Download hearing aids - Deafness Resource Centre

HEARING AIDS
A hearing aid is an electronic device that consists of a microphone, amplifier, loudspeaker, and a battery.
If someone has a hearing impairment, they may be able to wear a hearing aid. A hearing aid does not cure a
hearing impairment, but it increases the volume of sound entering your ear so that you may be able to hear
things more clearly.
Modern hearing aids are very small and discreet and can be worn outside or inside your ear. The microphone
picks up sound which is made louder by the amplifier. Hearing aids are fitted with devices that can distinguish
between background noise, such as traffic, and foreground noise, such as conversation.
NHS hearing aids
In the UK, both analogue and digital hearing aids are commonly used. Most hearing aids that are prescribed
through the NHS are now digital. Instead of having moving parts, digital hearing aids contain a very small
computer that processes sounds. This enables the hearing aid to be programmed to suit different environments,
such as a small quiet room or a large, noisy workshop.
Digital hearing aids that are available through the NHS are usually the behind-the-ear (BTE) type.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids usually have an ear
mould which sits inside your ear. The rest of the hearing
aid is connected to the ear mould and lies behind your
outer ear.
Some types of BTE hearing aids have two microphones
that enable you to listen to sounds in the general vicinity
or to focus on sounds that are coming from a specific
direction. This can be particularly useful in noisy
environments.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are like an ear mould. They fill the area just
outside your ear canal and fill the opening of your ear canal. The working
parts of the hearing aid are either located in a small compartment that is
attached to the ear mould or inside the ear mould itself.
DEAFNESS RESOURCE CENTRE LIMITED
Registered Charity No. 1128148, Company Limited by Guarantee 6807282, Registered in England and Wales
32-40 Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, WA10 2QB
Tel: 01744 23887
(Voice / Minicom) Fax: 01744 611540
Chairman of Committee: Mr J E Clark Hon. Treasurer: Mr P Harvey Chief Officer: Ms H Fitzgerald
DAILY CARE FOR HEARING AIDS
Hearing aids require special care to ensure that they function properly!
1. PERFORM LISTENING CHECKS
Listen to the hearing aid every day. You can use a listening tube, or you can ask the owner to listen to the
hearing aids to be sure that they sound clear and not weak or scratchy.
Method of testing: If you cover the microphone (see picture overleaf) you will hear feedback
confirming the hearing aid is at least functioning at minimum.
2. CHECK BATTERIES
Batteries should last about 1 or 2 weeks. You can use a battery tester, or you can check that the batteries are
working by using the method mentioned above. Hearing aids with fresh batteries will work at peak
performance. Always keep spare batteries at hand. Store them in a cool, dry place and dispose of them
properly.
Where to get batteries for NHS hearing aids: You can obtain new batteries for free from
the Deafness Resource Centre, your local drop in centres or at the hospital Audiology Departments.
(Don't forget to bring your brown medical book with you!)
3. CLEAN HEARING AIDS REGULARLY WITH A SOFT DRY CLOTH
Check for dirt and grime. Ear moulds can be removed from the hearing aids and cleaned with a mild soap
solution. You can dry them using a forced air blower (not a hair dryer). Be sure they are completely dry before
reattaching them to the hearing aids.
4. MINIMISE MOISTURE
This is important for proper function. DO NOT get the hearing aids wet! A hearing aid box will help keep
moisture from building up inside the hearing aids and will lengthen their life. Take the batteries out of the
hearing aid before placing them in the box.
5. AVOID FEEDBACK
Feedback is the whistling sound that can be heard from the hearing aid. It occurs when amplified sound comes
out of the ear mould and re-enters the microphone. You should not be hearing feedback if the hearing aid is
securely seated in the ear. Hearing feedback may suggest that the ear mould is too small and needs to be
replaced or that there is too much earwax in the ear canal. Both of these problems are very common.
• Talk to the GP for a referral to Audiology when you start hearing feedback frequently
• Turning down the volume of the hearing aid will cut down on the feedback but will also not
allow you to hear important sounds.
Regular audiology visits are important for hearing testing, to check the performance
of the hearing aid, and to make necessary adjustments!
DEAFNESS RESOURCE CENTRE LIMITED
Registered Charity No. 1128148, Company Limited by Guarantee 6807282, Registered in England and Wales
32-40 Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, WA10 2QB
Tel: 01744 23887
(Voice / Minicom) Fax: 01744 611540
Chairman of Committee: Mr J E Clark Hon. Treasurer: Mr P Harvey Chief Officer: Ms H Fitzgerald