Hearing aids are available free of charge through the NHS. Once you get your hearing tested, our audiologists will recommend the best type of hearing aid suitable for your hearing loss.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
What Can I Expect with a Hearing Aid?
Comfort. Your hearing aids should be comfortable. It should never cause you any pain, soreness, bleeding or a rash. If any of these occur, please remove your aid and contact our Audiology department.
You will hear a lot of sounds. Hearing aids amplify sounds, and that includes your own voice. Most hearing aid users will notice that their own voice sounds strange, but will quickly adjust to it. You will notice that sounds like footsteps, running water, and even newspaper rustling will be louder. Do not worry, as this is normal.
You will need to practice insertion. If you have never had a hearing aid before, the idea of wearing one could be daunting. Allow yourself sufficient time to get used to it. Practise putting it in and taking it out. It may seem awkward at first, but over time, you will be able to do it without thinking.
Will I have Perfect Hearing?
Do not expect hearing aids to give you perfect hearing. It should help you hear everyday sounds like the doorbell, the telephone, and the kettle boiling. They should also help you to follow what people are saying, so that conversations become much easier and more relaxed.
In noisy situations like pubs and restaurants, you may still find it difficult to hear. Keep in mind that even people with good hearing also struggle to catch every word in noisy environments.
How Long will it take to Adjust to Hearing Aids?
We encourage patients to persevere with their new hearing aid because it takes time for the brain to adapt to new sounds (around 6-8 weeks).
Some people prefer to build up their use of hearing aid gradually, whereas others prefer to wear it as much as they can. You will soon find out what the best option is for yourself.
If you would prefer to build up your use of hearing aid gradually, start in a quiet setting (preferably at home) and listen to easier sounds, such as the news on your TV. Avoid using it in difficult listening situations or noisy places, until you are used to the sound of it.
How Often should I wear my Hearing Aids?
It is strongly advised that you wear your hearing aids for all waking hours (after the adjustment period), except for in the shower and when asleep. You will not get the most out of your hearing aids if you use them infrequently.
Patients who persevere with their hearing aids are more successful in retraining their brains to hear all of the sounds that they have been missing.
What is a ‘Mould’ or a ‘Slim Tube’?
Depending on your level of hearing loss, you may be suitable for either a custom ear mould, or a slim tube fitting.
Custom Ear Mould: For patients with more severe to profound hearing losses, or for those who have trouble hearing at low frequencies, a custom ear mould is most suitable for you. Ear moulds are custom-fit and will sit snugly and precisely within your ear canal.
Slim Tube: For patients with mild to moderate hearing losses, or for those who have high frequency hearing losses, a slimtube with a silicon bell-shaped dome may be suitable for you.
