HEARING SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR PEOPLE AGED 65

Early day motion 558, tabled 14 October 2013 by Stephen Lloyd (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 37 members.

That this House recognises the debilitating effects that age-onset hearing loss can have on a person's life by significantly reducing their ability to communicate effectively with friends, family and work colleagues, leading to loneliness and isolation; further recognises that hearing loss can exacerbate a number of other conditions including dementia; acknowledges that age-onset hearing loss affects over 10 million people in the UK and this number is on the increase; notes that a hearing screening programme for people aged 65 would ensure individuals adapt better to hearing aids earlier in their life, thus providing a greater success rate which would ensure better management of their hearing loss; and supports calls for the National Screening Committee to instigate such a Hearing Screening Programme.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 9, DUP 4, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1, Conservative 1, Respect 1.