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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Call for over 55s hearing tests | Call for over 55s hearing tests |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The government is being urged to provide free hearing tests for everyone over 55 by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). | The government is being urged to provide free hearing tests for everyone over 55 by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). |
| The charity has commissioned research which, it says, shows the majority of the public supports the idea. | The charity has commissioned research which, it says, shows the majority of the public supports the idea. |
| It estimates that 4m people - who could benefit from hearing aids - are not using them. | It estimates that 4m people - who could benefit from hearing aids - are not using them. |
| A review to determine the value of a hearing screening programme is currently underway. | A review to determine the value of a hearing screening programme is currently underway. |
| According to the RNID's survey evidence, more than 90% of those questioned felt that there should be a national hearing screening programme for the over 55s. | According to the RNID's survey evidence, more than 90% of those questioned felt that there should be a national hearing screening programme for the over 55s. |
| Among the over 55s themselves, 88% said they would like to be able to take advantage of such a programme. | Among the over 55s themselves, 88% said they would like to be able to take advantage of such a programme. |
| The RNID says that hearing problems that are not picked up can lead to social isolation. | The RNID says that hearing problems that are not picked up can lead to social isolation. |
| On the other hand, the charity says, testing everyone over 55 would give people an average of nine years with a better quality of life. | On the other hand, the charity says, testing everyone over 55 would give people an average of nine years with a better quality of life. |
| Public appetite | Public appetite |
| "These figures show that there is an appetite for a hearing screening programme," said RNID chief executive, Jackie Ballard. | "These figures show that there is an appetite for a hearing screening programme," said RNID chief executive, Jackie Ballard. |
| "The people of the UK value their hearing and they want the government to show that they do, too." | "The people of the UK value their hearing and they want the government to show that they do, too." |
| Ms Ballard says that - with an ageing population - the UK is facing a "hearing loss timebomb". | Ms Ballard says that - with an ageing population - the UK is facing a "hearing loss timebomb". |
| GfK NOP conducted its research in November last year and spoke to more than 1,000 adults. | GfK NOP conducted its research in November last year and spoke to more than 1,000 adults. |
| The RNID also points to other research which shows that almost half of the people who report hearing problems to their GP are not referred on to an audiology clinic. | The RNID also points to other research which shows that almost half of the people who report hearing problems to their GP are not referred on to an audiology clinic. |
| The government says that it takes the problem of progressive hearing loss "very seriously". | The government says that it takes the problem of progressive hearing loss "very seriously". |
| "The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) advises the UK government on whether there is sufficient evidence to introduce a national screening programme," a Department of Health spokesperson said. | "The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) advises the UK government on whether there is sufficient evidence to introduce a national screening programme," a Department of Health spokesperson said. |
| An NSC public consultation on the issue closes early next month. | |
| "The NSC recognise that adult hearing loss remains a significant public health issue," said Dr Anne Mackie, NSC director of programmes. | |
| "The case for a national screening programme has been made in principle, but we feel that there are a number of questions we raised last year - on how such a programme would work - that have not been adequately answered." | |
| The NSC says that further research is needed to develop an accurate and cost-effective screening system. | |
| The government says it is now publishing - for the first time - figures for patients who are referred directly to audiology services. | The government says it is now publishing - for the first time - figures for patients who are referred directly to audiology services. |
| The figures show that waiting times for a diagnostic assessment have been reduced significantly. | The figures show that waiting times for a diagnostic assessment have been reduced significantly. |
| In October 2006 - when figures were first collected - the average waiting time was almost 26 weeks. | In October 2006 - when figures were first collected - the average waiting time was almost 26 weeks. |
| The average wait is now 2.2 weeks. | The average wait is now 2.2 weeks. |