Publication of hearing aid assessments and reassessments during quarter ending 31 December 2007

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published information on Hearing Aid Assessments and Re-Assessments for quarter ending 31 December 2007.

This statistical bulletin presents information on hearing aid assessments and re-assessments by audiologists in Northern Ireland.

It includes information on both adults and children fitted and assessed for hearing aids during the quarter, complaints received, and cost of aids issued.

In addition, the return monitors complete and incomplete waits for assessment during the quarter, and the length of time patients were waiting, or had waited, following referral to an audiologist (specified time bands).

Key facts and figures

Patients Fitted:

• 3,027 patients were fitted with a digital hearing aid or analogue hearing aid during the quarter ending 31 December 2007 (2,946 digital hearing aids and 81 analogue hearing aids).
• Of the 3,027 patients fitted during the quarter, almost two thirds (1,983) were new patients.
• Belfast HSC Trust had the highest number of patients fitted with hearing aids during the quarter (936), 682 in the South Eastern HSC Trust, 623 in the Northern HSC Trust, 453 in the Southern HSC Trust, and 333 in the Western HSC Trust.
• During the quarter 1,952 existing clients were issued with digital hearing aid replacements or fixes (To avoid double counting, patients issued with replacement aids/ parts or fixes are not included in the information above).

Patients Assessed:

• 1,964 new and 1,334 existing patients were assessed for hearing aids during the quarter ending 31 December 2007. Of these, 67 adults were assessed as unsuitable for a hearing aid.

Cost of Hearing Aids:

• During the quarter ending 31 December 2007, 5,043 aids were issued across the four Boards at a total cost of £336,165.

Complaints Received:

• One complaint was reported by Audiology Departments in Northern Ireland during the quarter ending 31 December 2007.

Completed Waiting Times:

• During the quarter ending 31 December 2007, 3,736 patients had their hearing aid assessment/ re-assessment completed. This was 223 (6%) more than during the previous quarter.
• Of these 3,736 patients, 83% had been waiting less than 3 months from referral to Audiology Department until the aid was fitted and 17% had been waiting 3 to 6 months.

Incomplete Waiting Times:

• At 31 December 2007, 767 patients were waiting for their hearing aid assessment/ re-assessment to be completed. This was 150 (16%) less than the number waiting at the end of the previous quarter.
• The highest proportion (97%) of these patients were waiting less than 3 months and 3% were waiting for 3 to 6 months. No patient was waiting more than 6 months.

Notes to Editors:

1. All publications are available on line at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website

2. About the data:

• The source of the data contained in this release is the Departmental monitoring return AUD1. This return collects information from HSC Trusts on a quarterly basis.
• Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 1 April 2008.

3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS.

4. Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch,
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety,
Annex 2, Castle Buildings,
Stormont, BT4 3SQ
Telephone: 028 9052 3299
E-mail: CIB@dhsspsni.gov.uk
Internet: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

5. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0571, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.