03 September 2021

NCHA member update – 3 September

This week:

• UK and Irish hearing instrument sales show signs of strong recovery
• HCPC launches consultation on changes to rules to hold remote hearings
• Will hearing aids ever be hip?
• First Deafblind Convention 7 October
• Complex needs survey - England
• UK Government breached Equality Act

UK and Irish hearing instrument sales show signs of strong recovery

BIHIMA's latest data show private hearing aid sales in Q2 2021 continued to recover following Covid-19 lockdowns. The UK private sector sold over 105,000 aids in Q2, a growth of 35% on Q1. However, NHS hearing aid sales remain suppressed at 65% of pre-Covid levels.

HCPC launches consultation on changes to rules to hold remote hearings

The HCPC has launched a consultation on permanently amending its rules to have the express power to hold hearings remotely. The consultation will run until 23 November 2021. The NCHA will be reviewing and responding to the consultation on members' behalf. If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Will hearing aids ever be hip?

This week, The New York Times asked whether hearing aids will ever be hip. The article touches on the public health cost of unaddressed hearing loss, emerging technology and legislative change in the USA and the case for better funding of audiology time. Read more.

First Deafblind Convention 7 October

Deafblind UK will host the UK's first virtual Deafblind Convention on 7 October. The event will bring together people living with sight and hearing loss with those who have a professional or academic interest in the field. The event is free to join and is available to book online. Learn more and take part.

Complex needs survey - England

NHS England is running a survey to understand hearing services for children and young people with a learning disability and/or autism. The children and young people audiology complex needs service provision survey will close on 30 September.

UK Government breached Equality Act

The RNID reports on a judgement that found the UK Government breached the Equality Act by failing to provide a BSL interpreter at specific Covid data briefings. Mark Atkinson, Chief Executive, RNID, urged the "Government to go beyond the limited scope of the judgement and commit to the total implementation of our shopping list on accessible comms not just during, but beyond the pandemic."