21 May 2021

NCHA member update - 21 May

This week:

• BSA publishes new clinical guidance on wax management and more
• Audiology registers to merge
• BIHIMA surveys 2000 UK adults to assess knowledge about hearing loss
• UK Covid-19 survey assesses attitudes to telehealth service
• BAA responds to Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Investigation report 
• Apple improves accessibility
• One month left to join VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme

BSA publishes new clinical guidance on wax management and more

The BSA has published new guidance on aural care (ear wax removal). It includes information on methods, infection control, risk assessment, and obtaining consent. All NCHA members that provide wax management services are strongly encouraged to read this guidance.

The BSA has also published new guidance on audiological assessment and hearing aid provision for patients with a programmable ventriculo-peritoneal (PVP) shunt?(here) and Audiology Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities?(here). Again, we recommend members' professional service leads read all applicable clinical guidance from the BSA.

Audiology registers to merge

The RCCP has now confirmed it will transfer audiologists on its register to the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS). The RCCP consulted on a potential merger earlier this year, and following that process, it has said the "best way of achieving this is for the RCCP to become a subsidiary of the AHCS". Read more.

BIHIMA surveys 2000 UK adults to assess knowledge about hearing loss

The British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) has surveyed 2,000 UK adults about their "awareness of the co-existence of hearing loss and other diseases such as dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure". The survey reports that 67% of respondents were unaware of the association between hearing loss and dementia. In addition, more than half were not aware there was an association with depression and other mental health problems.

BIHIMA adds that its research "is important in its potential to encourage behaviour change" as "a further 64% of Brits said they would be more likely to wear a hearing instrument if they knew about the association of hearing loss and other health conditions".

Read more.

UK Covid-19 survey assesses attitudes to telehealth service

In a survey of over 300 hearing care professionals, researchers say they feel "telehealth was under-utilised" in the sector during the pandemic. Their report found variation in tele-audiology adoption. The researchers suggested a more collaborative approach across the sector could improve the use of telehealth. Read more.

BAA responds to Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Investigation report

A Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Investigation found "sustained and significant failures in the diagnostic and testing process" at Lothian NHS Board's paediatric audiology service. In response, the BAA has said it is "deeply saddened" by the report and will "work closely with other partners to support NHS Lothian in professional learning and to assist them to complete the ombudsman recommendations, including an audit of other children who may be affected".

Apple improves accessibility

Apple has introduced 'SightTime', which will allow people to communicate with AppleCare using British Sign Language (BSL). It will also be available in American Sign Language and French Sign Language. Apple said the software is part of a wider range of tools to improve accessibility across all of its technologies and will eventually be rolled out to more countries. Learn more.

One month left to join VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme

If your business deferred VAT payments last year, you have until 21 June 2021 to join the new online payment scheme to spread the cost of deferred VAT. This is because the online portal for the new payment scheme will close on 21 June 2021. Read more and act now.