Authors' objectives:

To provide guidance on new advances in hearing aid technology.

Authors' recommendations: Guidance 1.1 The full range of analogue hearing aids in the current NHS range should be available at all NHS audiology centres. The device offered to an individual patient should be based on a careful matching of device capability to need and on patient choice and should include binaural fitting where indicated. The presumption should be that the more sophisticated analogue aids will confer more benefit than the basic linear aids. Patient choice should be enabled to take account of both function and design. 1.2 The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency should review the existing NHS range of analogue aids against the full range of analogue aids currently available. 1.3 There is insufficient robust scientific evidence to support the nationwide introduction of digital hearing aids at present. Evidence regarding the benefits of digital devices as compared to the current NHS range and to more sophisticated analogue devices, is expected to be available after the completion of research projects currently being undertaken in the UK. Further evaluation of digital technology and its implementation will take place in a number of projects including the Modernising Hearing Aids First Wave Project (formerly known as Beacon Sites) being established by the Department of Health in England.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/cat.asp?c=6967

Year Published: 2000

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Contact Address: MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA, UK. Tel: +44 020 7067 5800; Fax: +44 020 7067 5801

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)