Your NHS Hearing Aid. Audiology Services

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Liliana Reynolds
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1 Your NHS Hearing Aid Earmould with Thin Tube Audiology Services 8426

2 Contents Inserting the earmould 3 Changing the batteries 4 New batteries 5 Cleaning 6 Changing your tubing 7 Troubleshooting 8 Hearing aid repair clinics 9 Other services 10 Useful contacts 14 Communication 17 Audiology Department Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY Tel: Fax: nnuh.nhs.uk/dept/audiology audioadmin@nnuh.nhs.uk 2

Inserting the earmould To insert the earmould, hold it with your thumb and forefinger on the outer side

At this point you may need to pull down your earlobe with your other hand.

Ensure the top part of your mould is securely under the fold at the top of your ear.

3 Inserting the earmould To insert the earmould, hold it with your thumb and forefinger on the outer side near the tubing. Gently insert the canal tip into your ear canal. At this point you may need to pull down your earlobe with your other hand. Then gently press the earmould into place with your finger. Ensure the top part of your mould is securely under the fold at the top of your ear. Carefully place the instrument over the top of the ear until it rests securely in place. To remove, take the instrument from behind your ear and gently pull the earmould outward. Pulling down on the earlobe may help loosen the earmould as it is removed. 3

4 Changing the battery Remove your old battery (these can be recycled). When inserted, the battery should be smooth side up. If the battery is inserted the wrong way up, the hearing aid will not work and may become damaged. The battery should last approximately 7-10 days Please store and dispose of batteries carefully. Keep out of the reach of children. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately. Batteries can cause severe internal burns. 4

5 New batteries Batteries are issued annually and are available via: Norfolk Deaf Association (NDA): Mobile clinics Community clinics Timetables are available from NDA Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital (NNUH): From Audiology Reception From our repair clinics (page 9) By post (send your battery card with request) By telephone (Call ) By Batteries can only be obtained with battery card present. If you lose your batteries, we are unable to replace these until your next year s supply is due. 5

Take care not to pull the tubing from the earmould. Place the hearing aid somewhere dry and safe. Wash the earmould in warm soapy water.

6 Cleaning Daily care Your earmould must be kept clean to avoid wax build up. Wipe the earmould with a damp cloth or wet wipe. Check for any blockages in the tubing. Weekly care Separate your hearing aid from the earmould by pulling the flexible tube from the rigid hook (fig.1). Take care not to pull the tubing from the earmould. Place the hearing aid somewhere dry and safe. Wash the earmould in warm soapy water. You may use a small brush to help remove any wax. Rinse with fresh water. Shake or blow out excess water. Leave the earmould somewhere to dry, preferably overnight, before attaching to aid. 6 (fig.1)

Changing your tubing The tubing in your earmould needs changing every 6

Below are some instructions so you can change this yourself or you can attend

Cut one side of the tubing diagonally, so it tapers at the end.

Thread the tapered tube through the earmould to the bend. 3.

7 Changing your tubing The tubing in your earmould needs changing every 6 months. Below are some instructions so you can change this yourself or you can attend a repair clinic. 1.Cut one side of the tubing diagonally, so it tapers at the end. Avoid cutting too close to the bend. 2. Thread the tapered tube through the earmould to the bend. 3. Cut the tapered end of tubing flush to the tip of the earmould. 4. Using the old piece of tubing as a guide, cut the new tube at the same length.this can now be attached to your hearing aid. New tubing can be obtained from the Audiology Department and the NDA Listen Here Bus. 7

8 Troubleshooting Problem No Sound Possible Cause Aid not turned on. Battery not inserted correctly. Dead Battery. Blocked earmould. Condensation in tube. Action Turn aid on. Insert battery correctly. Replace battery. Check and follow advice for cleaning. Check tubing & blow out. Whistling or buzzing when in ear Unknown Mould not inserted correctly. Excess wax in your ears. Damaged tubing. Aid is on the loop program. Cracked/Loose earmould. Take mould out and insert carefully. Have your practice nurse check and remove any wax if necessary. Replace tubing. Turn aid off. Turn on to reset. Attend repair clinic. Attend repair clinic For any adjustments to the sound of your digital hearing aid or fine tuning, you must make an appointment with the Audiology Department. Please phone:

9 Hearing aid repair clinics Attend the clinic for: 6 monthly change of tubing 6 monthly change of filters (certain models of Phonak aids only) Cracked or loose mould Uncomfortable mould Cracked, loose or hard tubing Broken or damaged aid* Lost aid* Please bring your battery card or book The Norfolk and Norwich Repair Clinic No appointment necessary Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:45-12:15 8:45-12:15 8:45-12:15 8:45-12:15 8:45-12:15 13:45-16:45 No Clinic 13:45-16:45 No Clinic 13:45 16:45 Cromer Repair Clinic Attendance by appointment only. To book at Cromer Hospital please phone: *There is a 55 + VAT charge for hearing aids lost or damaged through lack of care. 9

