Become A Champion And Help People Make The Most Of Their Hearing Aid

Published on: 10 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 10 Sep, 2015

A successful scheme that recruits volunteers to help people to make the most of their hearing aids is expanding and is looking for more ‘hearing champions’.

It is co-ordinated by the Diocese of Guildford’s Communities Engagement Team and a hearing aid maintenance training day is being held on Tuesday, September 15, for anyone who would like to attend.

It takes place at the Reading Room, All Saints’ Church, Vicarage Gate, Onlsow Village, Guildford, GU2 7QJ, from 10am to 4pm.

Have you heard about the hearing champions and the Hear Here service?

One in six people have a hearing loss in the diocese. With an increasing older population and longer life expectancy, church buildings need to be able to welcome and accommodate those with sensory loss to aid communication.

It is the reason why the scheme, called Hear Here, is recruiting volunteers who will be trained in the basic maintenance of hearing aids.

They will be able to offer simple maintenance sessions at existing church social events such as coffee mornings, lunches, afternoon teas, and so on, or out in their local community.

Simple maintenance of someone’s hearing aid can make a big difference to their quality of life.

The training will include: checking the hearing aid is working, replacing the battery, battery life, re-tubing, fitting the hearing aid in the ear, hearing aid controls, T-loop, use of hearing aid assistive listening devices, communication tactics, and the outline of audiology pathways in your area.

Refreshments provided, take your own lunch.

There will also be the opportunity to purchase a basic maintenance toolkit.

To book a space, contact Tracey Wade, Sensory Inclusion Adviser, Communities Engagement Team, Diocesan House, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3XG.

Tel: 01483 790327 or 18001 10483 790327.

Mobile/SMS (txt/voice): 07531 268476

Email: tracey.wade@cofeguildford.org.uk