NHS hearing aids
This page was last updated: August 5th, 2021
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?
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?
Aftercare, replacement batteries and repairs
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.
Please note this service has not yet resumed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Open Hearing Aid Repair Clinic
Currently suspended
We are not currently holding our usual drop in clinic at the Royal Cornwall Hospital where you can pop in for repairs or aftercare. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients are not allowed to visit the department without an appointment. Please note the drop in service will remain suspended even after 19 July when national restrictions are lifted.
If your hearing aid is broken we are offering 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
Specialist hearing aids
Find out more about Bone Anchored Hearing Aids.
Further information about your NHS hearing aid
- Getting Hearing Aids [Downloads a PDF file]
- Life with Hearing Aids [Downloads a PDF file]
- Cleaning slim tube
- Cleaning custom mould – see page 12 and 13 of the Life with Hearing Aids leaflet
- Retube custom mould – see page 16 and 17 of the Life with Hearing Aids leaflet
- Battery Collection
We also have a range of instructional videos, click on them to watch them on YouTube.
