A new Action Plan on Hearing Loss to support services for deaf people and those with diminishing hearing has been produced by NHS England and the Department of Health.
The plan has been developed with a number of organisations including Public Health England, hearing loss charities and those whose hearing is directly affected.
Aimed at commissioners, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), GPs and healthcare providers, the report identifies multiple health and social issues associated with hearing loss. It recommends ways that services for children, young people, working age and older adults living with hearing loss can be improved.
Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director of NHS England, said: “This plan acknowledges and begins to address the growing problems of hearing loss, which has significant economic, social and personal consequences including unemployment and feelings of isolation, exclusion and even depression.”
A hearing loss commissioning framework is also planned to ensure a more person centred and integrated approach and encourage best practice across hearing loss service commissioners.
