More Cash to Cut Waiting Lists for Hearing AIDS

THE waiting list in Sheffield for people needing digital hearing aids is expected to be cut after health service chiefs put an extra Pounds 650,000 into the budget.

Sheffield Primary Care Trust say the decision should mean around 1,300 patients getting the latest digital technology, which can provide significant improvements in their hearing, removing them from the waiting list.

Those who will benefit are patients needing replacement hearing aids.

The decision to fast-track the replacement programme also means additional clinics will be run across the city until the end of March, in addition to increased numbers of clinics at hospitals.

The intention is to allow patients to choose a clinic which is convenient.

The new digital devices incorporate a tiny computer inside the hearing aid, which processes sounds and makes it possible for specialists to customise the sound to suit each patient’s hearing loss. That means users are less likely to experience feedback, or the distinctive whistling noise which some hearing aids make.

Caroline Mabbott, spokeswoman for Sheffield PCT, said: “We’re delighted to be in a position where we are able to offer this service to those patients who are due to have their hearing aids replaced with a digital aid.

“The feedback from patients so far has been very positive, especially about the extra clinics being closer to where patients live,” she said.

Jan Sobieraj, chief executive of Sheffield PCT said: “The PCT is always looking at better ways to invest money in new technologies for the benefit of patients, as highlighted in the PCT’s five-year Achieving Balanced Health (ABH) strategy, which aims to improve the health and well-being of people in Sheffield.

“We are confident that this investment will enable us to provide specialist care that meets the individual needs of the patient and help them to have a better quality of life.”

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