My hearing aid is whistling or buzzing (feedback)
Feedback, the technical term for the noise a hearing aid makes, is normal with many types of hearing aid and is not usually a sign of a faulty aid.
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 to 6 months due to wear and tear)
- The aid is on the correct setting (turn aid off/on again)
- Your earpiece is not damaged, cracked or loose
If after you have checked all of these possibilities, you are still experiencing feedback from your hearing aid, it is quite possible that you may have a build up of ear wax. Too much ear wax in your ears can mean that the ‘feed’ of sound into your ear is prevented, sending 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, if you still experiencing problems, please contact us to arrange an appointment in one of our Adult Hearing Aid Repair Clinics on 0113 5181823.
My hearing aid has stopped working
To try and rectify this problem, please check:
- 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 to 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 at one of our adult hearing aid repair clinics on 0113 3926300.
My hearing aid is uncomfortable/keeps falling off of my ear
If this is a ‘new’ issue you are having with your hearing aid, please check:
- The tubing has been replaced within the last 6 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 when you have checked all of the above and you are still experiencing discomfort or an ill fitting hearing aid, please contact us to arrange an appointment at one of our adult hearing aid repair clinics on 0113 3926300.
My hearing aid sounds distorted and/or very quiet
To try and rectify this problem, please check:
- The tubing has no signs of moisture or condensation – if so, hold the hearing aid between your thumb and finger/s and flick quickly in a downwards motion, this should clear any moisture in your tubing
- The battery in the hearing aid has been changed (average lifespan is 5 to 7 days)
- The tubing has been changed within the last 6 months (We recommend the tubing is replaced every 4 to 6 months)
If when you have checked all of the above, and you are still experiencing problems with the sound of your hearing aid/s, please contact us to arrange an appointment at one of our Adult Hearing Aid Repair Clinics on 0113 5181823.
I accidentally got my hearing aid wet
Accidents happen, and sometimes a hearing aid can be saved!
- 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
- Insert a new battery
If your hearing aid is not functioning correctly, or has stopped working after you have tried the above, please arrange an appointment at one of our adult hearing aid repair clinics on 0113 5181823.
My NHS hearing aid is physically broken/lost or stolen
Please contact us on 0113 5181823 to arrange an appointment at our Adult Hearing Aid Repair Clinic to repair or replace your hearing aid.
Please be aware that your NHS Hearing Aid/s remain the property of the NHS for the duration of use. From the 01 January 2019 the Trust will be charging for any lost hearing aids or hearing aids that have been damaged through neglect. The standard cost of one hearing aid replacement will be £80. This is a national charge across the NHS.
Please contact the department via email Hearing and Balance Centre or call 0113 3922484 for further information.
Hints and Tips on Maintaining the Successful use of your NHS Hearing Aid
There are several things that we would suggest you do to ensure you get the best out of your NHS Hearing Aid/s. Below is a list of hints and tips that you can follow to maintain the successful use of your aid/s.
- Ensure you get your hearing aid/s serviced at least once every 6 months
- Keep your hearing aid/s turned off and in a safe and dry place when not in use
- Keep your hearing aid/s away from water (shower, bath, swimming etc.)
- Keep your hearing aids clean, wiping them when removed after use
- Remove your hearing aids when using hairspray or perfumes
- Ensure your ears are clear of blockages eg. wax
- Do not sleep with your hearing aid/s in (this is generally uncomfortable, but there is a likelihood that they may get damaged)