As a hearing aid support volunteer, you will: • Undertake basic maintenance on hearing aids, cleaning, changing tubing and replacing batteries • Support users to optimise hearing aid use • Work closely with other volunteers • All trained provided As an RNID volunteer, you will: • make a real difference to the people you support • help us run this important service • receive training and learn new skills • meet people in different situations • raise awareness of deafness in the community have all reasonable, out-of-pocket and pre-approved travel expenses repaid. Skills/Experience Required Here’s what we think could be beneficial: • knowledge of or willingness to learn about issues affecting people confronting deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss - particularly older people. • some experience of using hearing aids would be preferable but not essential. • friendly, reliable and an approachable manner. • ability to listen to questions and to answer appropriately • happy to work with a wide range of people. • ability to work with others whilst using your own initiative • excellent attention to detail • able to travel locally • friendly and approachable

Provide support and advice to NHS hearing aid users at our RNID “Near You” Hearing Aid Maintenance Clinics, helping with basic maintenance and support of hearing aids, replacing batteries and cleaning /replacing tubing. • attend our monthly drop-in support sessions for hearing aid users • undertake basic maintenance on hearing aids such as cleaning or changing tubing, ear moulds and filters and replacing batteries • offer practical support to optimise hearing aids • signpost other agencies that may be beneficial to the service user • monitor the number of visits carried out and feedback to the volunteer co-ordinator • complete relevant paperwork during support sessions • refer enquiries to RNID staff if you do not know the answer Full training and shadowing support option are provided as part of this volunteering opportunity

To provide a friendly face and practical help for all presenting patients with hearing aid queries. To replace the tubing and/or batteries of ‘mould type’ NHS Hearing aids on request if possible. To provide contact details of where further help or information can be obtained. To make appointments at Kings Cross Audiology Dept for patients whose hearing aid problems cannot be resolved by the procedures the volunteer has been trained to undertake. To complete details of service provided and of those requesting support for audiology audit. Requirements: To complete the training and refresher training sessions for Hearing Aid Support Volunteers led by the Audiology Dept. To be aware of how to access other relevant local services. Reports to: Voluntary Services Manager/coordinator and Audiologist Duties/ Responsibilities: To wear ID badge whilst on duty To respect patient confidentiality To adhere to Infection Control Guidance when working with Hearing Aids and after completion of interventions. To carry out only the procedures you have been trained to perform as demonstrated by Audiology and practiced. To obtain an audiology appointment for the patient whose hearing aid support needs are more complex than the hearing aid support volunteer. To complete audit documentation and return monthly. To order further supplies of batteries and tubing as required.

As SISG, we currently have 14 hearing hubs in Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Girvan, Alloway, Largs, Arran, West Kilbride, Saltcoats, Kilwinning, Cumnock, Kilmaurs, Galston and Kilmarnock. We also support 27 battery pick up points across North, South and East Ayrshire libraries. We also carry out visits to over 2,000 older people with hearing and/or sight loss throughout North, South and East Ayrshire each year. We wouldn't be able to carry out all this work without the help and support of our volunteers. If you would like to volunteer with us, we currently need the support of sensory loss volunteers. Even with as little as 2 hours a month to help us run our services from the different 'Hearing Hubs' which are usually based in the local libraries. Volunteers give support and information to people struggling with hearing and/or sight loss. If you have any queries, please get in contact and we will do our best to support you in your volunteering journey. Full training will be given by professionals.