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Supporting Deaf people and those with acquired hearing difficulties to live independent lives
Hearing Support at The Deaf Centre
West Norfolk Deaf Association provides a full range of services for people of all ages with all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound and from congenital to acquired.
Operating across our two sites in Kings Lynn and Downham Market, as well as in the community, we can:
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Maintain and service NHS hearing aids, replace tubing and dispense batteries
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Provide information on assistive equipment and make referrals for additional support to relevant organisations where necessary
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Demonstrate equipment for people with hearing loss, allowing you to trial some of the equipment available
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Give information about other organisations who may be able to provide additional support
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Carry out clinical procedures such as ear wax removal & otoscopy
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Provide empathy, support and a listening ear
We also run a wide range of groups & activities,designed for your needs to help you live a full and independent life.
Services
Hearing Aid Maintenance
Our Hearing Aid Maintenance service is free of charge and available to all those with NHS hearing aids. We are on hand to:
· Explain how hearing aids work and how they should be looked after
· Help to explain the instructions you received from the hospital
· Assist with the process of learning to fit the ear mould in the ear correctly
· Replace and supply batteries
· Replace faulty or old tubing
· Clean the hearing aid and ear mould
· Diagnose faults and repair where possible
Ear Wax Clinic
Ear wax can build up for a number of reasons, and is especially problematic for hearing aid wearers.
It can effect your hearing, worsen tinnitus symptoms, and cause discomfort.
Our specialist, purpose-built Ear Care Clinic can help by removing built-up ear wax using state of the art video otoscopy and a variety of safe, effective techniques including:
· Micro-suction
· Irrigation
All treatments are tailored to your needs following a consultation and assessment by our trained experienced specialists
Technology Clinic
Living with hearing loss can be challenging, and can cause a sufferer to miss out on some of the most basic experiences that many take for granted. Experiences such as watching television or hearing the doorbell.
The local Social Services Sensory Support team operate a drop-in technology clinic at our Deaf Centre, providing FREE equipment to allow those living with hearing loss live independent lives. Technology available ranges from flashing light doorbells, smoke alarms and baby monitors, to specialist equipment to help hear the television better.
Otoscopy
Otoscopy is when a specialist examines the ear, both externally around the structure of the ear, and internally into the ear canal, to identify any issues or concerns.
Our experienced in-house audiologists are available by appointment to carry out assessments and identify
any issues you may be having, such as reduced hearing or pain. They can also provide advice, information and, where necessary, offer clinical procedures such as wax
removal to alleviate or
resolve your discomfort and improve your hearing
Hearing Protection
Our ears are complex, delicate structures which are susceptible to a wide variety of issues. Hearing loss, tinnitus or
discomfort are often symptoms of
noise exposure from workplaces, shooting, riding motorcycles or music
or even playing video games
with headphones for too long
can damage your hearing.
Our qualified, experienced specialist audiologists can advise you about the use of personalised
ear moulds for swimming, noise protection and for sleep, and can often make these for you while you wait
General Support
Living with hearing loss can be isolating, and can lead to depression and/or emotional distress.
We operate open door policy
for hearing aid maintenance, where you can also get advise and signposting to services and support
At our CHAT Clubs you are welcome to drop in and spend time with our staff and
volunteers. We are always happy to lend a supportive shoulder or listening ear, anything you need to alleviate the impact of living with hearing loss or adjusting to life with hearing aids