27 February 2026

NCHA member update – 27 February

This week:

• Get ready for World Hearing Day 2026!
• BIHIMA market data shows importance of primary care audiology
• HCPC publishes updated fitness to practice guidance
• NICE assesses hearing aid technology
• Trio of trustees
• Ear to the ground
• Health policy

Get ready for World Hearing Day 2026!

NCHA will mark World Hearing Day (WHD) on Tuesday 3 March by launching a series of posters and social media post suggestions, all free for anyone to use.

Please help raise awareness of good hearing care by encouraging people to get their ears checked. You can download the assets here to use on WHD.

BIHIMA market data shows importance of primary care audiology

The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association has released its market data for the fourth quarter of 2025. Primary care audiology providers accounted for 40% of pan-UK NHS-funded hearing aids, despite only providing NHS care in about 50% of England. This data demonstrates how more NHS patients are opting to access care closer to home when given a choice.

In 2025, the number of units sold for NHS-funded provision on the high street rose by 10%, or 73,000 units. Read more in Clarity.

HCPC publishes updated fitness to practice guidance

The HCPC has updated its Fitness to Practice (FTP) guidance to help clarify the regulatory process and make decisions easier, particularly in areas such as discrimination, professional boundaries, and sexually motivated misconduct.

The changes include new guidance on the aggravating and mitigating factors that panels should consider, and a reaffirmation that all forms of discrimination are unacceptable. Read more in Clarity. 

NICE assesses hearing aid technology

The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) has published the final scope for assessing the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of hearing aid technology, in response to the rapid innovation in hearing devices over the past 25 years.

The assessment "aims to support commissioning and procurement decisions, promote effective use of NHS resources, and improve care". NICE will publish the final document in January 2027. Read more in Clarity.

Trio of trustees

The British Society of Audiology is seeking three new trustees to join its council and contribute to the organisation's leadership and governance. It says the trustees will work with other organisations to "improve knowledge, promote learning, inform practice and drive positive impact in the field of hearing and balance". Read more.

Ear to the ground

• NHS England has updated its newborn hearing screening programme (NHSP) operational guidance. Read more.
• Specsavers has launched an audiology graduate programme for HCPC registrants or those studying for an audiology degree. Find out more.
• Deafblind UK and Deafblind Scotland launched the National Usher Syndrome Helpline, which will open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm. Read more.
• The NDCS has cautiously welcomed the government Schools White Paper, which pledges a £1.8 billion commitment to fund special needs staff in mainstream schools. 
• The RNID looks back at cochlear implant developments and how they have helped adults and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Read more.
• Hasbro, the owners of Peppa Pig, introduce a storyline in which George gets a hearing aid. Read more in Clarity.

Health policy news

ENT UK has published a workforce analysis laying bare staff shortages and an uneven regional distribution of consultants that is placing a huge strain on services. NHS England figures from December 2025 showed ENT had the second-largest proportion of patients waiting beyond the 18-week target for consultant-led services in the NHS.
 
There was no specific reference to audiology, which supports ENT clinics. However, a statement from ENT UK said it would "take forward work in 2026 to strengthen workforce data and support the development of new training routes, particularly for allied health professionals and primary care colleagues".
 
Helen Cocks, its president, said: "ENT UK is committed to working with partners across the system to develop solutions and improve patient experience. This report gives us the evidence. The next step is action."
 
Dash to the finish line for elective care
 
NHS England plans to spend about £120 million on a 'sprint' exercise to try to reach its elective target of having 65% of patients waiting no longer than 18 weeks for treatment by March 2026, the HSJ reports. 
 
Trusts will use much of the funding for additional outpatient work, focused on first appointments and procedures, to try to complete as many referral-to-treatment pathways as possible.