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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 14 December 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 December 2015. It was answered by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Friday, 18 December 2015 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Hearing Impaired: Screening

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy for the NHS to screen all people over the age of 55 for hearing loss.

Answer

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) advises Ministers and the NHS in all four countries about all aspects of screening policy.


In 2009-10 the UK NSC recommended that routine screening for adult hearing loss should not be offered because of the lack of evidence to warrant a screening programme. In particular:

- it is not clear what the test should be;

- there is no agreed time or schedule for carrying out the testing;

- the acceptability of the test and in particular the treatment (hearing aids) is unclear; and

- there had been no randomised trials of screening.


As part of its routine evidence review process the UK NSC has just reviewed its recommendation on screening adults for hearing loss again. Ministers expect to receive a recommendation from the UK NSC shortly.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20093
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Hearing impairment Older people Screening
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk