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Drop-Off Hearing Aid Clinic comes to Llandrindod Wells

A new drop-off hearing aid clinic will start in Llandrindod Wells on 14 December, made possible through a partnership between the Health Board and RNID (formerly Action on Hearing Loss).

RNID (previously Action on Hearing Loss) are the largest hearing loss charity in the UK, who in normal circumstances operate 15 hearing-aid maintenance and information clinics at community venues across Powys. They have now adapted their normal service to launch a distanced support service for NHS hearing aid users, delivering essential hearing aid maintenance to help keep clients and volunteers safe during the pandemic.

The service will be a drop off model, with hearing-aids being left with a member of their team outside the location, and thenrepaired inside. People will be then asked to wait in their vehicles or return at a specified time.

The adapted service will start in Llandrindod Wells on the 14th December and subsequently every 2nd Monday at the Rock Spa from 10-1pm. Additional services are planned in Brecon and Newtown - More information will be published when these locations are confirmed.

The RNID service, which is funded by Powys Teaching HealthBoard, will provide NHS hearing-aid users with free essential maintenance such as cleaning and re-tubing of ear moulds.Additional information and support is also available via the remote service or through Powys Audiology postal service, including replacement batteries.

To keep staff, volunteers and NHS hearing-aid users safe, the charity has introduced some changes to support sessions:

  • Hearing-aids must be placed in a labelled envelope with a name, issue and contact details for return. 
  • A member of the RNID team will collect the envelope from the client’s vehicle, or if they arrive on foot, will be instructed to ‘drop off’ their hearing outside the venue.
  • Clients will be asked to wear masks when handing over their aid.
  • Clients can either wait in their vehicle or return later to pick up their hearing aids. They will not be allowed to wait inside the premises.
  • Hearing-aids can be dropped off by friends or family on behalf of a user.

Rachael Beech, service coordinator, said: “Hearing-aids are a vital method of communication for many people in Powyswho are deaf, have hearing loss or  tinnitus. Hearing aids need to be regularly maintained to prevent wax build up and ensure hearing aid users can get the full benefit. This is even more important at a time when many older people feel isolated and need to stay connected to their friends and families. The service has been rigorously risk assessed and staff and volunteers wear full PPE at all times.”

In addition to the new distanced sessions, RNID continues to support NHS hearing aid users over the phone and by email. For more information:

Or contact the RNID Information Line:

  • Call 0808 808 0123
  • Email information@rnid.org.uk
  • Text message 0780 000 0360
  • Relay UK 18001 then 0808 808 0123
  • Textphone 0808 808 9000