asked the Minister for Health the reason the provision of batteries and cords for hearing aids has been withdrawn from medical card holders; if his attention has been drawn to the great difficulties this causes as these are absolute essentials for elderly persons who, in the main, need them; and if he will reinstate them.
Written Answers. - Hearing Aids.
150.
The National Rehabilitation Board provides replacement cords and other repairs to the hearing aids of eligible persons on application. It was never envisaged that the routine supply of replacement batteries would form part of the hearing aid service, although such a practice developed in a number of health boards. Due to the high administrative cost of supplying these relatively low cost batteries, some of these health boards have now discontinued the practice.