Hearing hub set to open in Norfolk town

Emma Baugh/BBC A shelf with a book and a plastic figure showing the anatomy of an ear on it.Emma Baugh/BBC
The hearing hub is said to be a "one-stop shop" and will operate services five days of the week

A hearing hub that aims to be a "one-stop shop" with various services all under one roof is opening in a Norfolk town.

The hub, which is operated by the West Norfolk Deaf Association (WNDA), in Downham Market's High Street is said to offer everything from earwax removal to servicing NHS hearing aids.

The charity, which has been operating in King's Lynn, Norfolk, for more than 25 years offers clubs and clinics and aims to support everyone with a hearing issue.

Anna Pugh, manager of WNDA, said: "It brings together all our audiological and hearing care services... into one place. It's a one-stop shop for hearing services."

Ms Pugh said having deafness or a hearing loss could be "incredibly isolating" for people.

Emma Baugh/BBC Gavin Reynolds is looking at the camera. He is wearing glasses and has a white hoodie on and black coat. Emma Baugh/BBC
Gavin Reynolds found out he suffered with moderate hearing loss about 14 years ago

Gavin Reynolds, from Downham Market, uses Bluetooth hearing aids and found out he had moderate hearing loss about 14 years ago.

He said: "When I got the hearing aids I was told how to connect them on a basic level. I didn't know who to reach out to, to find some more information.

"I'm very happy this shop is here and that I can just drop in and have a chat with someone."

The hub will be officially opened on Monday and will run its services Monday to Friday.

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