I READ with interest the letter from Jeff Groves (April 24), regarding digital hearing aids. I have used hearing aids in both ears since 1979.

The new digital hearing aids have been issued to only 12 health authorities in the UK, on a trial basis. The nearest one is Trafford.

When I have enquired as to when they will be available to deaf people wherever they live, the response has been like a portcullis being dropped! Deafness is low on the political agenda, yet one in seven people in this country are deaf.

However, I would like to add that the audiology department at Fairfield is brilliant; no complaints about that!

RNID member