14 May 2021

NCHA member update – 14 May

This week:

• Covid-19 updates
• Bose launches hearing aids
• Regulation update
• Get involved - tinnitus service evaluation
• Other sector news

Covid-19 updates

The BSA has said that considering the continued vaccine programme, reducing infection numbers, and easing of government restrictions, it advises the sector to operate under guidance specified in stage C (page 32) of its joint guidance.  

This week, the UK Chief Medical Officers recommended that the UK Covid-19 alert level moves from level 4 to level 3. However, they cautioned that Covid "is still circulating with people catching and spreading the virus every day, so we all need to continue to be vigilant. This remains a major pandemic globally." Read the statement.

Bose launches hearing aids

Bose has launched its 'SoundControl hearing aids'. Bose says that the 'FDA cleared' devices allow users to fit, programme and control their aids from their smartphone.

Bose has launched an online ordering system where people in the US can perform a hearing screening and order the device directly. Read more.  

Regulation update

HCPC Chief Executive has called for a recalibration of healthcare professional regulation. This week John Barwick, HCPC CEO, said there was a need for greater collaboration and that there was now a need to "recalibrate professional regulation so that it focuses above all on outcomes, on protecting the public rather than simply protecting titles". He also called for greater collaboration across all healthcare regulators. Read the complete statement.  

Naomi Nicholson has joined HCPC as Executive Director of Professional Practice and Insight.

The PSA has published The future shape of the Accredited Registers programme following a public consultation. The PSA said its review found it was essential to have a "system of assurance for unregulated health and care roles being embedded within the wider system". It will now "fine-tune" its proposals and consult with targeted stakeholder groups.

Get involved - tinnitus service evaluation

Carol MacDonald, PhD student at NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Nottingham (Hearing) and the University of Nottingham, has launched a survey to find out more about how audiologists and hearing therapists assess and manage adult tinnitus patients who may be experiencing or at risk of experiencing self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Learn more and take part.

Other sector news

Last week was Deaf Awareness Week. The BBC reported how Will Moseley-Roberts is studying medicine after being diagnosed with a progressive bilateral hearing loss.

Sonova has purchased headphone firm Sennheiser's consumer division for €200m.

Tess Bright and De Wet Swanepoel report mobile technology for ear and hearing care is rapidly growing and changing and offers new and innovative solutions to address people's hearing needs in low and middle-income countries.