New partnership to improve services for patients with hearing difficulties

PATIENTS with hearing aids will now be able to have simple repairs carried out without a hospital appointment, thanks to a new partnership with a local charity.

The Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA) will be offering a range of simple hearing aid services from drop-in clinics held monthly at locations across the county.

With or without an appointment, hearing aid users will be able to get replacement batteries, change their flexi-tube or tubes on ear moulds, as well as receive advice on other hearing devices and listening equipment.

Jenny Hopkins, Chief Executive of the Gloucestershire Deaf Association, said: “This means that most people should now be able to get their hearing aids regularly cleaned and re-tubed at a clinic closer to home. GDA has always provided these services, but with the support of the Trust we envisage thousands more hearing impaired people will benefit from the increased number of regular local clinics.”

The clinics are open to anyone with an NHS hearing aid. GDA clinic staff are trained by hospital audiologists and patients may still be referred to the Trust’s Hearing Services department if necessary.

Significant repairs will need to be carried out directly with the hospital, but small adjustments and minor repairs can now be managed in the drop-in clinics.

Anne-Marie Boisriveau-Mitchell, Head of Hearing Services at the Trust, said: “We are confident that this new partnership with GDA will help us significantly improve the service we provide for our patients.”

The clinics are already taking place across Gloucestershire.

To book an appointment at your nearest hearing aid clinic or to find out more, contact GDA on 01452 372999, email admin@gda.org.uk or visit gda.org.uk