Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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52. To ask the Minister for Health his Department's policy for persons who are deaf or who suffer hearing loss; the schemes that are aimed at reducing the cost of hearing aids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26883/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to ensuring that those suffering from hearing loss have access to the services they require, including access to affordable hearing aids.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides hearing aids and associated maintenance free of charge to children under the age of 18 and to adults with a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.

A technical group within the HSE's Community Audiology Service (CAS) defines the minimum specifications to ensure that medical card holders who need them have access to high quality digital hearing aids. The CAS also undertakes a formal HSE procurement process on a regular basis to ensure public money spent on hearing aids is effectively and efficiently utilised. The Treatment Benefit Scheme, provided by the Department of Social Protection, is available to those who have paid sufficient PRSI contributions. This scheme provides a maximum funding of €500 for each hearing aid and €100 towards the cost of repairs. Suppliers must be registered with the Department of Social Protection. A person may choose to purchase a more expensive hearing aid and would pay any additional costs arising.

Individuals who do not possess a medical card or who are not eligible for the Treatment Benefit Scheme would have to purchase hearing aids privately from a commercial provider. If the individual has private health insurance, it may cover hearing aid costs. Hearing aids are exempt from VAT and people may also be entitled to claim tax relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) on their purchase of hearing aids where prescribed by a practitioner.