09 July 2014

New Report on Commissioning for Hearing Loss Launched

The International Longevity Centre has this week launched the final report of their Commission on Hearing Loss
The report was launched this Monday in the House of Lords and is a culmination of evidence sessions held throughout June chaired by ILC Chief Executive Baroness Greengross OBE (pictured). Both the NCHA and BSHAA submitted written and oral evidence to the commission, joining representatives from across the sector.
The NCHA welcomes the publication of the report, which demonstrates what can be achieved when the sector works together, and we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure better hearing for all.
Findings of the report
The report calls for:
- NHS England and the Department of Health to publish the long awaited Action Plan on hearing loss. The report also calls for a national commissioning framework developed in the best interests of patients, which the NCHA fully supports.
- The Department of Health to consider opening up hearing services so that people can self-refer, increasing accessibility and reducing the likelihood of people falling through the net.
- Clinical Commissioning Groups to ensure there is enough flexibility in the hearing assessment, follow-up and aftercare to ensure that it matches peoples’ preferences. This may include an expansion of community-based hearing care as well as home visits.
- NHS England, the Department of Health and providers to work together to guarantee timely follow-up and accessible aftercare to ensure appropriate outcomes are met.
And for Public Health England to focus their efforts on earlier detection of hearing loss through the delivery of a nation-wide screening programme.

Download the Commission on Hearing Loss Report