Data published by the DH shows that the waiting times for patients with hearing difficulties to receive a digital hearing aid has reached an all-time low.

Patients in England are now waiting 4.9 weeks on average from GP referral to treatment in direct-access audiology services. Three years ago, 47,000 people were waiting over a year for a hearing assessment before facing another wait for the fitting of a hearing aid.

In March 2008, the Department of Health committed to reducing waiting times for patients referred to audiology services.

Health Minister Mike O'Brien commented: "The NHS treats around 400,000 patients referred directly to audiology services every year and it is vital people across the country are able to access these services without delay.

"The use of new technology in the NHS and support from the Department of Health's National Audiology Programme, which is promoting clinical innovation and new models of care, have played a key role in cutting waits in audiology services."

"RNID welcomes the increasing numbers of people receiving their hearing aids within the 18-week waiting time standard," said Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of RNID (the Royal National Institute for the Deaf). "No-one should face an unnecessary delay to be provided with essential services and equipment that can dramatically improve their quality of life."

Mike O'Brien