Written answers
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Department of Health and Children
Medical Aids and Appliances
9:00 am
Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the total number of children and adults waiting to have a hearing aid fitted; the average waiting times to have a hearing aid fitted; the cost of hearing aids provided through the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34738/10]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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There are 1,305 adults and 69 children waiting for hearing aids following assessment. The average waiting time for adults is currently 3 to 4 months and the average waiting time for children is approximately 6 weeks. The total cost of hearing aids provided through HSE services to medical card holders in 2009 was just over €1.4m for adults and €0.3m for children. This does not include the cost of repairs, remakes, earmoulds or accessories which amounted to almost €0.2m.
In June 2009, the HSE commissioned a National Review of Audiology Services. A key focus of this review is better integration of the various services provided by the HSE and external agencies involved in the provision of audiology services. The Review has examined the services currently being provided to children and adults nationwide to inform a national plan for the service. The Review Group expects to complete its report by year end.
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