Edgware residents are invited to meet hearing experts to mark deaf awareness week next week.

Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and local hospitals are teaming up to run a stand in the foyer of Edgware Community Hospital on Wednesday.

Audiologists from Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals will be on hand to provide advice and support on all matters relating to hearing loss.

The event will be part of Deaf Awareness Week, which runs from May 6 until May 12 and aims to raise awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding hearing loss and deafness.

This year’s theme, 'Look at Me', is designed to help people understand the different types of deafness and provide advice and support on all aspects of hearing loss.

Chief Paediatric Audiologist at Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust Zoe Deal said: “The aim of the week is to help people understand more about deafness and what support is out there. There will be experts on hand so if you want to know more about deafness and what you can do to support your patients or families or what support you can receive yourself, please do come along.

“There are a lot of misconceptions that loss of hearing only affects older people. With the current increase in noise exposure, we are seeing a growing number of younger people affected by hearing loss. Currently, there are more than 45,000 deaf children in the UK, plus many more who experience temporary hearing loss.”

It is estimated that by 2020 over 26,000 people aged 65 and over in the boroughand 9,000 adults aged 18-65 years old will have a moderate or severe hearing impairment.

Chairman of Barnet CCG Dr Sue Sumners said: “With something such as hearing loss, it’s really important to identify any problems straight away as there is help out there. We are really pleased to be working with other NHS services so local people can come and meet experts in hearing and get answers to any questions they may have.

“This is a great opportunity for local people to get good advice and find out more about deafness.”