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As technology becomes more advanced, the NHS is always being upgraded with new digital hearing aids. The hearing aids we provide are BTE's (behind the ear) digital hearing aids. We do not supply ITE's (in the ears) unless there is a medical condition. All our hearing aids are free to patients.
Hearing aids are used to make sounds louder and clearer, enabling you to hear comfortably. They are made so they fit comfortably behind your ear, and come in different shapes or sizes depending on the type of hearing aid. Coloured hearing aids are available for children to choose from.
Each hearing aid picks up sound via the microphone and converts it into an electrical signal. Using digital technology, this signal is processed by electronic means and amplified. The earphone in the hearing aid then picks up these signals and converts them back to sounds to the specific loudness to suit the patient's hearing loss.
When you first come to the audiology department, after being referred by your G.P, we will give you an initial assessment, talking about your past medical history and about your hearing. Once this has been done, the audiologist will take a look in your ears, and give you an in-depth hearing test.
In this appointment we will then discuss your hearing, and whether or not hearing aids are likely to benefit you. We will also have to look into whether you will benefit from one or two hearing aids, depending on your hearing loss and lifestyle etc.
Once we decide what hearing aid you will have, we will take an impression of your ear to make the mould, and send it off to a manufacturer to be made. Depending on your hearing loss, we may be able to fit you with a corda, which does not need an impression to be taken.
Your next audiology appointment will involve fitting the new hearing aid with the mould or corda. The audiologist will talk to you about how to use the hearing aid, and how to get the most benefit from it.
Three months after being fitted with the new hearing aid we will then send you a progress check questionnaire to see how you are getting on. Once it is returned we will update your records and see whether you need to come in for some alterations.
Once everything is fine with the hearing aid, you will need to keep an eye on the tubing, which we advise you change every 6 months. You need to make sure it is clean and doesn't become brittle and blocked as this can affect the amplication and clarity of sound.
Last modified 06/09/10 12:35:40
Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Hinchingbrooke Park, Huntingdon
Cambs PE29 6NT
Hinchingbrooke Direct:
01480 416416
