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NHS hearing aids

This page was last updated: December 19th, 2022

The audiology department offers a range of digital hearing aids, which are all supplied free of charge. These hearing aids are some of the most sophisticated available today. They use the latest technology to give you excellent sound quality and work with the other devices.

Depending on your needs, they fit discreetly behind the ear with a slim, clear tube, or fit into your ear with a custom made mould. Our hearing aids:

  • all have directional microphones to improve sound pick­up
  • Noise reduction to improve comfort.
  • Can be programmed to automatically adjust the volume making them easy to operate
  • Can also be programmed with manual volume if you prefer.
  • They are wireless
  • Can work together
  • Can also work with accessories, so you can use your mobile phone or listen to music through your hearing aids.
  • We can also program them with different options, including the loop system, to ensure that you can get the full benefit from your hearing aids.

There are several different makes of hearing aid that we use. We’ll select the one best suited to your level of hearing.

What can I expect from my hearing aid appointment?

You will be seen by an experienced audiologist who will introduce themselves and explain the appointment.

New referral

For a new referral you will be with us 80­ to 90 minutes. We’ll discuss the problems you’re experiencing, relevant medical history and your lifestyle so that we can fit the best hearing aid for your needs.

We will also complete a questionnaire about the level of difficulty you are experiencing, examine your ears, perform a hearing test and discuss your treatment options.

If possible, we’ll then proceed to the hearing aid fitting to save you an additional journey. If this isn’t possible due to your hearing loss, we’ll arrange another appointment for the hearing aid fitting.

Hearing Aid Fitting

A fitting usually takes just under an hour. During your fitting we will:

  • Discuss the best settings for you and program the ones you request.
  • Make sure the hearing aid is performing correctly.
  • Explain how to get the best from it in a range of situations.
  • Tell you how to look after it.
  • Explain the free aftercare and how to obtain free batteries.

Before you leave, we’ll then make an appointment for a further check up. This is usually done on the phone, so we can see how you are doing and answer any questions or concerns you have after using your hearing aid for a few weeks.

What will the hearing aid look like?

The hearing aid fitted by the audiologist will depend on your hearing loss and individual needs, some example hearing aids are shown here:

NHS hearing aids

Aftercare, replacement batteries and repairs

Both aftercare and replacement batteries are supplied free of charge and there is no time limit to this. It’s worth bearing in mind that if you lose your hearing aid, or damage it beyond repair due to carelessness, we may have to charge you for a replacement.

To request replacement batteries, tubes or domes, please phone our workshop on tel; 01872 253787 (9am to 4pm), or email; rcht.audiology@nhs.net stating your name, date of birth and what items you require.

Home visits from volunteers

We have a team of volunteers who can visit you in your home to clean and re-tube your hearing aid. They can also help you learn how to use your hearing aid and how to check it is fitting correctly. If you would like a volunteer to visit you please contact us on 01872 253787.

Hearing Aid Repairs

If your hearing aid is broken we offer a postal repair service. You can deliver your hearing aid to us here at Treliske and we will return it to you by post.

Please drop off your hearing aid at the main reception desk of the Trelawney Wing. Please package your hearing aid in an envelope including your name and contact details and a brief description of the problem.

Alternatively, please send your hearing aid via the Post Office (using the Signed for service) to ensure adequate postage. Please remember to include your name and contact details and a brief description of the problem. Send your aid to:

The Audiology Workshop, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, TR1 3LJ

If your need is urgent or you are unable to be without your hearing aid, please contact the department to discuss your needs on tel: 01872 253787.

Specialist hearing aids

We also offer Bone Anchored Hearing Aids, a specialist hearing aid which is suitable for people with a specific type of hearing loss. We are able to provide the assessment, surgery, wound care, fitting and after care. For more information please contact us on 01872 254907.

Find out more about Bone Anchored Hearing Aids.

Further information about your NHS hearing aid

We have a range of information leaflets on living with your hearing aid. Click the links to view them.

We also have a range of instructional videos, click on them to watch them on YouTube.

Patients with Danalogic hearing aids (Ambio or Ambio Smart) please visit the danalogic Patient Support page for product information leaflets, FAQs, instructional videos & information about compatible wireless accessories.

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