South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has praised the work of Dumfries and Galloway Hard of Hearing Group (DGHHG) during a visit to one of their drop in clinics in Annan today (Monday 22ndJanuary) to celebrate and raise awareness of the local charity.

DGHHG provides assistance and help for people who suffer from hearing loss across Dumfries and Galloway, such as providing advice and offering minor repairs and maintenance services to hearing aids.

Volunteers from across Dumfries and Galloway hold weekly drop in sessions right across the region were any NHS patient can come for a free maintenance check of their hearing aids and be given general upkeep advice as to how to care and look after their hearing aids.

Colin met with the volunteers who provide the support at the Annan drop in, and he urged those who use a hearing aid to take advantage of the services provided.

Colin Smyth said, “It was fantastic to meet some of the many volunteers from across Dumfries and Galloway at one of the regular drop in clinics they hold for people who are hard of hearing. The volunteers provide an invaluable service to local people with a hearing difficulty quite literally the length and breadth of the region”.

“Hearing aids are expensive pieces of equipment, some costing at least £2,000. It’s therefore important to look after and care for your hearing aid. Whilst the NHS provide servicing and more technical repairs, D&G Hard of Hearing Group provide an outlet to have minor repairs and cleaning done on the spot. They also provide information and signposting to other services as well as information about the latest technological developments for people with hearing difficulties”.

“People should have their hearing aid checked every 4-6 months. , you should have your Often they do not notice that there is an issue with their hearing as it happens gradually. That is why services offered by D&G Hard of Hearing Group are vital to helping people manage their hearing issues”.

“I would urge anyone who uses a hearing aids or has family or friends who do, to go along to one of the open sessions to get their aids serviced and find out more about the support they could receive.

“The work of D&G Hard of Hearing Group is provided almost entirely by volunteers who are a great credit to our region. If anyone is interesting in becoming a volunteer, I would encourage them to get in touch with the group”

Janette Waddell Service Manager of Dumfries and Galloway Hard of Hearing Group said, “It was great to have the support of the local MSP to come and visit one of our open sessions”.

“We are run completely by volunteers who we train to provide advice and do repairs to hearing aids. We provide tubing, minor repairs, ear mould cleaning and battery replacement all completely free of charge”.

“I would urge anyone who is struggling with a new hearing aid, who hasn’t had theirs serviced in a while or who simply would like advice about how to manage their hearing aids to come along.”

Further information about the group can be found at www.dghhg.org.uk. The group can also be contacted by phone on 07896342878 or e mail infodghhg@gmail.com

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