Siemens NHS Audiology User manual

Audiology - Hearing Care
Torbay and Sout Devon
Information about your new earing aid

1

Appointments
and Repairs
We hope that you are happy with your new hearing aid.
However, should you experience any problems, for
example, if you are not hearing clearly or if your
earmould is not comfortable, then please feel free to
arrange an appointment to see an Audiologist. Before
you do so however, check the list of common problems
(see Advice and Common Problems which you will find
later in this booklet). Once you have had your hearing
aid fitted, we will contact you every three years for a
reassessment. If you feel your hearing has deteriorated
before this time please ring and speak to the Audiology
Department.
The plastic tubing in your hearing aid will eventually
wear out. When this happens you will not hear so clearly
with your hearing aid. This will need changing
approximately every 6 months.This can be done by an
Audiologist. Depending on what type of earpiece you
have you might be able to do this yourself. Please ask
an Audiologist if you are interested in learning how to
do this.
2
We hope that you are happy with your new hearing aid. How-
ever, should you experience any problems, for example, if
you are not hearing clearly or if your ear mould is not com-
fortable, then please feel free to arrange an appointment to
see an Audiologist. Before you do so however, check the list
of common problems (see Advice and Common Problems
which you will find later in this booklet). Once you have had
your hearing aid issued, a hearing test is generally recom-
mended every 3 years. However if you are managing with
your hearing aid you can leave this longer.
The plastic tubing in your hearing aid will eventually wear out.
When this happens you will not hear so clearly with your
hearing aid. This will need changing approximately every
6 months. This can be done by an Audiologist. Depending
on what type of earpiece you have you might be able to do
this yourself. Please ask an Audiologist if you are interested
in learning how to do this.

Making t e
most of your
earing aid
Getting used to your hearing aid
When you first start wearing a hearing aid you may find
that you are very aware of everyday background sounds
that you have not been used to hearing, like kettles
boiling, toilets flushing etc. You may find that these
noises are distracting and make it difficult for you to
focus on what you want to hear, this is quite normal.
As you gradually become accustomed to these sounds,
your brain will learn to filter them out, so that you
become less aware of them over time.
3

Build up the use of your hearing aid gradually. It can take time to get
used to it and the more you persevere with it, the more you will
benefit. Start by wearing the hearing aid for a couple of hours a day
and gradually increase this. Everyone is different, so do this at a
rate that you are comfortable with. Start off in a quiet place and
when you feel ready, try wearing it in more noisy places. The
important thing to remember is to persevere. Try to give yourself at
least 6-8 weeks to become used to the hearing aid. If at this point
you are not happy with it then please arrange an appointment to see
an Audiologist.
It is very common that your own voice may sound slightly different
to what you are used to hearing, this is because you have been
used to hearing your own voice with a hearing loss. When the aid is
initially fitted the sound of your own voice can sound a little strange
as it is now being amplified. Your own voice may appear a little
quieter to others.
Hearing tactics
Do not have unrealistic expectations of your hearing aid. It will not
restore your hearing to normal, but hopefully it will help you to hear
some of the sounds that you have been missing out on. Please
remember that in noisy places it will always be more difficult to hear
even when you are wearing a hearing aid a nd that no hearing aid
will completely eliminate background noise.
Make the most of visual information by watching people’s mouths,
you will probably find that you are already lip-reading to a certain
extent without realising it. You should hear much better if the person
you are speaking to is facing you and sitting in the light. Reduce any
unnecessary background noise, such as the TV/radio. Do not be
embarrassed to ask people to repeat themselves if you have not
heard what they have said.
4

Turning on/off & c anging t e battery
5
Turning ON/OFF
Tu ning the
hea ing aid ON
•close the battery
compartment
Tu ning the
hea ing aid OFF
•open the battery
compartment
(Battery door
located on
underside of
hearing aid)
You may have an alternative
ON/OFF on your hearing aid.
Ask your Audiologist for
further details:
Rocker
Switch
Push
Button
Remote
Control
C anging t e battery
Open the battery
compartment.
Remove coloured sticker
from new battery, place
battery in drawer with +
symbol on battery + side up.
(You should only remove the
protective sticker when you
actually use the battery).
Close battery door.
You batte y size is:
312 13 675
1
2
3

