Secure battery compartment requirement:

The new National Patient Safety Alert ‘Risk of harm to babies and children from coin/button batteries in hearing aids and other hearing devices’ can be accessed via the following link https://improvement.nhs.uk/news-alerts/risk-of-harm-to-babies-and-children-from-coin-button-batteries-in-hearing-aids/

The main addition is:

Actions to be completed by 11/09/2020

1. Review audiology team guidance/protocols to ensure:

a. for babies and children aged under five years; all hearing aids and other hearing devices, including temporary replacements or those previously issued, have secure battery compartments

b. for older children and adults; consideration of the need for secure battery compartments for:

i. those living with babies or children aged under five years

ii. those with additional risk factors* or living with someone with additional risk factors.*

It is not just for unders 3s: consideration is now given to 3- and 4-year olds and older children and adults those with complex needs, cognitive impairment etc and those at risk in the child’s setting. (See * notes in the new NatSPA).

This has an implciation for radio aids: when fitting ear-level radio aid receiers as a locking mechanism will be required.

Colleagues may be interested in the below briefing paper from the National Deaf Children’s Society on radio aid usage with children under 36 months. The paper sets out their position on the safe and effective use of radio aids, and offers guidance to mitigate against safety hazards.

https://improvement.nhs.uk/documents/6232/NatPSA_hearing_aid_batteries_December_2019_FINAL.pdf

https://www.ndcs.org.uk/media/3636/briefing_radio_aid_usage_children_under_36months_2018.pdf