MP Demands Action On Digital Hearing Aids

The Government must take steps to cut waiting times for NHS digital hearing aids, according to John Battle, MP for Leeds West.

Mr Battle recently met with Health Minister Ivan Lewis to discuss the issue. In particular, they discussed the case of Robert Butterfield, from Armley, whose difficulties in securing a hearing aid were reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post in February.

Mr Butterfield has been told he will have to wait for up to two years before receiving a digital hearing aid – and that he could not be given an analogue hearing aid in the meantime.

The combination of increased demand arising from public awareness of digital hearing aids, and a national shortage of audiologists, has led to long waiting times. Large numbers of people with existing NHS analogue hearing aids have applied for digital aids, exacerbating the problem. While testing for hearing difficulties can be completed swiftly, there is a backlog for getting the hearing aids fitted.

Mr Battle said: “It is not acceptable that people like Mr Butterfield are waiting so long to receive a digital hearing aid. Many of those waiting are elderly and it can be very isolating for those who have hearing difficulties. I am particularly concerned that that Mr Butterfield has not been given an analogue hearing aid as a temporary measure until he could be fitted for a digital hearing aid.

When I met the Minister, I asked him to take action to improve the situation as a matter of urgency. He assured me the Government was doing all it could to tackle the shortage of audiologists and thus increase capacity.”

©John Battle MP 31 July 2006

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