BIHIMA—the British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association—has revealed initial findings from its 2024/25 Audiologist Survey, highlighting some of the biggest issues impacting the hearing loss profession.
The annual survey calls on hearing care professionals across the UK to share their views on key challenges and opportunities for improvement within the industry.
Challenges in Wax Removal and Hearing Care Accessibility
“This year, we have expanded the questions asked in the survey. Responses so far have been interesting, with clear themes emerging around the challenges currently facing the profession,” said Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman.
One of the most discussed topics in the survey is the management of wax removal services, which continues to be a point of concern for both private and NHS audiologists. Issues such as safety, training, and funding have been repeatedly raised, with little change seen in the system.
One respondent commented:
“We need wax removal to be brought back within primary care and free for audiology patients to access. In addition, the government needs to completely review the training routes into wax removal as the current business model sees people with absolutely no prior audiology experience doing a 2-day course and then setting up as wax removal specialists—some even working within pharmacies, which confuses patients into thinking they are healthcare professionals. I strongly feel that this is a massive risk to the public.”
Staffing Shortages and Long NHS Waiting Times
Another major issue raised in the survey is the length of NHS waiting lists for audiology services. The median waiting time currently stands at 14.5 weeks, though NHS England does not regularly publish data on audiology-specific delays. Respondents shared concerns that these long waits are negatively impacting patient care.
One respondent noted:
“Waiting times are problematic, especially regarding referrals for further investigation of asymmetrical hearing losses and conductive issues. This impacts private services, as we are unable to continue with management unless we are told that it is safe to proceed.”
Additionally, staffing shortages are a growing concern, with audiologists reporting increasing workloads, declining morale, and retention challenges. One survey participant shared:
“The pressure to reduce waiting lists is so great that management is reducing appointment times and squeezing in more appointments, so that we have less and less non-clinical time for patient-related admin. This is affecting morale, and we are losing staff frequently to the private sector, which then puts more pressure on the service.”
BIHIMA Encourages More Participation in the Survey
The survey remains open, and BIHIMA is urging audiologists to take part and share their perspectives.
“The audiologist survey we undertake is a crucial part of the BIHIMA calendar—it is an annual project to gain feedback from the profession on hot topics affecting the successful delivery of audiology. Our aim is to help drive positive change in the sector that benefits both patients and the profession.”
–Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman
The 2024/25 BIHIMA Audiologist Survey is still accepting responses. Professionals in the field are encouraged to participate and contribute to shaping the future of audiology in the UK.
- You can take part in the 2024/25 BIHIMA Audiologist Survey by clicking here.
About BIHIMA:
BIHIMA aims to raise the awareness of hearing loss and the impact it has on society. Our members’ aim is to invest in research and development to ensure hearing instruments are designed and manufactured using the latest technology, to positively change the lives of people with hearing loss.
