Menu
25/03/2004
Minister turns up volume on digital hearing aids
Health Minister, Angela Smith today announced that over 100,000 hearing aid users in Northern Ireland may benefit from a new programme to introduce Digital Hearing Aids.
Visiting the Audiology Department of Craigavon Area Hospital, the Minister said the new Digital Hearing Aids, introduced last year, would greatly improve the lives of hearing aid users in Northern Ireland.
“It will take a number of years to assess every user’s suitability for the new aids," the Minister said. "People being referred for the first time for a hearing aid will automatically be tested for a digital aid. Existing users will be tested at their next review."
Brian Symington MBE, the Northern Ireland Director of RNID said: “This is great news for deaf and hard of hearing people in Northern Ireland here. Modernising audiology services based on digital hearing technology will go along way to transforming people’s lives.
Former NIO Minister, Des Browne announced in December 2002 that Digital Hearing Aids would be introduced, on a phased basis, from September 2003.
In 2003/04 the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety allocated £500,000 for the installation of computer based testing equipment in the 12 hospital Audiology Departments across Northern Ireland.
A further £500,000 was allocated to recruit additional audiology staff to support the introduction of the new aids and to purchase stocks of the aids in October 2003.
(MB)
Visiting the Audiology Department of Craigavon Area Hospital, the Minister said the new Digital Hearing Aids, introduced last year, would greatly improve the lives of hearing aid users in Northern Ireland.
“It will take a number of years to assess every user’s suitability for the new aids," the Minister said. "People being referred for the first time for a hearing aid will automatically be tested for a digital aid. Existing users will be tested at their next review."
Brian Symington MBE, the Northern Ireland Director of RNID said: “This is great news for deaf and hard of hearing people in Northern Ireland here. Modernising audiology services based on digital hearing technology will go along way to transforming people’s lives.
Former NIO Minister, Des Browne announced in December 2002 that Digital Hearing Aids would be introduced, on a phased basis, from September 2003.
In 2003/04 the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety allocated £500,000 for the installation of computer based testing equipment in the 12 hospital Audiology Departments across Northern Ireland.
A further £500,000 was allocated to recruit additional audiology staff to support the introduction of the new aids and to purchase stocks of the aids in October 2003.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2012
NI HIV Numbers Rise 10%
The number of people living with HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 10%. A report by the Public Health Agency (PHA) found 522 are living with the infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 10% since 2010. The number of newly-diagnosed people with HIV rose by 3%, from 80 in 2010 to 82 in 2011.
NI HIV Numbers Rise 10%
The number of people living with HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 10%. A report by the Public Health Agency (PHA) found 522 are living with the infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 10% since 2010. The number of newly-diagnosed people with HIV rose by 3%, from 80 in 2010 to 82 in 2011.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
22 November 2011
Hear! Hear! Poots Backs Deaf Kids
A cool £1m has been allocated to a programme that could help restore hearing to 23 children in Northern Ireland. Edwin Poots, the Stormont Health Minister has also announced that a 'scoping study' is to investigate the quality of audiology services overall.
Hear! Hear! Poots Backs Deaf Kids
A cool £1m has been allocated to a programme that could help restore hearing to 23 children in Northern Ireland. Edwin Poots, the Stormont Health Minister has also announced that a 'scoping study' is to investigate the quality of audiology services overall.
29 November 2018
SDLP Encourage Testing Ahead Of World AIDS Day
As Saturday 01 December marks World AIDS Day, politicians in Northern Ireland are encouraging those at risk to get tested, and promoting the red ribbon as a symbol of awareness for the condition.
SDLP Encourage Testing Ahead Of World AIDS Day
As Saturday 01 December marks World AIDS Day, politicians in Northern Ireland are encouraging those at risk to get tested, and promoting the red ribbon as a symbol of awareness for the condition.
01 December 2011
Infections Rise As World Aids Day Marked
World Aids day today has been marked by news locally that the number of new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 20% in the last year.
Infections Rise As World Aids Day Marked
World Aids day today has been marked by news locally that the number of new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 20% in the last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
