§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What recent meetings Ministers have had with organisations representing people with hearing impairments about NHS hearing aid services and technology; what response they gave to the representations made to them; and what action they are taking to improve existing NHS audiology services with respect to their quality, consistency and range; and [HL1934]
What the NHS currently spends on each person being tested for hearing impairment and fitted with one of its range of hearing aids; and by what date the NHS will be funded to bring the full benefits of modern technology to people in need of such aids. [HL1935]
§ Baroness HaymanMy honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health, met the Royal National Institute for Deaf People recently when they outlined their vision of improved service delivery. This included a move towards the wider availability of digital aids within the NHS. My honourable friend stated that the Government are continuing to look at audiology services to see how 143WA delivery can be improved and how new technology can be used appropriately and effectively.
The type of hearing aid provided by the NHS is a matter for the clinician concerned in consultation with the patient.
The average cost of supplying and fitting an NHS hearing aid is £90 to £100.
The NHS range of hearing aids has been substantially improved over the last three years. "In the ear" models have been introduced, as have high frequency aids, mini aids and aids in different colours. Additionally, many features have been incorporated in the more expensive aids which make sounds clearer. NHS Supplies have also introduced a hearing aid for the paediatric market.