John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adults waiting to have a hearing aid fitted; the average waiting time to have a hearing aid fitted; the cost of hearing aids provided through the Health Service Executive; the mark-up on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41972/10]

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.

Hearing aids that are provided through HSE services to medical card holders are purchased via a central contract. The contracted cost of a hearing aid can range from €71 to €399 and the total cost of hearing aids 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. There is no charge levied on patients for hearing aids.

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.