HC Deb 19 May 1972 vol 837 cc235-6W
Dr. Trafford

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will continue to supply post-aural hearing aids.

Mr. Alison

We have no plans to discontinue the present arrangements for the supply of these aids.

Dr. Vaughan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the fact that for some deaf patients, particularly adolescents and young adults, a body-worn hearing aid is an embarrassment, he will take steps to ensure that finance is available to provide and maintain suitable head-worn aids.

Mr. Alison

The financial implications of supplying head-worn aids are included in the study to which my right hon. Friend referred in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Miss Joan Hall) on 8th May.—[Vol. 836 c.280.]

Dr. Stuttaford

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many deaf patients, and of what age group and from which centres, are taking part in the clinical trials and other studies on head-worn hearing aids; and when he expects to make his further statement on this matter.

Mr. Alison

A study in which approximately 10,000 school children over the age of 7 years in England and Wales participated has been completed and issues of aids are continuing. No other studies of head-worn hearing aids involving deaf patients are at present in hand. On the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the last paragraph of my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Miss Joan Hall) on 8th May. —[Vol. 836, c.280.]