A CENTRE in Abingdon for children with hearing impairments is set to be closed because of changes in technology.

The resource base at Rush Common School hosted the primary resource base for children with hearing impairment for the south area of Oxfordshire since 1989.

But since the introduction of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme to Oxfordshire in 2001 the confirmation of hearing loss in infants has happened at a much earlier age.

This means far earlier intervention is possible, including the provision of new technologies such as digital hearing aids and cochlear implants.

In the academic year 2013/14 only one child used the resource base and there are none that are eligible for it in 2014/15.

A consultation on the planned closure has launched by the county council.

To comment visit consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk by July 20.

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