18 March 2022

NCHA member update – 18 March

This week:

• Review of audiology services in Scotland
• NHS digital playbook promotes community audiology benefits
• NICE updates guidance on otitis media
• Channel 4 pledges to subtitle 100% of All4 content
• National Lottery funding for Yorkshire's deaf community
• UK Hearing Conservation Association guidance on hearing protector fit testing
• Other sector news

Review of audiology services in Scotland

The Scottish Government has appointed Professor Jacqueline Taylor to chair a group to review audiology services. The chair is now finalising the review's scope, membership, and reporting timeline.
 
Professor Taylor said: "I look forward to working with this group over the coming months. We expect to engage with the widest range of professionals and stakeholders in this area, identifying any gaps in provision but also learning from good practice."

NHS digital playbook promotes community audiology benefits

The NHS has published a digital playbook on community audiology-led clinics supported by digital otology to support the delivery of patient pathways. A key learning point from the pilots was that more patients seen in a community setting were discharged without needing ENT services.

NICE updates guidance on otitis media

Following a review of its antimicrobial prescribing strategy for acute otitis media, NICE has added a new recommendation on eardrops containing an anaesthetic and an analgesic. Access the complete guideline.

Channel 4 pledges to subtitle 100% of All4 content

Channel 4 has committed to returning to full coverage of subtitles across its network (Channel 4, More 4 and E4). It also hopes to have 100% subtitle coverage on All4, its on-demand service.

National Lottery funding for Yorkshire's deaf community

The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded almost £2 million to 54 organisations. The Deaf Youth Council is one recipient that supports young people aged 17-30 by organising guest speaker workshops, residential trips, communications support, and opportunities for network building. 

UK Hearing Conservation Association guidance on hearing protector fit testing

UKHCA has launched new guidance to help companies and individuals ensure they are protected against harmful noise that can lead to hearing loss. It describes the available methods and discusses the importance of selecting adequate and suitable protection devices.

Other sector news

The British Sign Language Bill, which has received government support, enters its final stages in the House of Commons on 18 March. The House of Lords will then consider it.
 
ENT UK has launched its new user-friendly website, which features improved design and functionality.
 
A study finds the economic benefits of globally investing in hearing care interventions are enormous, with $15 returned for each dollar invested in hearing care.
 
Another study reveals that 10% of Saudi Arabian children with severe hearing loss were identified as having auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.
 
The EuroTrak Belgium 2021 survey revealed that 9.4% of people in Belgium say they have a hearing loss, 34% of whom use hearing aids. Hearing loss in the over 18s was 11%. Comparable figures have been found in similar surveys conducted in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.