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That's really helpful Kathy. Thanks From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kathy Aveyard Sent: 11 May 2011 13:21 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Hearing Aids Hi Kathryn, It's some time now since I worked in the NHS as an Audiologist and Hearing Therapist, so I'm out of touch with the current technology. However, unlike spectacles, NHS Hearing Aids are issued free of charge. There are pro's and con's with regard to NHS appliances and the type and severity of a person's hearing loss which are rehearsed at the link below. http://www.fdp.org.uk/articles/nhsvsprivate.html The entitlement to a free eye test and spectacles falls under Health and Safety rather than E&D legislation and, as you indicate, has to relate to a specific work related need to use Display Screen Equipment. In view of the two factors above, I'm not sure the comparison with free eye tests and spectacles is legitimate. Kathy Aveyard Equality and Diversity Manager Equality Service University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT 0113 343 3964 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> [AS Logo.JPG] From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kathryn Fagan Sent: 09 May 2011 09:58 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Hearing Aids Dear All We have had a query today from a member of staff who wears hearing aids, who is claiming that as staff can obtain eye care vouchers to assist with the cost of eye tests and spectacles, he too should receive assistance with the cost of his hearing aids. Given that eye care vouchers are only available to staff who are designated users of Display Screen Equipment for their work and given that Access to Work assistance is now only available after the employer pays the first £1000 I am doubtful that there is any financial assistance he can obtain but I just wondered if anyone was aware of anything? Thanks Kathryn Fagan HR Manager - Development, Diversity and Reward HRM Services University of Chester "Working in partnership, making a difference"