Charity welcomes decision to save hearing aid provision

Following a three-month consultation period, which includedclose engagement with the charity as well as patients, membersof the public, providers and other stakeholders, the CCG Boardrevealed on 20th September 2017 that it has decided not tocut hearing aids for people with mild hearing loss. It has alsoabandoned proposals to limit provision for those with moderatehearing loss. The charity was consulted directly by the CCG on itsproposals and used the opportunity to highlight both the benefitsof hearing aids and ways the CCG can save money by improvinghow these services are commissioned.

Dr. Roger Wicks, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Actionon Hearing Loss, said: “We’re delighted that Enfield CCG hasdecided not to move forward with its original proposals to restrictthe provision of hearing aids. The CCG Board has positivelyengaged with us and this decision demonstrates that they havelistened to both public opinion and the robust evidence of theclinical effectiveness of hearing aids. “Hearing aids are a lifelineto many, enabling people with hearing loss to remain in workand remain engaged in their social lives. While we know thathealth commissioners across the country need to urgently makesavings, we’re pleased to see Enfield CCG welcoming alternativemeasures to cuts. Will we continue to work with the CCG toadvise them on shaping audiology services that continue tosupport all who need them, in a cost-effective manner.”

Dr JahanMahmoodi, Medical Director for Enfield CCG, said, “The inputfrom Action of Hearing Loss helped us to shape a better solutionthat will improve outcomes for patients with hearing loss andensure that they get the full benefits of NHS funded equipmentthat is provided to them.”

Source: Action on Hearing Loss