A NORTH-EAST MP has called on the Government to protect people with hearing loss from radio interference.

Helen Goodman, MP for Bishop Auckland, spoke out last week during the debate on the Digital Economy Bill on behalf of those who would face possible interference from radio frequencies unless stronger duties are placed on Ofcom.

She spoke in support of Clause 26 which is designed to protect from frequency interference those with hearing loss who have hearing aids, radio aids, cochlear implants and other hearing technologies.

Ofcom is about to sell spectrum, and there is a concern that the part of the spectrum that it is going to sell is so close to the wavelength used by such technologies that interference will be caused.

Clause 26 places a duty on Ofcom to carry out tests in advance of the sale of the radio frequencies to ensure that any interference is identified and made public.

Concerns were raised with her by the National Deaf Children’s Society.