A VOLUNTEER team which helps patients with hearing aids across several North Wales communities is calling for help.

The Hearing Aid Volunteer Service is available to all adults with NHS hearing aids in North Wales, and is supported by the Audiology Department and run by volunteers.

This helps to add value to the Audiology Service by providing peer support on hearing aid usage, coping with hearing difficulties and communication strategies, and practical support to those unable to regularly maintain their own hearing aids.

The volunteer service includes retubing of earmoulds, minor hearing aid servicing, battery replacement, cleaning of earmoulds, peer support for individual service users and their carers and families in hearing aid maintenance and usage, peer support for service users and their carers and families in coping with hearing difficulties and communication strategies as well as signposting to other services including those addressing social isolation and relational difficulties.

Anna Powell, head of adult rehab for east audiology, said: “Our Audiology volunteers play a really important role in helping people with hearing difficulties access the support and guidance they need.

"Some of the drop in clinics are very well attended, however we would like to encourage more people to attend the Acton and Penycae clinics.

"Many patients complain about the parking at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and by attending a volunteer clinic in their local community this can be avoided.

"We now need more volunteers to help people who use NHS hearing aids access quick, convenient maintenance and peer support.

"The service makes a real difference to help people maintain their independence and socialise with others who have experienced hearing loss.

"We’d love to welcome more volunteers to help keep this important service running.

"If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer, please contact Audiology at Wrexham Maelor Hospital , telephone 01978 725576."

Are you interested in attending a drop in?

-Acton drop in: held every 4th Friday of the month from 9.45am to 11.45am at Acton Community Resource Centre (closed December 27).

-Penycae drop in: held every 1st Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm at Penycae Community Centre.

-Chirk drop in: held every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10 am to 12noon at Chirk Hospital.

-Mold drop in: held 2nd Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm at Parkfields Community Centre.

-Llangollen drop in: held 2nd Friday of the month, 10am - 12pm at Llangollen Library in Castle Street.

-Corwen drop in: held 3rd Friday of the month, 10 am – 12 noon at Corwen Family Practice in Green Lane.

Drop ins will be closed if date falls on a public bank holiday.

For further information contact the Audiology Department at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on 01978 725304 or email new.audiology.department@wales.nhs.uk