Local MSP and Chair of the Cross Party Group on Deafness at the Scottish Parliament, Jenny Marra has been joining the centenary celebrations for Action on Hearing Loss, formerly RNID, and finding out about their work in the area.
The charity that is taking action on hearing loss is inviting local NHS hearing aid users to visit their Hear to Help drop-ins at Central Library, The Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB. Sessions run between 10am-12 noon and on the last Thursday of every month. There are also drop-ins at:
- Blackness Library, 225 Perth Road, on the last Saturday of the month between 10am-12noon
- Lochee Library, 47-49 High Street, Lochee on 2nd Wednesday of the month between 2pm-4pm
- Broughty Ferry Library, Queen Street on the first Monday of the month between 10am-12noon.
Essential support to improve communication
Trained volunteers some of whom have hearing loss themselves, will be on hand to give tips on how to maintain and adjust NHS hearing aids. Visitors will be shown how to insert their hearing aids, replace tubing and batteries, as well as being provided with advice on equipment that can make life easier in the workplace and at home. This essential support will help people hear more clearly and improve their communication with friends, family and colleagues. It will also mean that people can have their hearing aid maintained locally without having to make a visit to the audiology department.
Jenny Marra MSP said, “I would like to congratulate Action on Hearing Loss on reaching 100 and wish them all the best for the next 100 years. Having projects like Hear to Help in the area not only means local people can have their hearing aids checked but also provides a social link for people who are hard of hearing or have tinnitus. I know that hearing loss can be isolating but this project creates an important link in breaking down those barriers.”
"Hearing loss shouldn't limit or label people"
Delia Henry, Director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland added,“Action on Hearing Loss is working in Scotland to get the message across that hearing loss shouldn’t limit or label people and also encourage people to value and look after their hearing health.
“Our work with Hear to Help means that people can find out how to get the best out of their hearing aid and get frontline maintenance. The response we have had from people across the area is that one aspect of Hear to Help that is important to them is being able to meet people who also wear hearing aids and to discuss how they manage with hearing loss and tinnitus. Many people with hearing loss feel that they are on their own but the feedback we have had is that Hear to Help has provided support and an opportunity to meet others with hearing loss and tinnitus.”
For more information please contact:
Contact Suzanne Swinton, Hear to Help Project Co-ordinator, for further information on the drop-ins on 01382 596998 or suzanne.swinton@hearingloss.org.uk.