Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was said that many people only get hearing aids as a last resort, which is maybe because they do not want to be seen as getting older or whatever it is, but if people need corrective eyewear, they get glasses. Is the cost more of a deterrent, however? It may be both, which I presume will be addressed in the national hearing plan. The fact, for example, that dementia can be caused by hearing loss is not well-known. It was raised by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland at the committee a few weeks ago, but if information like that were public, more people might be inclined to have their hearing checked and addressed. At the same time, will the cost still be a huge deterrent for many? How much does the grant or PRSI payment cover?