Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID) is welcoming the Department of Health’s commitment to consider how the proposed Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy can bring benefits for people with hearing loss.
Health Minister, Paul Burstow MP, has recognised the charity’s ‘Hearing Matters’ report as an important step in raising the profile of hearing loss, and confirmed that he has asked officials to consider how to take hearing loss on board as the Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy develops.
Mr Burstow, said: “Hearing loss can have a huge impact at both personal and societal levels, and more needs to be done to improve outcomes for people with hearing loss. Hearing loss is not just a health issue, a cross government approach would bring benefits.
“The new Long Term Conditions outcomes strategy, due to be published later in the year, will consider how government departments, local authorities and the voluntary sector can work together to help prevent or delay the onset of long-term conditions such as hearing loss, and provide support at the appropriate times and places in their lives. I have asked officials to work with Action on Hearing Loss to consider how to take hearing loss on board as the Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy develops.”
The Department of Health is re-establishing an Audiology Advisory Group (AAG) to be a forum for Action on Hearing Loss and other key stakeholders to discuss how to improve outcomes for patients with hearing loss.
Action on Hearing Loss’s Managing Director of External Engagement, Sherine Krause, said: “We’re delighted to have persuaded the government, through 'Hearing Matters', that the everyday impact of hearing loss – which can lead to social isolation, depression and mental health problems – needs to be addressed. We look forward to engaging with the Audiology Advisory Group to ensure that the Long Term Conditions strategy produces the best outcomes and support responsive to the individual needs of people with hearing loss.”
To read the Hearing Matters report, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearingmatters.
Contact for media enquiries about Action on Hearing Loss:
Alan Dalziel, Senior PR Officer, telephone: 020 7296 8388 or email: alan.dalziel@hearingloss.org.uk.
Notes for editors:
- Action on Hearing Loss is the charity working for a world where hearing loss doesn't limit or label people, where tinnitus is silenced – and where people value and look after their hearing.
- For further information about Action on Hearing Loss or to become a member, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk, contact the Action on Hearing Loss Information Line on 0808 808 0123 (freephone) or 0808 808 9000 (textphone) or email: informationline@hearingloss.org.uk.