Thousands of people could be denied free hearing aids on the NHS because of funding cuts.
Hearing aids have been free on the NHS ever since the health service was founded in 1948 however NHS leaders are considering saving £1.2 million by no longer giving the aids to people with mild or moderate hearing loss. In North Staffordshire, plans have been put forward to charge some patients up to £3,000.
This would affect people living in Newcastle borough and the Staffordshire Moorlands but could potentially spread across other areas of the UK. Charity campaigners have condemned the move after claiming two-thirds of over-70s currently suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss.
Action on Hearing Loss chief executive Paul Breckell said: “We are shocked to learn of the plans to stop free hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss because these are exactly the people who need them most. Hearing loss is a serious health issue, which, if ignored or unmanaged, can lead to isolation, dementia and mental health problems. Hearing aids offer a lifeline to many people, especially older people with hearing loss, who would otherwise be sat at home alone.”
It is understood that there are no plans to take away hearing aids from people who already have them or deny free aids for those with more severe or profound hearing loss. However, there are large threats that the NHS could soon prevent persons with mild to moderate hearing loss from being entitled to free hearings aids across further areas of the UK.
Labour’s shadow health secretary Andy Burnham asked the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt if he would guarantee that patients won’t be forced to pay for hearing aids on his watch. Mr Hunt refused.
If NHS aids costs are introduced nationally then Defendants in the hearing loss claims industry will no doubt have to consider offering special damages in respect of hearings aids more seriously as it may no longer be a valid argument to rely on aids being available for free on the NHS. The situation is something that the team at Harwood Solicitors will be keeping an eye on.
If you are suffering with hearing loss or tinnitus and have worked in a noisy environment you could be entitled to compensation. Please call us 01254 505090 to speak to a member of our Industrial Disease team or submit your enquiry by email at ……
