HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc708-9W
Mr. Aspinwall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will outline those services which are available to elderly hearing-impaired citizens; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

A wide range of services is available for elderly and other hearing-impaired people. People who suffer a hearing loss should first see their general practitioner and arrange for the fitting of a hearing aid. A comprehensive range of hearing aids is available under the National Health Service. As far as social services are concerned, help may be available from specialist social workers and where necessary assistance is available towards the provision of environmental aids such as flashing door bells. Traditionally voluntary organisations have provided a range of services to people whose hearing is impaired and many receive grants from statutory sources to help them provide such services.

Mr. Aspinwall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to improve those services which are available to elderly hearing-impaired citizens, in particular (a) the implementation of staffing norms for audiology clinics, (b) the making of induction loop systems mandatory in all public buildings and (c) allocating more funds to researching the causes of hearing impairment.

Mr. Newton

As I announced earlier this year, we are consulting professional and other bodies on ways of reducing waiting times for NHS hearing aids.

The Department has not prescribed staffing norms for audiology clinics, and staffing levels are a matter for decision by health authorities.

The Disabled Persons Act 1981 requires local planning authorities, when granting planning permission for buildings to which the public are admitted, to draw attention to the British Standards Institution code of practice BS 5810. This recommends the installation of induction loops in new conference halls and similar facilities. We are also considering whether the provision of induction loop systems could usefully be promoted through the existing sympathetic hearing scheme.

The Medical Research Council is the main Government agency for the promotion of medical and related biological research in this country. It receives its grant-in-aid from the Department of Education and Science.