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Adult hearing aids care guide

If you have been fitted with a hearing aid by the audiology department, looking after the maintenance of your device will help to improve your quality of life when affected by ear-related problems.

If you decide to proceed with hearing aids, the Audiology team will support the fitting of high specification digital hearing aids supplied by Phonak. 

The style of hearing aids available are behind-the-ear (BTE), which can be attached to a custom ear mould, or open fit style, depending on the hearing level.

Maintenance

In order to make sure your hearing aid is working to the best quality it is important to arrange regular maintenance appointments every 4-6 months. These appointments are available Monday to Friday and must be booked by contacting the department.

Hearing aid care packs and accessories are available to buy from the Audiology service and include:

  • Wax brush with loop
  • Ear mould tubing Air Puffer
  • Ear mould tubing threader

Hearing Aid Batteries

Batteries are available from all of our audiology department receptions from Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm. You do not need an appointment to collect new batteries.

Batteries are available from the following reception locations:

Please bring your battery issue card with you. If you are unable to attend, someone can attend on your behalf with your battery issue card. 

We also offer a postal service, to arrange this please contact us.

Please dispose of your used batteries safely. Battery recycling points are available in most supermarkets and many shops.

Lost or Damaged Hearing Aids

Please be aware that your NHS Hearing Aids remain the property of the NHS for the duration of use. 

There are charges for lost and damaged hearing aids. We do not provide spare hearing aids. 

If you need a hearing aid replacement please contact the department.

Troubleshooting

My hearing aid is whistling or buzzing (Feedback)

Feedback, is a term used for the noise a hearing aid makes, it is normal with many types of hearing.

To try and rectify this problem, please check:

  • The aid is in your ear correctly
  • The tubing is not loose, split or kinked. (we recommend tubing is replaced every 4-6 months due to wear and tear)
  • The aid is on the correct setting (turn aid off and then on again)
  • Your earpiece is not damaged, cracked or loose

If after you have checked all of these possibilities, and you are still experiencing feedback from your hearing aid, it is possible that you may have a build up of ear wax. 

Too much ear wax in your ears can block sound from entering your ear which sends the sound back into the aid causing Feedback. 

We suggest you make an appointment with your GP or practice nurse to ensure your ear is clear. 

Once you have had your ear/s checked and cleared of any wax and you still experience problems, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

My hearing aid has stopped working

If your hearing aid has stopped working please check that:

  • You have changed the battery in the hearing aid
  • The tubing is not blocked with ear wax, debris or water (condensation)
  • The tubing is not loose, split or kinked. (We recommend tubing is replaced every 4-6 months due to wear and tear)
  • You have cleaned through the tubing
  • The hearing aid is on the correct setting (turn off/on)

If you are still experiencing problems after checking all of the above, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

My hearing aid is uncomfortable/keeps falling off of my ear

To try and fix this problem, please check that:

  • The tubing has been replaced within the last six months
  • Your earpiece is not cracked, twisted, worn or broken
  • You are fitting the hearing aid correctly inside and behind the ear
  • (if you change your own tubing) that you are using the correct size tube/you are not cutting the tubing too short

If you are still experiencing discomfort or an ill fitting hearing aid once you have checked the suggestions, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

My hearing aid sounds distorted and/or very quiet

If you have distorted or very quiet sound through your hearing aid, please check that:

  • The tubing has no signs of moisture or condensation – if it does, hold the hearing aid between your thumb and finger(s) and flick quickly in a downwards motion, this should help to clear any moisture in your tubing
  • The battery in the hearing aid has been changed (average lifespan for a battery is 7-10 days)
  • The tubing has been changed within the last six months (We recommend the tubing is replaced every 4-6 months)

If are still experiencing problems with the sound of your hearing aids after checking these suggestions, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

I accidentally got my hearing aid wet

To try and fix this problem, please check try to:

  • Remove the hearing aid battery and dry the hearing aid with a towel or tissue
  • Leave the battery drawer open and leave the aid in a room temperature place for a day or two, then replace with a new battery

If your hearing aid is not functioning correctly, or has stopped working after you have tried the suggestions, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

Instructions

Your hearing aids are set up and customised depending on your needs. 

Where possible it is best to contact the audiology department so the team can issue you with specific instructions for your hearing aids.

General and basic instructions can be found in the Phonak Instruction Manual.

Loop System

Audiology loop system icon

A hearing loop (also known as an induction loop) is a sound system that can be used by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop consists of a microphone to pick up the speaker’s voice and an amplifier to process the sound. 

The signal is sent through the loop cable which is a wire located around the perimeter of a specific area. This sends the signal to the hearing aid.

Loop systems can be found in public places (and availability of this service will be indicated to by blue ear signage) such as:

  • Meeting rooms
  • Cinemas
  • Theatres
  • Church’s
  • Auditoriums
  • Service counters in banks, shops, GP surgery

Benefits of using the loop:

  • Cuts out unwanted background noise
  • No need to use a receiver/ headset
  • Sound goes directly into the hearing aid
  • Can be used by anyone with a compatible hearing aid
  • Any number of people can use the system
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