08 October 2021

NCHA member update – 8 October

This week:

• Covid-19 - Audiology and otology guidance during the pandemic
• Audiology calls for regular adult hearing tests in the UK
• Get involved - BSA consultations
• HCPC updates
• Forbes health reviews BOSE hearing aid
• 2021 CSO conference - remote hearing care
• Northern Ireland waiting time statistics
• NCHA HR support - WorkNest
• Free webinar on contracts and handbooks
• Attend the DWP Kickstart employer webinar
• Other sector news

Covid-19 - Audiology and otology guidance during the pandemic

AIHHP, BAA, BSA and BHSAA have reviewed the Joint Guidance for Audiology and Otology during the Covid 19 pandemic and decided not to make any significant changes. It will next be reviewed in April 2022. Access the latest version for your records. 

Audiology calls for regular adult hearing tests in the UK

The British and Irish Hearing Manufacturers Association (BIHMA) has said most audiologists recommended an NHS funded hearing tests for all older adults.
 
It follows a recent study in The Lancet showing that hearing loss doubles between 49 and 59. And, in the latest BIHIMA research, 60% of audiologists recommended annual hearing tests for the over 55s, and around 75% said hearing tests for the age group should be state-funded.
 
The BIHMA says that too often, people do not access hearing tests available through primary care audiology or the hospital audiology service, and less than a third of us realise hearing loss can flag up other health issues.
 
Frank Young, head of policy and strategy at the NCHA, said: "We agree with the majority of audiologists that took part in this survey, all older adults should have access to an NHS funded hearing test. This is already the case for NHS funded sight tests yet, despite the negative impacts of unaddressed hearing loss, there are far too many barriers to accessing an NHS hearing test.  Regular hearing tests, funded by the NHS, and accessible close to home, would help normalise hearing care in the UK and help us tackle the major and growing public health challenge unaddressed hearing loss has become".

Get involved - BSA consultations

The British Society of Audiology's Professional Guidance Group is consulting on two guidelines:

• Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) Testing. The deadline for this consultation is Friday, 29 October 2021
• Taking an aural impression: children under five years of age. The deadline for this consultation is Friday, 29 October 2021.

HCPC updates

The HCPC joined seven other healthcare regulators to publish an annual report on whistleblowing disclosures. The HCPC received 12 whistleblowing disclosures in the 12 months between April 2020 and March 2021. Read more.
 
The HCPC has developed new supervision resources to help you and your practice. Read more.
 
You can now also read the HCPC's update on its Standards of Proficiency review.

Forbes health reviews BOSE hearing aid

Forbes Health has reviewed the Bose FDA-approved direct-to-consumer hearing aid. Read the review.

2021 CSO conference - remote hearing care

This year's CSO conference took place on 5 October. It included presentations from audiologist Adam Beckman, who talked about a cloud-based hearing aid app that allows clinicians to make live adjustments remotely. He said this reduced the number of visits to hospitals, which was also good for the environment. Mr Beckman said the remote pathway resulted in 5-10 fewer clinic visits per week. Results will be published at this year's BAA conference.

Northern Ireland waiting time statistics

Data shows that 6,400 patients were waiting for pure tone audiometry in Northern Ireland by June 2021, with 37% of these patients waiting more than 13 weeks.

NCHA HR support - WorkNest

NCHA practice owner members have access to expert HR support. To use the service, email [email protected] or call 01244 687 602. You can also access HR and health and safety resources in your practice owner's hub.
 
Our employment law partner Ellis Whittam, which has now rebranded as WorkNest, provides our HR and health and safety guidance.
 
If you have any questions about this or other member benefits, please email us at [email protected] or by phone on 020 7298 5110.

Free webinar on contracts and handbooks

Our employment law partner, WorkNest, is running a free webinar on contracts and handbooks. This will cover recommended protections, remote working considerations and regulatory updates to better protect employers from future unforeseen circumstances.
 
Senior employment law adviser Rachel Holding will discuss actions you can take now to ensure contracts are watertight and updated for hybrid and homeworking. She will also give a recap on the Good Work Plan changes.
 
There will be a chance to ask questions before or during the webinar. Register for free.

Attend the DWP Kickstart employer webinar

The UK government Kickstart employer scheme funds a six-month job for a young person aged 16-24 years old on Universal Credit. For each young person you take on as a direct employer, you will receive £1,500 to support their learning. The DWP is running webinars next week on the scheme and how to apply. Learn more and register.

Other sector news

Audiology Worldnews asks whether portable screening for hearing loss is good enough to become the norm, replacing sound-treated booths? Learn more
 
Michael Lawrence, an audiology student at De Montfort University, discusses fighting hearing aid stigma, one patient at a time.
 
Please consider sharing this Accessible Information Standard 2021 survey with your patients.