The British Academy of Audiology (BAA) has published an updated Position Statement reaffirming the importance of routine hearing screening for people following a stroke, in line with the latest NICE guidance.
Hearing difficulties following stroke are often under-recognised, yet they can have a significant impact on communication, rehabilitation and overall recovery. The updated position statement highlights NICE recommendations that all people should receive an initial hearing screen within the first six weeks after a stroke, with anyone reporting hearing difficulties referred to Audiology for a comprehensive hearing assessment.
BAA believes hearing assessment should be an integral part of stroke rehabilitation. Early identification and management of hearing loss can improve communication, support engagement with rehabilitation programmes and contribute to better cognitive and emotional outcomes for patients.
The position statement also calls for stronger collaboration between stroke services and Audiology teams, encouraging the development of clear referral pathways to ensure patients receive timely assessment and appropriate management where hearing loss is identified.
By promoting consistent hearing screening protocols across the UK, BAA hopes to raise awareness among clinicians, commissioners and multidisciplinary teams of the important role audiology plays in post-stroke care.
The updated BAA Position Statement: NICE Guidance – Stroke is available to download below.