CAMPAIGNERS looking to improve Swindon for the hard of hearing are pleased with their latest survey results.

Let’s Loop Swindon aims to increase the number of businesses and organisations in the town with hearing loops, a system that helps people who use a hearing aid by using a wireless system to boost the reception.

The latest research studied the accessibility of Swindon’s 24 banks and building societies.

Campaigners found that 90 per cent of loops provided a good service.

Tim Mason, Let’s Loop Swindon Partnership chairman, said: “Following our recent briefing at GWH highlighting the great level of loop support available at the hospital, we are very pleased to conclude that another sector are champions of loop provision in Swindon.

“As well as providing the facilities it’s also good to see so many of the staff are aware of what hearing loops do.”

He added that, in one example, not only were all the counters looped, but the information desk and all the offices used for consultations were looped as well.

In the branches, signs declaring the availability of hearing loops are also well situated and clear, with more than 80 per cent of them graded as satisfactory or better.

This is a significant improvement on a previous study of the town’s supermarkets and pharmacies, which found that nearly two thirds of supermarkets didn’t have listening loops and only 10 pharmacies of the 29 that were checked had working systems.

Last month, Great Western Hospital, was praised by charity Hearing Link for the standard of their hearing loops.

They have 44 hearing loops, in reception, emergency departments and wards.

Dr David Reed, consultant audiological scientist and head of audiology services at GWH, said: “We know that hearing loops make coming into hospital so much easier for many of our patients and visitors.

“Many organisations have loops in place, but staff aren’t trained how to use them, so awareness and training is equally important.

“Hearing loops are simple but effective. They dramatically improve the experience of any service and make life much easier for people with hearing difficulties.

“I hope we inspire other local organisations and businesses to take up the mantle.”

Hearing loops provide an electromagnetic wireless signal which can be picked up by a hearing aid when it is set to the Telecoil (T setting). Hearing loops cut out exterior noise and ensure that a hearing-aid wearer can hear without any confusion.

Campaigners will carry out more surveys this year.

Let’s Loop Swindon can help by providing training and are holding free training sessions at the National Trust Heelis Building on Wednesday, February 25.

For more information email stephenaftelak@ntlworld.com or call 01793 536815.