Hearing aid FAQs
Do you fit digital hearing aids?
We have been fitting digital hearing aids since 2004. All the
hearing aids we currently fit are digital.
What type of hearing aids do you fit?
We mainly fit hearings aids made by Phonak. Please visit the Phonak
website for further information on these hearing aids. We
sometimes fit Oticon hearing aids for patients with severe to
profound hearing losses.
The type of hearing aids that you will be fitted with will
depend on factors such as the level of your hearing loss, whether
you have previously had any surgery on your ears and what features
would be most suitable for you. Your Audiologist will discuss this
with you at your hearing assessment and you will be given a choice
as to which aid you prefer. We have a choice of colours including
beige, sandalwood, chestnut, silver grey, and black.
Here are the types of hearing aids we fit:
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Suitable for mild to moderate
hearing loss
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Suitable for moderate to severe and
profound hearing losses.
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Can I have a hearing aid that just sits in the
ear?
We only fit in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids through the NHS for
patients who are unable to wear behind-the-ear (BTE) aids. This
normally means the patient will not have an outer ear (pinna) to
place the hearing aid, or that their pinna is not of a shape that
will hold a hearing aid.
How do your hearing aids compare with hearing aids that I can
buy privately?
The companies that we purchase our hearing aids from also
supply hearing aids to private dispensers. All our hearing aids are
digital and are fitted to precisely match a target generated for
your hearing loss and for the size and shape of your ear. We follow
national guidelines set by the British Society of Audiology for
fitting our hearing aids.
We offer behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) through the NHS.
These can be thin tube open fit hearing aids or hearing aids with
moulds, depending on your hearing levels and the appropriateness of
each type for you.
Where can I get batteries for my hearing aids?
Batteries are provided free of charge by the NHS. During your
fitting appointment and at each yearly repair appointment you will
be given a year's supply of batteries. If you run out you can
collect more batteries at the Audiology reception in Southmead
Hospital or St Michael's Hospital. You will need to show your
battery card which will be given to you during your fitting
appointment. Alternatively you can contact us and we can post
batteries to you.
I have lost or damaged my hearing aid, what do I do?
We can replace your hearing aid for you in the repair clinic.
You may need a further appointment if you have also lost or damaged
your ear mould as we will need to take an impression of your ear.
Please note that we charge £95 per lost or damaged hearing
aid. If you are on income support, you may be exempt from
this charge if you can provide us with evidence of this.
How often should I have my tubing changed?
If you wear your hearing aids all day, you will need to
have the tubing changed at least every 12 months. We advise
patients to contact the Audiology department at least every year to
either have tubes posted out for patients to change themselves or
to arrange a 15 min repair appointment so we can change the tubes
on your hearing aids. Some hearing aid wearers will need to have
their tubes changed sooner. You can tell when your tubes need to be
changed as they will feel stiffer and may start to
discolour.
Can I change the tubes myself?
Yes. Please ask your clinician to guide you through the process
at your next visit. We will issue you with spare tubing so you will
be able to change your own tubes for the next year. You can
also view the instructional videos on this
website for guidance on this.
I can change my own tubes but have run out of tubing. Do I need
another appointment?
No. Contact us either by telephone or by email and we can post
some spare tubing out to you.
I get lots of problems with condensation. Is there anything I
can do?
Try to leave your hearing aids in an airing cupboard or
somewhere where they can dry out completely over-night when they
are not in use. You can buy drying kits that will help draw
moisture out of your hearing aids over-night. You can also make
your own drying kit using an air-tight container and a drying agent
such as rice. Please talk to us about this if you would like some
further information.
Do I need to attend the repair clinic myself or can I send
someone with my hearing aid?
It is advisable for you to attend with your hearing aid. This is
in case we need to check your ears or to ensure that you are happy
with any changes we may make. If you are unable to attend yourself,
please make sure you let the person who attends for you know
exactly what you think may be wrong with your hearing
aid.
Where can I access the hearing aid repair clinic?
We have dedicated booked repair clinics at the following
departments. You will need to contact us to arrange an
appointment:
- Southmead Hospital: Monday - Friday
- St Michael's Hospital: Monday - Friday
- Weston General Hospital: Monday - Friday
You can book an appointment in a number of outreach centres
which may be closer to your home. To book an appointment at any of
our sites, please contact us on 0117 342 5854 or
email us at Audiology.dept@uhbw.nhs.uk
Can I send my hearing aid in the post for a repair?
