access to audiology services and hearing aids could significantly improve the lives of Ghanaians living with hearing loss.
