Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette

1 in 6 of the UK adult population is affected by hearing loss, and nearly a million people are severely or profoundly deaf.

Over six million could benefit from hearing aids but only about 2 million people use them, so deafness and being unable to hear clearly is an issue that touches many people’s lives.

Last week we welcomed Sophie Ede from Hearing Help Essex to talk about this subject.

Sophie talked to our Wednesday lunchtime host Bob Simpson about how her organisation provides advice and support to help find solutions to difficulties associated with hearing loss.

Their team provides talks and training for many different organisations and are also on hand to assist with essential re-tubing, cleaning and general hearing aid maintenance.

You can find out more about Hearing Help Essex by visiting hearinghelpessex.org.uk, by calling 01245 496347 or by texting 07950 406173.

Our interview with Sophie is available on our own website, www.phoenixfm.com.