If you are unable to visit one of our centres, you may post your
hearing aids to us. It is recommended to post your hearing aids
using tracked postage. We cannot accept responsibility for any
hearing aids that are lost or damaged in the post. We aim to
service hearing aids posted to us as soon as possible, usually on
the day they are received. Hearing aids will be returned to you by
2nd class post unless you enclose a self-addressed envelope.
If your hearing aid was issued at St. Michael's Hospital /
Stockwood Health Centre / Tower House Medical Centre/ South Bristol
Community Hospital, please post to:
Adult Audiology Department
St Michael's Hospital
Southwell Street
Bristol
BS2 8EG
If your hearing aid was issued at Southmead Hospital / Clevedon
Hospital / Cossham Hospital / Thornbury Hospital / Harbourside
Family Practice / Yate West Gate Centre, please post to:
Adult Audiology Department
Southmead Hospital
Gate 36, Brunel Building
Southmead
Bristol
BS10 5NB
How can I contact you for an appointment?
Telephone: 0117 342 5854 (St Michael's Hospital / Stockwood
Health Centre / South Bristol Community Hospital / Southmead
Hospital / Clevedon Hospital / Cossham Hospital / Thornbury
Hospital / Harbourside Family Practice / Yate West Gate
Centre)
Email: Audiology.dept@uhbw.nhs.uk
How can I find further advice and support?
For further information and support with managing hearing aids
and hearing loss or for information on additional listening devices
please see the services listed below:
- Tinnitus -> Tinnitus UK website. Helpline: 0800 018
0527
- Hearing -> RNID website (Royal National Institute for Deaf
People):- 0808 808 0123 or SMS: 07800 000 360
- Dizziness & Balance -> Meniere's Society: - 01306
876883
West of England Implant Team (WEHIP) contact details:
(FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT AND/OR BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID REPAIRS
ONLY)
For cochlear implant and/or bone anchored hearing aid
spares, repairs and enquiries please
email wehip@uhbw.nhs.uk or call
0117 342 1191 (Adults). Alternatively you can message: 07468
756052.
For children's services please call 0117 342 1607 and leave a
message on the answerphone and a member of the team will be in
touch.
- Access to work: For information about how to
access help with making adjustments at work including grants for
additional equipment in order for you to hear better in all
situations e.g. when using the telephone or in meetings.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
- Centre for the Deaf - Bristol
The Centre for the Deaf provide a
wide range of equipment ranging from pager alarms, minicoms and
flashing light systems to clock alarms, vibrating
pillow alarms and fire alarms, for people living in
Bristol. They have Environment Equipment Officers who can
visit you at home and assess your needs before installing any
equipment for you. The Equipment Officers will also
repair devices if necessary and give you any advice about the
equipment. There is no charge for this service. There is a
charge for some equipment such as television aids.
Address: Centre for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing People, The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds,
Bristol, BS16 2QQ
Drop-in opening hours Monday - Thursday 10:30 -13:00
Website: http://cfd.org.uk/
Phone: 01179 398 653
SMS: 07749313085
For Home Visits:
Phone: 03459 007 830
SMS: 07766 561 560
Skype: bristol.deaf.equipment
Email: equipment@centrefordeaf.org.uk
Website: http://www.cfd.org.uk/
- Hearing Impaired Support Scheme (HISS)
Please ask your Audiologist if you
would like to be referred to HISS who can visit you in your home if
you have difficulty attending a hearing aid clinic for regular
service appointments. Volunteers are trained to help with the
maintenance of hearing aids.
HiSS are looking for more
volunteers. Please see the advert below:
We need more volunteers!
"I can hear so
much better now you have changed the tubing!"
"I know
to get the light on his face, so I hear him better now."
"I am
so pleased: I can hear the front door bell!"
Someone local needs you to service
their hearing aids when they are not able to get to the NHS
clinics.
Full training given.
Work locally at times to suit
you.
PLEASE contact:
info@HISSbristol.org.uk
www.HISSbristol.org.uk
0117 9277336
Charity Number
1003715 Bristol and
surroundings.
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- Phonak: For information about Phonak hearing
aids and assistive listening devices.
Website: https://www.phonaknhs.co.uk/
- Sarabec Limited: "Access to Sound, to make
life a little easier for those with hearing difficulties. A
wide range of products help you listen to the TV and radio, hear
voices and conversations, as well as use phones, doorbells, alarm
clocks and baby monitors". https://www.sarabec.com/
- Gordon Morris: "Free Advice,
Professional Care & Reliable Products. With a knowledgeable
sales team, qualified sound technicians and warranties on all
installations and hearing products you'll be assured of a hearing
solution that fits your needs and budget." https://www.gordonmorris.co.uk
Please note emails sent to Audiology.dept@uhbw.nhs.uk
are not secure.
