HARD of hearing people in Huddersfield are having to wait up to a year to have aids fitted.
Chief executive of Huddersfield South and Huddersfield Central Primary Care Trusts Kevin Holder has admitted the wait following concerns voiced by MP Barry Sheerman.
Mr Sheerman, a member of the All-Party Group on Deafness, said he thought NHS hearing services could be threatened by waiting time targets.
He added: "Every patient has the right to fast and effective health care.
"I was concerned to read reports from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf that the Government's decision to exclude audiology from the 18-week waiting target for treatment will mean that patients may have to wait longer for hearing aids."
Mr Sheerman wrote to Mr Holder, asking how long patients had to wait for hearing aids.
He also asked whether his trust planned to increase the level of cash to keep up with the increasing demand.
Over 40% of people over the age of 50 experience some degree of hearing loss. By getting hearing aids they can greatly increase their quality of life.
More than 80 % of hearing aid users obtain them through the NHS.
Mr Sheerman said: "Those suffering from hearing loss should have access to quick treatment and short waiting list."
The British Academy of Audiology, which represents NHS audiologists, recently warned that they are seeing a reduced investment in capacity.
The BAA estimates that the non-inclusion of audiology in the 18-week target puts at least 80% of adults on waiting lists at a disadvantage.
Mr Holder said: "We can confirm that there is a six-month wait for new patients for a hearing aid assessment and a six-month wait for a hearing aid fitting.
"The local situation reflects the national high levels of demand on audiology services."
He added: "We do not have plans to increase funding for this service.
"However, we appreciate that patients are having to wait and we are continuing to work to reduce these waiting times.
"New investment will be considered as part of the annual review of spending plans."
