Mr. Shay Kearns:

I think they are addressing the need right now. The backlog is made up solely of sequential implantation cases, so that is people who have already received an implant. The usual cycle from the point of identification of hearing loss to the point of implant is about one year. During that year there is a long assessment process. An implant is a once-off procedure and an irreversible surgery. The consultants have to be 100% sure that the child's hearing loss is permanent, is severe to profound, and that the child will not gain enough benefits from hearing aids to give them the ability to speak. The assessment takes nine months.