Mr. Brendan Lennon:

Yes, one would be entitled to that. However, one cannot avail of it until the following year, so one is still faced an upfront payment. Some people experience unilateral hearing loss, that is, hearing loss in one ear. A minority constituting approximately 10% of claimants look for one hearing aid, in some instances because they cannot afford a second. Some 90% of people with hearing loss experience bilateral hearing loss, that is, hearing loss in both ears, and need two hearing aids.