Free hearing aids for over 55s in the region
Free hearing aids will be available for people over 55 across the region under a new service being launched by health chiefs and opticians.
NHS Primary Care Trusts across the Black Country have launched the new service with Scrivens Opticians, Specsavers and The Hearing Company, in a move that will drastically speed up the process.
Some patients have had to wait several weeks for a referral but under the new scheme, can be seen within seven days of visiting their GP.
A hearing test, fitting the hearing aids, batteries and aftercare will all be free. Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley and South Staffordshire PCTs are all taking part.
It is hoped thousands of people who struggle with their hearing will benefit.
People can be referred from their GP if they are concerned that their hearing is getting worse. Bosses running the scheme say hearing aids can be fitted in the same appointment as an assessment, but say it is not yet clear how many people will take advantage of it.
Sharon Hinks, manager at the Wolverhampton branch of Scrivens Opticians and The Hearing Company in Lichfield Street, said: "Traditionally NHS hearing aids have only been available from hospitals, but we are delighted to be working with the local Primary Care Trusts in the Black Country to offer this free service on the high street along with NHS eyecare.
"This service is of huge benefit to NHS patients, improving care locally and offering more choice, with appointments at times to suit patients' lifestyles. With the over 55s now able to choose which hearing aid audiologist they are referred to by their GP, hearing care is simpler, faster, more convenient and easier to access – a positive outcome for both the patient and the NHS.
"Anyone over 55 noticing that phone conversations are increasingly difficult, they tend to turn the TV and radio up more than they used to and frequently ask people to repeat themselves, can ask their GP to refer them."
