PATIENTS in Watford face waits of up to 38 weeks to get an NHS hearing aid, according to a new report.

Research carried out by The British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) suggests that demand for digital hearing aids, which had to be fitted in all NHS audiology departments by spring of this year, are to blame for the delays.

The report also puts lengthy waiting times down to staff not being adequately trained in fitting new digital aids.

Robert Beiny, member of BSHAA, has private hearing practices in Hertfordshire and this week said he was frustrated that the Government had not considered partnerships between the private sector and the NHS.

He said: "I am acutely aware of the long waiting lists, which are already at unsustainable levels and appear to be worsening.

"People with hearing loss often older people shouldn't have to put their lives on hold waiting for hearing aids.

"Our hospitals simply can't cope with the demand.

"What is frustrating is that there are hundreds of qualified professionals available in the private sector that are currently being ignored.

"They could help reduce these long waiting times and, as many patients have found, with the right, qualified hearing aid professionals, the cost of equivalent budget level hearing aids compared to those offered by the NHS are not nearly as high as are sometimes assumed."

A spokesperson for the West Hertfordshire NHS Hospital Trust, said: "The information we have been given from the BSHAA seems to suggest that our waiting lists are pretty average, compared with other hospitals.

"Demand for digital hearing aids has increased.

"The new ones are so good that more people want them."

The spokesperson said the trust would be carrying out its own research on waiting times next year.