So that they are geographically spread and include both large and small services. Hospital Trusts had to apply to the Department of Health to be involved in the first wave initiative. Staff and managers at the hospitals selected are keen and able to develop their services and introduce digital aids. If your local hospital is on the list of first wave sites, then the audiology department will start providing digital aids at some time during the next two years. If you have just been referred by your GP for a hearing test or for a hearing aid, you should wait for your appointment.
Some hospitals already have a long waiting list for hearing aids.
Everyone whose tests show they need a hearing aid will be given the opportunity to have a digital aid. But remember, you don't have to have a digital aid if you would prefer the old type. Adult patients will not be selected according to age or lifestyle. The project will start with adults. At a later date, when things are running smoothly, trials with children will start in selected centres.