Vol. 501 No. 3
159 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of FCA personnel referred for a hearing examination by civilian consultants; and the way in which the results compared with the classification by the Army Medical Corps in those cases. [6120/99]
The statistical information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and would take some considerable time to collate. Screening audiograms are carried out on FCA personnel by the Army Medical Corps. Where a screening audiogram shows hearing loss of a certain degree, depending on factors such as age, the person is referred to an ENT consultant for a definitive audiogram and medical opinion in compliance with health and safety regulations. In the case of FCA personnel, it is the practice of the Medical Corps to give a person, whose result at screening audiometry indicates the need for such a consultant referral, a letter for their general practitioner in which the results of the screening audiometry are given, and referral to an ENT consultant is requested. While the Army Medical Corps carries out the screening audiograms, the provision of any subsequent medical care is a matter between the individual and their own personal health care provider. This procedure ensures that any medical problems can be attended to in the most appropriate health care setting. However, the results of the ENT consultant's examination may not necessarily be reported back to the Army Medical Corps in every single case.
The military authorities are aware of a number of FCA personnel, whose results as measured by an ENT consultant, were better than those found at screening audiometry. An investigation by the Army Medical Corps did not reveal any definite reason as to why this was so.
In all cases where evidence of hearing loss is identified by screening audiograms, diagnostic audiograms are also requested. Ultimate gradings are determined by the results of the diagnostic audiogram.
