RNID Near You Volunteer – Hearing Aid Maintenance Volunteer

As an RNID Near You Hearing Aid Maintenance Volunteer, you will provide hearing aid maintenance, including retubing, changing batteries and cleaning hearing aids, at local community sessions across Orkney. You will also support people to take a free hearing check and offer guidance to help them get the most from their hearing aids. In addition, volunteers will signpost people with hearing loss, tinnitus and people who are deaf to relevant information and support, including assistive technology and local services. No previous experience is required, as full training, a hearing aid maintenance kit and information resources will be provided.

What could a volunteer gain from the experience:
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of local people affected by hearing loss, tinnitus and
deafness in Orkney.
• Gain practical skills and experience in hearing aid maintenance, including retubing, cleaning
and changing batteries.
• Develop communication, customer service and community engagement skills.
• Increase knowledge and understanding of hearing loss, tinnitus and deaf awareness.
• Be part of a friendly and supportive team of RNID staff and volunteers.
• Build confidence in supporting people and providing information and guidance.
• Meet new people and make connections within the local community.
• Gain valuable volunteering experience that can support personal and professional
development.

Experience required

No previous experience in hearing aid maintenance is required, as full training will be provided. We are looking for friendly, reliable and empathetic people with good communication and listening skills. Volunteers should be dependable, willing to follow volunteer guidelines, health and safety procedures, and confidentiality requirements. We also value people who are inclusive, work well with others, support fellow volunteers, and share ideas and feedback. Most importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a positive difference in the lives of local people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

Travel expenses

Travel expenses incurred while carrying out your volunteering role will be reimbursed in line with RNID's volunteer expenses policy.

Training details

You will receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

Volunteers complete essential training in safeguarding, data protection, equality and diversity, and health and safety. You will also receive specialist hearing aid maintenance training, covering hearing loss and audiology services, how hearing aids work, hearing aid controls and programmes, common hearing aid issues and troubleshooting, health and hygiene procedures, professional boundaries, hearing checks, and providing information and signposting to additional support services. Throughout your volunteering journey, you will receive ongoing guidance and support from your RNID Near You Coordinator, who will be available to answer questions, provide advice, and help you develop in your role.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Frequency & commitment

Weekday mornings and weekday afternoons. 3 hours per month - ongoing.

I want to volunteer