Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to ensure that people with hearing loss are able to access audiology service regardless of where they live.

Local commissioners are responsible for the provision of audiology services with the exception of a small number of specialised services which are commissioned nationally by NHS England. Commissioners should take into consideration assessments of local need and any relevant clinical guidance, which may include guidance from appropriate national bodies such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.