§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when was the most recent guidance issued to consultants about children whose clinical needs cannot be met from the standard range of National Health Service hearing aids.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy Department's guidance on prescription and supply of commercial hearing aids and batteries was updated in March 1978. The opportunity was taken then to draw attention to certain important aspects of earmould provision for children. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the notice and am also placing a copy in the Library.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to help those deaf children who at present need to rely upon commercial hearing aids.
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§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAs my hon. Friend may be aware, consultants have discretion to prescribe a commercial hearing aid when the clinical needs of a patient up to age 18 (up to 21 if continuing in full-time education) cannot be met by an aid from the standard range of National Health Service aids. I am urgently considering what measures are necessary to widen the range of NHS hearing aids and also to ensure that young people for whom a commercial aid has been prescribed can continue to receive a replacement beyond the present age-limits. I will be making specific proposals in a consultative document to be issued shortly.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action his Department is taking to examine new and improved methods of making ear moulds for hearing aids; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThere is a need for better techniques making earmoulds for hearing aids, particularly for aids of very high power. My Department is, therefore, constantly examining new materials and processes. While we are unlikely to find a single, simple solution to all outstanding problems, I am glad to report on two current initiatives.
First, a study of the use of injection-moulded vinyl earmouds which was initiated with financial support from my Department. The Manchester audiology clinic pioneered the examination and assessment of this process in this country, with the assistance of a local plastics moulding company. The assessment of this very important project is virtually complete and I look forward to receiving the report of the results within the next few weeks. I shall, of course, take steps to ensure that these results are made known throughout the audiology service, and will also be writing to my hon. Friend.
Secondly, my Department has commissioned an independent materials laboratory to carry out a feasibility study and development work with a view to obtaining improved types of earmould materials. This project, which is due to commence in May 1979, will be based on requirements established by my Advisory Committee on Audiological Equipment.