§ 51. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Health whether the clinical trials of the new Medresco transistor hearing aids are yet completed; whether, as yet, the instruments are proving satisfactory; how many are being tried; and what major faults have been discovered in the trials.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe full-scale clinical trials which were held last year with 400 patients showed that the aid was generally satisfactory but that the microphone should be improved and clothes rub reduced. These, together with a number of other minor improvements, were made and the production samples I referred to in my reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Dr. Stross) on 12th May were found to be acceptable. Production has now started.