The Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is to open a new drop-in service providing vital hearing aid maintenance.

Opening its doors on April 9, the service will be headed by Cindy Knight, the CDA’s east and south Cambridgeshire hearing champion, each second Tuesday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

The service will be located at the Village Hall in Victoria Street, Littleport, where users can also collect hearing aid batteries and other equipment with no need to book.

The CDA now operates 24 drop-in centres across Cambridgeshire, enabling wearers of hearing aids to regularly maintain their devices free of charge.

Hearing aids require regular maintenance and, depending on the type of device, elements such as the tubing and dome should be replaced every three to six months.

Gerry Robinson, one of three hearing help champions, said: “I love doing this job as people leave our sessions with huge smiles on their faces, and I know through personal experience the impact hearing loss can have on people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“My mum recently had to start wearing hearing aids and prior to this she had become quite depressed, unable to join in conversations or talk on the phone to friends and family. She was becoming isolated, stressed, and angry.

“Thankfully, that has now all changed, and the aids have even helped with her balance, allowing her to walk her dog more confidently, thus getting a bit of exercise also. It’s fantastic knowing that by running this service, I’m part of a team that is doing the same for people all over Cambridgeshire.”

As well as hearing aid maintenance, the drop-in sessions will give users an opportunity to socialize with others, providing a welcoming space to discuss the concerns and issues related to hearing loss.  

With a staff of between 4 and 50 volunteers, the CDA is available in community centres, libraries and care homes across Cambridgeshire with half of its funding coming from donations alone.

For more information about the service your can visit the CDA’s website.