Can I get an NHS digital hearing aid in my area?

The availability of digital hearing aids dependson which country you live in.

England

All audiology services in England now fit digital hearing aids.

The Modernising Hearing Aid Services (MHAS) programme, funded by the Department of Health, modernised hearing services within the NHS across England. The programme started in September 2000 with the first wave of 20 NHS sites starting to fit digital hearing aids in 2000/2001: the last ones 'going live' in spring 2005.

Scotland

In February 2003, the Scottish Executive announced an investment of £8 million over four years to modernise audiology services. This was on top of the £2.25 million funding that they had already provided to upgrade audiology equipment. Then in October 2003, a further £9 million over three years was announced to ensure that hearing services have the necessary equipment, staff and digital hearing aids. Scotland should have completed the upgrade by 2007.

Wales

The Welsh Executive has provided £2.25 million to help modernise audiology services and hearing aids throughout Wales. Local funding has also been provided and all departments are now delivering the new service.

Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Minister pledged £2.5 million to modernise audiology services. This is being used to equip and train audiology staff and to supply departments with digital hearing aids so that they can provide these to patients.