Information about AIHHP for organisations that deal directly or indirectly with hearing related issues, including the Health Sector, Charities & Special Interest Groups, Government Bodies & Medical Insurers.
There's a lot of politics regarding 'free hearing aids on the NHS' and the private sector. It is important to remember that whatever the issues, the individual with the hearing loss must come first and whatever side of the debate we may sit, we are all working towards the same goal: the overcoming of the hearing loss.
AIHHP makes no apologies for working within the private sector. It allows our members the freedom to develop the best service they can to cater for individual patients without the restrictions of politics, budgets and issues of resources.
Whilst the provision of free hearing aids on the NHS is a valuable service which many thousands benefit from, it should be remembered that some choose to 'go private' and do so for very valid reasons. That choice should be recognised and supported.
It should further be remembered that hearing aids on the NHS are not in fact free, rather the funding of their provision comes from sources other than the beneficiary. The private sector receives no such funding. It must therefore cover its costs by charging for products and services.
It therefore follows that there is scope for other bodies, such as charities, government initiatives (such as Access to Work), Primary Care Trusts and health insurers to provide a source of alternative funding for the recipient of the hearing healthcare.
AIHHP welcomes discussion with any organisation that values the high level of professionalism, ethics and service offered by our members. Whether that discussion relates to policy-making, funding or a better understanding of the needs of those with hearing loss, AIHHP is looking to build partnerships dedicated to improving the quality of life of those with hearing loss and those their hearing loss affects.
To open a discussion, please contact us.
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