HC Deb 06 March 1973 vol 852 cc219-20
13. Dr. Vaughan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress is being made in research with the development of hearing aids.

Mr. Alison

We are considering with the Medical Research Council an overall strategy for future research into hearing difficulties, including hearing aids. Meanwhile several small but important projects are in hand.

Dr. Vaughan

Does my hon. Friend agree that the regulations urgently need to be changed so that young people can continue to have head-worn aids under the National Health Service after they leave school? Does he agree that that is a most important time for young people and young adults? It is a time when they most need to have something which is discreet and unobtrusive, but the present arrangements for chest aids are quite the reverse of this.

Mr. Alison

I have great sympathy with the point made by my hon. Friend. We certainly do not overlook the importance psychologically of enabling youngsters to use head-worn aids. It is for that reason amongst others that we are actively looking into the possibility of issuing head-worn aids through the National Health Service.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the hon. Gentleman introduce a little urgency into this problem in view of the fact that the report which he mentioned was published as long ago as last April? Will he do something about the aural aids which cost only about £2 more than the Medrescos and which, if developed with the help of the Post Office, would give deaf people an advantage at something like one-tenth of the commercial price they have to pay?

Mr. Alison

We are treating this matter with a sense of great urgency and enthusiasm in my Department. The hon. Gentleman knows that the question of hearing aids is closely integrated with epidemiological studies and clinical questions. One is bound to hasten slowly.

Mr. Costain

Does the current research include investigations into hearing aids that are sometimes sold to the public at high prices so that their price can be related to their efficiency?

Mr. Alison

I think my hon. Friend will know that the Consumers Association has published regular reports evaluating the benefits, advantages or disadvantages of hearing aids provided privately.