§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason he has introduced digital hearing aids on a pilot basis; and when he plans to extend their availability nationally. [106122]
§ Mr. HuttonIn order to introduce digital hearing aid technology into the National Health Service, hearing aid departments will need new equipment, professionals will need different skills and revised procedures will be required to prescribe digital hearing aids to patients. Such changes will need to be introduced in an integrated way. The pilots will last for two years, after which we will make decisions about extending their availability nationally.