05 February 2021

Member update – 5 February 2021

In this week’s update:

• NCHA vaccination updates
• Tinnitus week
• Wales – businesses urged to register for financial support
• New guidance on remote care
• Other sector news

NCHA vaccination update

Following our detailed vaccination updates in recent weeks, we have been helping members and the wider sector get access to local contacts so they can arrange Covid-19 vaccinations for audiology teams. Please continue to email us with details about where your practice(s) are based so that we can include you on any local developments.

Tinnitus week

It’s #TinnitusWeek. The BTA has launched a new film, #ThisIsMySilence, which has been viewed more than 20,000 times. It features simulated sounds to raise awareness of Tinnitus and the support available. Watch the short social media clip on Twitter. The RNID hosted a webinar on how to manage Tinnitus, which is now accessible on Facebook.

Wales – businesses urged to register for financial support 

The Welsh Government (WG) urges eligible businesses to ensure they are registered for financial support to help them deal with the pandemic’s ongoing impacts.

The financial support is for businesses forced to close or “operate differently as a result of coronavirus restrictions”.

WG is encouraging businesses that have not registered with their local authorities since the firebreak in October to visit the Business Wales website to see if they are eligible.

New guidance on remote care

The BSA and BAA have published joint guidance on Setting and verifying the frequency response of a hearing aid remotely for adults during periods of restricted service delivery. The guidance is written to support audiology services during the pandemic, with the BSA and BAA advising its use alongside other Covid-19 guidance.

Other sector news

• CLRN2 confirmed as new deafness gene
• Download the Relay UK app for easy conversations with anyone, anywhere
• RNID explains how it is influencing the UK National Disability Strategy
• Self-reported hearing loss linked to increased risk of dementia
• Study claims coffee might help reduce risk of hearing loss
• HCPC – Changes concerning the emergency amendments to our rules under the Health Professions Order 2001