Speake phone
You may prefer to use a telephone with speakerphone. This allows
you to press a button and listen to the conversation through a
speaker on the telephone, without having to lift the receiver. This
can be particularly beneficial if you have two hearing aids.
Volume cont ol
Many telephones now have an adjustable volume control. Whilst
this can be helpful, often the problem lies with clarity and not
volume. Therefore it is still important to use your hearing aid(s)
even if your telephone has additional volume control.
Mobile Phones
Hearing aids can be used just as easily with mobile telephones.
Hold the receiver to your hearing aid and not to your ear. Most
hearing aids are compatible with some form of external
Bluetooth device. If you have Siemens hearing aids they are likely
to be compatible with the miniTek.
™
The miniTek wirelessly connects the hearing aids to the
television, mobile phone, Bluetooth®land line telephones, iPods,
MP3 players, radios and all other audio devices. To find out more
about miniTek ask your Audiologist or go to:
www.bestsound-technology.co.uk
miniTek is available to purchase. Please ask your audiologist
for more information about how you can obtain this device.
Loops and P ones
6
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned bythe Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
and any use of such marksby Sivantos GmbH is under license.
Volume control
Many telephones now have an adjustable volume control. Whilst this
can be helpful, often the problem lies with clarity and not volume.
Therefore it is still important to use your hearing aid (s) even if your
telephone had additional volume control.
Controlling your phone using an app
Some hearing aids can be controlled by an app that can be down-
loaded to most phones and tablets. If you would like more informa-
tion about this, please speak to the Audiologist.
Mobile Phones
Hearing aids can be used just as easily with mobile telephones.
Hold the receiver to your hearing aid and not to your ear. Most hear-
ing aids are compatible with some form of external Bluetooth device.
If you have Siemens hearing aids they are likely to be compatible
with the miniTek.
The miniTek wirelessly connects the hearing aids to the television,
mobile phone, Bluetooth land line telephones, iPods, MP3 players,
radios and all other audio devices. To find out more about miniTek
ask your Audiologist or go to:
www.bestsound-technology.co.uk
miniTek is available to purchase. Please ask your audiologist
for more information about how you can obtain this device.

•The telecoil loop system is
compatible with most NHS
hearing aids. It is available in most
public buildings, e.g. banks, building
societies, post offices, theatres,
cinemas and places of worship.
•Anywhere you see the following
symbol, you can use the loop
system on your hearing aid:
•This system allows the hearing aid
user to hear sound directly from
the source. The sound source/
person talking is picked up by a
microphone, this signal is
amplified and transmitted
through a loop of wire around a
given area (bank window, desk,
room etc). When the hearing aid is
turned onto the loop the signal is
received by the hearing aid.
T e Telecoil Loop System (‘T’)
The loop system has been tu ned ON OFF on you hea ing aid.
7

•The loop is controlled through the programme button on the aid.
Simply press the button to select your loop programme. If your
hearing aid is set to work with the loop system your Audiologist
will let you know how many beeps you will hear when it is
activated. You will then be able to use the loop system. When
you have finished using the loop system, push the button once
until it beeps again. You should now be back on programme 1.
•If you are unable to hear any sound when trying to use the loop
system in a public building please ask a member of staff to check
that their loop is turned on and working. If their system is
working correctly and you are still unable to hear, please attend
one of our repair clinics for an audiologist to check the hearing
aid for you.
Please note:
• Do not use the loop programme on your hearing aid at
home unless your television or telephone have been
installed with a loop system. Ask your Audiologist about
equipment, such as specialist phones or a loop for your
home.
Using t e loop system wit your digital NHS earing aids
8

Some practical day-to-day situations may require just a small
adjustment now that you are wearing hearing aids. Using the
telephone is an example of this as the sound needs to pass
through the hearing aid for you to be able to hear it. There are
various ways to improve hearing on the telephone depending on
the features available on the particular telephone model.
Using the telephone handset
•Leave your hearing aid in your
ear and working normally.
•Put the telephone receiver to the
hearing aid towards the top of
your ear as shown in the picture
bottom right.
•This will make the voice of the
person calling louder for you.
Using t e telep one wit your digital NHS earing aids
Q
R
9

Advice and
Common
problems
New 'How to' videos now available - please visit
http://www.sdhct.nhs.uk/se vices/audiology/hea ing-
aids/hea ing-aids-videos/
Please take good care of your hearing aid and also note
that if it is lost there will be a charge.
If you have children or small animals please keep the
hearing aid(s) and batteries in a safe place. Batteries are
harmful if swallowed.
Hearing aids should not get wet. When showering please
remember to remove them.
If you accidentally get them wet, remove the battery and
leave the hearing aid to dry overnight.
10

Troubles ooting
If you find that your hearing aid is not working, it may be one of the
following problems:
•The battery is dead or not in correctly. Make sure that the battery
is inserted the correct way with the plus sign facing upwards.
Occasionally, you may find that a new battery does not work. If
this happens, try using a fresh battery.
•Check the earmould tubing for moisture. If there are droplets in
the tubing, detach the earmould from the hearing aid and shake it
vigorously. Leave the earmould in a warm place, such as an airing
cupboard until it is completely dry. For instructions on how to
reattach the earmould to the hearing aid, refer to your user guide
or relevant leaflet. If you find that moisture regularly builds up in
the earmould tubing then speak to an Audiologist about this.
•Check the earmould tubing for wax, if the earmould is cleaned
regularly this should not be a problem.
•Your ears may be blocked with wax, if unsure have your ears
checked by your GP.
If your hearing aid is whistling it may be for one of the following
reasons:
•Your earmould may not be in properly, if this is the problem you
may find that it is uncomfortable. Also your hearing aid may fall
out. If you are unsure whether you are putting your earmould in
properly, please see an Audiologist for advice.
•There may be wax in your ears, please have your ears checked
by your GP before arranging an appointment to see an
Audiologist.
•Your earmould may need replacing; these do shrink over time and
this can cause the hearing aid to whistle. Again, your ears will
need to be clear of wax before we can take a new impression of
your ears.
11

