01 Mar 2012
The national charity Action on Hearing Loss has welcomed
the Department of Health's announcement that it will consider how
the proposed Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy can benefit
people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Health minister Paul Burstow said the
strategy, which is due to be published later this year, will assess
how government departments, local authorities and voluntary
organisations can work together to help provide support for people
with long-term conditions like hearing loss. Additionally, an
Audiology Advisory Group will be established by the Department of
Health to provide a platform for experts to discuss how outcomes
can be improved for patients.
The decision was made after Mr Burstow
recognised Action on Hearing Loss' report, Hearing Matters, as an
important step in raising the profile of hearing conditions. The
report says hearing loss now affects one in six of the population,
and calls on people to regularly check their hearing and raise
awareness in their own communities of the support and advice
available.
"We're delighted to have persuaded the
government, through 'Hearing Matters', that the everyday impact of
hearing loss - which can lead to social isolation, depression and
mental health problems - needs to be addressed," said Sherine
Krause, managing director of the charity. "We look forward to
engaging with the Audiology Advisory Group to ensure that the Long
Term Conditions strategy produces the best outcomes and support
responsive to the individual needs of people with hearing
loss."
If you think you may have a hearing loss why not take our online
hearing check questionnaire or make an appointment to have a free
hearing test at your nearest Amplifon branch.
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