10 Other services Hearing Therapy The Audiology department has a Hearing Therapy service. This offers help to patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis. The service can also help you and your family come to terms with your Hearing Loss. Lip-reading advice and communication tactics for home and the workplace are also offered. Please ask your Audiologist or GP about a referral. Assistive Listening Devices (ALD s): Advice can be given on ALD s. Please ask for an appointment if you require further help with: Hearing on the telephone Hearing the doorbell Hearing the alarm clock Listening to TV or radio Hearing in banks, theatres or churches Listening to music Wireless streamers 10

11 Available to purchase from Audiology: Earmould puffers To clear condensation from earmould tubing. C2Hear Hearing Aid DVD An educational DVD for new hearing aid users covering topics such as how to insert your earmould, using the phone, troubleshooting and retubing 11

12 NDA The Norfolk Deaf Association Our mission is to improve the lives of young people and adults with all degrees of hearing loss through information, support, awareness and communication. Hearing Support Service For general advice and maintenance of your hearing aid through static clinics and the Listen here mobile clinic. Static clinics At locations throughout Norfolk Mobile clinics The Listen Here bus at towns and villages throughout Norfolk Home Visits For those who are housebound and unable to visit the static or mobile clinics Assistive Listening Devices Timetables and locations for both static and mobile clinics are available on the NDA website or from the Audiology Department Hearing aid user support group A group where new users can ask questions about their hearing aids and seek practical support. 12

13 Befriending Service Provides companionship, reduces isolation and improves confidence. Tinnitus Support Group Regular support meetings Deaf Awareness Training Training is provided for public and private sectors, Charities and community organisations Hush Club A self help group that offers support and facilitates social networks and activities. For further information please contact the Norfolk Deaf Association (contact details on page 14) 13

Useful contacts The Norfolk Deaf Association 120 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RT Supporting the deaf and hard of hearing in Norfolk Tel/Textphone: 01603 404440 Fax: 01603 404433 www.norfolkdeaf.org.

14 Useful contacts The Norfolk Deaf Association 120 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RT Supporting the deaf and hard of hearing in Norfolk Tel/Textphone: Fax: Providing support to deaf people and their families. Deaf Connexions Unit 14, Capitol House, 4 Heigham Street, Norwich, NR2 4TE Telephone: Textphone: mail@deafconnexions.org.uk 14

Useful contacts Fire Kills Advice on fire prevention, including downloadable leaflets www.facebook.

uk/firekills A charity providing support, care and training for those with hearing loss or tinnitus.

15 Useful contacts Fire Kills Advice on fire prevention, including downloadable leaflets A charity providing support, care and training for those with hearing loss or tinnitus. Action On Hearing Loss Customer Services Dept. Action on Hearing Loss Bakewell Road Peterborough PE2 6XU Tel: Textphone: solutions@hearingloss.org.uk 15

16 Useful contacts Job Centre Plus This is a government department that can offer help with equipment and advice in the workplace. Operational Support Unit, Harrow Jobcentre Plus, Mail Handling Site A Wolverhampton WV98 1JE Telephone: Textphone: atwosu.london@jobcentreplus. gsi.gov.uk Adult education services: Lip reading Sign language Telephone: Minicom: information@norfolk.gov.uk 16

17 Communication Things to think about for good communication The Environment Lighting Furnishings Position Make sure the speakers face is well lit. Soft furnishings reduce echo, for example using table cloths and mats can reduce cutlery/crockery noise. Always try to minimise background noise. eg. sit with your back to a wall in a noisy restaurant. Help Yourself Be Open Tell people about your hearing loss. Ask them to get your attention before speaking. Be Observant Watch for facial expressions, lip patterns and hand gestures. These all give clues to the conversation. Be Positive Don t be afraid to ask the speaker to repeat themselves. Encourage people to start a conversation with the topic. 17

18 Communication The Telephone Position Type Instead of holding the phone against your ear canal, hold the earpiece of the phone to the top of your ear, against the microphone located towards the front of your hearing aid. If your hearing aid has the loop setting and your telephone includes an induction loop. Hold the earpiece of the phone against the back of your hearing aid, try different places until the sound becomes clearer. Induction Loop Ask your Audiologist about the LOOP/TELECOIL. This may be useful in many situations including: On the telephone At the bank At the theatre At church Supermarkets Lecture theatres Anywhere this sign is displayed 18

19 Communication Hints and tips for friends and family Minimise background noise Attract attention before speaking Speak clearly and not too fast Face the person, be sure your mouth is visible Get to the point. Make sure the topic of conversation is clear Include people. Tell them what you are talking or laughing about Speak one at a time Be patient Repeat, rephrase, or write it down Remember, communication is a two way responsibility 19

20 Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY Tel: Fax: Date of Production: December 2017 Date of review: December 2018

Your NHS Hearing Aid with Thin Tube

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Your NHS Hearing Aid with Thin Tube Audiology Services 8426 Contents Inserting the Thin Tube 3 Changing the batteries 4 New batteries 5 Maintenance