NICE guidance
Viewpoints
Brian Lamb
Executive Director of Advocacy and Policy, RNID
The NICE guidance paves the way for thousands of deaf adults and children who do not derive sufficient benefit from hearing aids to receive cochlear implants from the NHS.
RNID, as part of a consortium of charities representing the UK's nine million deaf and hard of hearing people, warmly welcomes NICE's recommendation that the NHS widens access to this life-changing procedure, which will mean thousands of deaf and deafened adults and children will be given greater access to a world of sound.
Not only will adults benefit from this technology, but many children will now be offered cochlear implants in both ears at a very young age thus maximising their potential for improved communication skills and better access to education and employment opportunities.
We will be working closely with the health service managers to ensure that all those who could benefit from NICE's guidance can do so, and we look forward to all Primary Care Trusts and commissioning bodies implementing this guidance as quickly as possible.
