Clinton hearing aid fitted

A long-term hearing problem prompted doctors to fit President Bill Clinton with a hearing aid yesterday. During the examination at Bethesda Naval Hospital, doctors also removed a cyst on Mr Clinton's chest during a five-minute procedure. In a briefing with reporters, doctors said the cyst appeared to be benign, although it will be tested. He was pronounced in excellent health overall. Mr Clinton, 51, has complained for years about hearing loss, listing it as a problem in his annual physicals since his days as governor of Arkansas. Doctors described it as a high-frequency hearing loss in both ears that troubles him in crowds.

- AP