"Audiology Appointments"

Waiting times for appointments with audiology are unacceptable. I have been given an appointment for fitting of new aids 3 1/2 months ahead of my last assessment in mid August. My old hearing aids no longer work. I need them in order to do my job. Work is very problematic without them.

It should be much easier for people of working age especially, to have flexible and easy to book appointments so that if replacements or adjustments and repairs to hearing aids are necessary, this service should be more responsive and appointments, available at short notice.

I rely on my hearing aids: I have a progressive, moderate hearing loss. I cannot imagine any other essential service for the disabled being as inaccessible as this one. If I needed a wheelchair or adaptations to my house, would Ihave to wait nearly 4 months? I don't think so!

As I understand it, this is a funding issue. iWe are told that NHS services should be responsive to need, and money allocated accordingly. Why is it then,that when demand for audiology services is increasing, with an ageing population, the audiologists tell me that their funding continues to be cut and they are short of staff.?

Please recognise the importance of this service for those of us with hearing loss.

Incidentally, the quality of service in this Department is excellent. Staff are helpful.,courteous and respectful. I have no complaints at all about my care. However, the accessibility of the Service is such a major issue that I feel that I could not recommend it to friends and family.