Hearing issues lead to long waiting list for aids in Kouvola, Finland

Heli Nikula from Kouvola feels embarrassed that she cannot hear conversations properly. Unfortunately, she has to deal with her hearing issues without assistance, as the waiting list for a hearing aid extends until at least next year. “It feels like I will look foolish if I can’t hear all discussions,” Nikula expressed.

Her progressive hearing loss began in childhood and has worsened over the years, making a hearing aid essential. Nikula has noticed the significant increase in waiting times for hearing aids, a situation that has been reported by Yle.

Nikula feels a sense of shame about her hearing difficulties and finds it embarrassingly difficult to repeatedly talk about them. It took great courage for her to seek help from occupational health services, leading to her current waiting list for a hearing aid. Consequently, she has withdrawn from group exercise classes as she can’t cope with the anxiety of not hearing the instructor’s directions.

She believes that participants in these classes would be understanding; however, situations where she cannot hear are too awkward for her. “I will return to classes once I get my hearing aid,” she stated.

In her job at the Kymenlaakso Memory Association, Nikula facilitates groups supporting individuals with memory issues and their families. She struggles particularly in larger gatherings where hearing can be challenging.

Anniina Lavikainen, a development manager at the Hearing Association, notes that workplace recognition of hearing difficulties is often lacking because such issues are not visibly apparent. To support employees with hearing challenges, Lavikainen suggests improving acoustic environments and promoting clear communication practices among colleagues.