Tens of thousands of people with hearing loss will have access to
groundbreaking new hearing aid devices, thanks to Government
action.
Fresh guidance has
been published today (Thursday 16 January), giving businesses
around the world the green light to sell certain pioneering
hearing aids here in the UK.
This includes earphones with both hearing test and hearing aid
software functionalities. Such revolutionary products allow
someone to take a hearing test at home using their earphones and
an app on their phone. If the test indicates mild to moderate
hearing loss, the person can then switch on the hearing aid
function on the same earphones.
This will make it easier and more convenient for patients to
manage their own health. Combatting hearing loss can also reduce
associated risks like social isolation.
The Government's Plan for Change has a laser-focus on securing
the UK's position as a global tech powerhouse which fosters
innovation to transform the lives of working people, with the
Prime Minister this week setting out a blueprint to
unleash artificial intelligence across the UK – including in
healthcare – and deliver a decade of national renewal.
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
“Britain can be a powerhouse for medical technology, but only
if we rip out pointless regulation that suffocates
innovation.
“Groundbreaking new hearing aid devices have the potential to
help tens of thousands of people with hearing loss, helping them
to live their life to the full. The action we're taking will give
businesses the green-light to start selling these products to
patients across the UK.
“This is part of the work this government is undertaking in
partnership with leading technology companies, to harness the
revolution in medical technology, bring our analogue healthcare
into the digital age, and make life more convenient for
patients.”
One in three adults in the UK are deaf or experience hearing loss
or tinnitus – which rises to more than 50% of over-55s.
Of these, approximately 53% use hearing aids. Currently, there is
uncertainty about whether patients are able to buy hearing aids
directly, including as part of testing their hearing at home.
Today's guidance will put an end to this confusion – speeding up
patient access to the devices while making the UK an attractive
place to manufacture innovative and wearable medical technology.
The move delivers on the Prime Minister's commitment at the
International Investment Summit to tackle bureaucracy blocking
investment and remove unnecessary regulatory burdens that have
previously stifled growth.
There are lots of possible causes of hearing loss. It may be
caused by something treatable or it may be permanent. The NHS
advises that if patients have not already undergone a clinical
assessment, they should see a GP if:
- they think their hearing is getting
gradually worse
- they've had treatment for an ear
infection or earwax build-up but their hearing has not come back
- they have sudden hearing loss in 1
or both ears
- their hearing has been getting
worse over the last few days or weeks
- their have hearing loss along with
other symptoms, such as earache or discharge coming out of the
ear
Patients can also have hearing tests at some pharmacists and
opticians too.
Patient safety will be paramount, and the Government will ensure
that all manufacturers comply with the relevant legislation.
People will also still be encouraged to seek clinical advice
through their GP if they are having problems with their hearing.
This will help fulfil two of the 10 Year Health Plan's key goals
– moving care from hospital to the community and shifting the
health service from analogue to digital.
The move will help establish the UK as a global leader for
innovative treatments and technologies, supporting sustained
economic growth, good jobs and increased productivity across the
country, while ensuring patients have greater control of their
own healthcare.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- The Government has already set out a series of steps to
ensure this kind of innovation is nurtured in the UK.
- In October, a new group was set up to ensure new technologies
- like AI for better treatments in our NHS and drones
delivering emergency supplies to all corners of the UK, could
reach the public faster.
- The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will reduce the burden
for businesses hoping to bring new products and services to the
market, including AI training software for surgeons to
deliver more accurate surgical treatments for patients.
- It will speed up approvals and ensure different regulatory
bodies work together smoothly.
