Health: Hearing Loss

Lord McColl of Dulwich Excerpts

Monday 17th December 2012 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, the Government fully recognise that hearing loss is not just a health issue. For example, it can lead to isolation and loss of independence; it can impact on education and employment; and it can impact in the various ways mentioned by the noble Baroness, Lady Wilkins, in her earlier question. We believe that health outcomes for people with hearing loss should be among the best in the world. To achieve that it is necessary to think and act differently. Therefore, we are developing a cross-government strategy to maximise the current effort to prevent hearing loss and to support those suffering from it. In particular, that will focus on identifying the potential better to join up services provided by the different agencies.

[Lord McColl of Dulwich]

We have a generation of deaf people in this country produced by loud noise and music. What about preventing it in the first place?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, I am sure the Health and Safety Executive will take my noble friend’s comments to heart.