Each month we meet key stakeholders and business leaders in the social care sector. This month we meet Dr. Krishan Ramdoo, ENT surgeon and founder of TympaHealth.
How does TympaHealth empower care providers to deliver ear and hearing health treatment within communities?
Care providers are under significant pressure to deliver high quality care while dealing with the financial constraints of the sector.
Ear and hearing health is one of the most prevalent health challenges in care settings. A report by NICE found that three in four people in care are living with hearing loss, projected to rise to 80% by 2032.
Untreated hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia, depression, falls, and even cardiovascular disease. It also affects staff engagement and interaction with residents. The impact is profound, and yet preventable.
By integrating ear and hearing health technology into care environments, this helps hearing issues to be addressed quickly and in a more comfortable environment for residents. This results in improved resident well-being and better staff interaction as well as family satisfaction.
Can you explain how regular ear and hearing health checks can help prevent misdiagnosis of conditions such as dementia?
Hearing loss can mimic early symptoms of dementia, such as difficulty following conversations, memory problems, confusion, and social withdrawal. Without regular hearing checks, these signs may be mistaken for cognitive impairment, potentially resulting in inappropriate or unnecessary treatments while the underlying hearing issue remains unaddressed. Routine, proactive hearing assessments help ensure an accurate diagnosis, allowing individuals to receive the care they truly need.
Why is supporting residents’ ear and hearing health important for reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing?
Hearing loss is not just a medical condition; it is a quality-of-life issue. Residents with hearing loss often experience mood changes and behaviour challenges that can take a toll on their quality of life. Untreated hearing loss also raises the risk of falls. When hearing is addressed, communication improves, people feel more connected, and this can boost both their thinking skills and emotional wellbeing.
Older adults especially benefit from having ear and hearing care right where they live. When hearing issues are resolved, they’re more likely to join in conversations, engage with others, and take part in group activities—making daily life a lot more enjoyable.
Could you share some success stories from your care provider partners where hearing checks have made a significant difference?
Our work with The White House Nursing Home in Surrey has led to a significant positive impact on the lives of residents.
Previously, it set aside significant staff resource to accompany residents to appointments. Hearing checks can now take place by the bedside or in the communal areas. One resident with hearing aids was immediately reassured when it was explained that the procedure would be carried out by familiar carers. She felt immediate clarity after the micro suction treatment, enabling her to communicate better with family and those around her.
While The White House is already rated as Outstanding, the partnership with TympaHealth has enabled them to retain high standards of care, aligning closely with the CQC’s renewed focus on safe, effective and responsive care as well as spotlight their innovative approach.
How do you see technology like TympaHealth shaping the future of ear and hearing health in residential and community care settings?
As the NHS ten-year plan shifts towards prioritising preventative care and equitable access, digital technology will play a key role in making routine hearing checks easier to deliver and scale. This will be essential in tackling long-term challenges like social isolation, cognitive decline, and fall prevention.
Hearing loss shouldn’t hold older people back from living well. By acting early and proactively, we can make a real difference in improving residents’ overall wellbeing.
Image depicts Dr. Krishan Ramdoo, ENT surgeon and founder, TympaHealth