Free Hearing Information Day returns to York by popular demand

A range of personalised services, designed to help people with hearing loss feel less isolated, will be showcased by Hearing Link Services at its free Information Day on 15 July at the charity’s Beatrice Wright Centre in Bielby, near York.

New service, Helpful Hours, to be introduced on the day

Hearing Link Services, part of the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, provides a wide range of personalised hearing support services to give emotional and practical help to people whatever their level of hearing loss.

Launched in 2022 as part of the charity’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the Hearing Information Days were so successful that more events will take place this summer.

The York event will be an opportunity for anyone with hearing loss, their family and friends, to meet people who have already benefited from the charity’s services, and to chat to the charity’s volunteers, most of whom either live with hearing loss themselves or have professional experience in the field.

On the day, Hearing Link will also be introducing its new service, Helpful Hours, a series of interactive hour-long sessions about key topics of interest to people with hearing loss, eg. what to expect from an audiology appointment. The sessions will initially be held in person, but the ability to join online will be introduced later this year.

There will be a hearing dog demonstration and a chance to browse exhibition stands showcasing audiology services and lipreading classes, assistive technology to use alongside hearing aids, and other practical information.

Hearing loss left David McGough, 70, feeling isolated and unable to enjoy his love of music. He first heard about Hearing Link Services after he applied for a hearing dog and was invited to one of the charity’s free support groups.

“I was hesitant at first, but felt I had nothing to lose so I accepted the invitation”, said David, “and that weekend opened up my world.

“I met people there who really understood and empathised with me. I realised I had been in denial of my deafness and started to believe that, with the right type of support, I could lead a normal life again.”

David was among those who went along to the last year’s Hearing Information Day. “I enjoyed talking to people there and finding out more about the range of services and assistive equipment open to me. As I had applied for a hearing dog myself, I also found it enlightening to speak to a lady who had been partnered with a dog herself.”

Angie Southcott, Director of Hearing Loss Services, said: “David’s experience is testament to the fact that hearing loss affects far more than just a person’s ears. The consequences can impact every part of their life; relationships, status at work, confidence and self-esteem.  

 “Our Hearing Information Days offer a safe, welcoming environment for anyone who has questions on hearing loss, is feeling alone because of their hearing, or who would like to discover how to help a family member or friend living with hearing loss.”

The York Hearing Information Day will take place at The Beatrice Wright Centre on Saturday 15 July between 11am and 3pm. It is free to attend and booking is encouraged. To book your place, or even just to find out more, please visit the Hearing Link Services website.