IT is vitally important that treatment for glue ear, the common childhood illness is not rationed by the NHS, as suggested in some press coverage of the British Medical Association's report for the future of the NHS in England.
One in five children between the ages of one and three years old will experience glue ear.
Svere glue ear, like permanent deafness, makes it harder for children to learn to communicate which can delay crucial early language and speech development, cause behavioural problems and impact seveerely on educational progress. The condition causes long-lasting hearing problems in approximately one in 20 five-year-olds2.
Given such facts, it is ludicrous to suggest that treatment for such a condition should be rationed in any way. The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is raising awareness of glue ear and offering free information and advice to concerned parents and professionals, visit www.ndcs.org.uk for further information.
SUSAN DANIELS, chief executive, The National Deaf Children's Society.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article