Charity continues hearing aid support through Covid crisis
Shropshire Rural Communities Charity’s (RCC) hearing loss support service helps people to adapt to new-fitted NHS hearing aids, gives advice on using them and conducts minor repairs on the devices.
The charity’s volunteers, who have been trained by the SaTH Audiology department, typically deliver this support through face-to-face clinics and home visits, which are currently unavailable.
However, an adapted service has been able to continue throughout the crisis, with volunteers following strict social distancing guidelines and provided with cleaning and protective equipment so they can collect NHS hearing aids and conduct repairs away from people’s homes.
The Audiology team is also advising patients over the phone and operating a postal service for more complex repairs.
Susann Mitchell, Development Officer for Shropshire RCC, said: “The current crisis is challenging for everyone, but if you’re hearing impaired and having difficulty with your aids it can cause even more anxiety and confusion. That’s why we worked hard with the SaTH Audiology team to come up with a way to continue offering support.
“We have managed to implement changes which put people’s safety first, and so we’re encouraging anyone in Telford and Wrekin with an NHS hearing aid to get in touch with us if they are struggling with it.”
If you’re an NHS hearing aid wearer based in Telford and Wrekin in need of help with your aids, please contact Shropshire RCC on 01743 360641 or email shls@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
A member of the Hearing Loss Support Team will discuss the issue, offer advice and attempt to resolve it over the phone then if necessary; assign a volunteer to visit as long as it is safe to do so.
