Median Age of First-time Recipient of Subsidised Hearing Aid

3 November 2020

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Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Tan Wu Meng
MP for Jurong GRC

Question No. 347

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what is the median age of a first-time recipient of a subsidised hearing aid; and (b) what is the median,10th percentile, and 90th percentile operational lifespan of a subsidised hearing aid device.

Written Answer

1. The Seniors' Mobility & Enabling Fund (SMF) supports seniors as they age by providing eligible Singaporeans aged 60 years and above with means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of home healthcare items and assistive devices. The median age of seniors receiving hearing aids under the SMF is 77.

2. A standard hearing aid can typically last for 3 to 5 years. However, the actual lifespan differs depending on factors such as how well the device is maintained.