Batteries
Batteries
Batteries are provided free of charge
and can be picked up by you or someone
else on your behalf. Please note that you
will not be given batteries without your
battery book. Remember to switch the
hearing aid off when you are not using
it in order to save the battery.
Batteries can be obtained without an appointment
from a number of locations, these are listed on
the following pages:
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Abbey Road Surgery,
56 Abbey Road, Torquay
Albany Road Surgery,
Grace House, Scott Close,
Newton Abbot
Ashburton Surgery,
9-15 Eastern Rd, Ashburton
Barton Surgery,
Barton Hill Way, Torquay
The Barton Surgery,
Barton Terrace, Dawlish
Bishopsteignton Health Centre,
Green Shute Hill
Brixham Hospital,
Greenswood Road, Brixham
Brunel Medical Practice,
Babbacombe Surgery, St Albans Road,
Babbacombe, Torquay
Brunel Medical Practice,
Shiphay Surgery, 13 Collaton Road,
Shiphay, Torquay
Brunel Medical Practice,
Marychurch Surgery, Fore Street,
St Marychurch, Torquay
Buckfastleigh Medical Centre,
Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh
Buckland Surgery,
1 Raleigh Road, Buckland
Chagford Health Centre,
Chagford
Cherrybrook Medical Centre,
Hookhills Road, Paignton
Chilcote Surgery,
Dewerstone Practice, Hampton Avenue,
St Marychurch,Torquay
Chilcote Surgery,
Chatto Practice, 104 Chatto Road,
Torquay
Chudleigh Health Centre,
Old Exeter St, Chudleigh
The Cricketfield Surgery,
Cricketfield Road, Newton Abbot
Dartmouth Clinic,
Zion Place, Dartmouth
Dartmouth Hospital,
South Embankment, Dartmouth
Dawlish Hospital,
Barton Terrace, Dawlish
Devon Square Surgery,
44 Devon Square, Newton Abbot
Dewerstone Surgery,
Hampton Avenue, St Marychurch
Glendevon Medical Centre,
3 Carlton Place, Teignmouth
Grosvenor Road Surgery,
17 Grosvenor Road, Paignton
Ipplepen Health Centre,
Silver Street, Ipplepen
Kingskerswell Medical Centre,
1 School Rd, ingskerswell
Kingsteignton Medical Practice,
Whiteway Road
Leatside Surgery,
Babbage Rd, Totnes
Manor Road Surgery,
95 Upper Manor Road, Paignton
Midvale Clinic,
14 Midvale Road, Paignton
Moretonhampstead Health Centre,
Embleford Crescent
Newton Abbot Hospital,
West Golds Road, Jetty Marsh,
Newton Abbot
Norton Brook Medical Centre,
Cookworthy Rd, ingsbridge
13

Please note some clinics may close
during the lunch time period.
Drop in clinics for repairs and retubes are run at Torbay
Hospital ONLY during the following times:
Tuesday 9am – 12.00 noon
Thursday 1.45pm – 4.00pm
Friday 9am – 12.00pm
Clinics run at other times by appointment ONLY. Please phone
us on [phone] to arrange an appointment at any one
of the following sites:
Torbay Hospital Newton Abbot Hospital
Midvale Road Clinic (Paignton) Teignmouth Hospital
Totnes Hospital Dawlish Hospital
Dartmouth Clinic Brixham Hospital
Paignton Hospital,
Church Street, Paignton
Parkhill Medical Centre,
Parkhill Road, Torquay
Pembroke House,
Fortescue Rd, Paignton
Richmond House Surgery,
Fore Street, Teignmouth
Riverside Surgery,
Le Molay-Littry Way, Newton Abbot
Riverside Surgery,
Shaldon
Sherwell Valley Surgery,
Sherwell Valley Road, Torquay
Shiphay Manor Surgery,
Chelston Hall, Old Mill Road
Southover Medical Practice,
Bronshill Road, Torquay
Teignmouth Hospital,
Mill Lane, Teignmouth
Teignmouth Medical Practice,
2 Den Cresent, Teignmouth
Torbay Hospital,
Lawes Bridge, Torquay
Totnes Country Hospital,
Coronation Road, Totnes
Tower House Surgery,
Market Way, Chudleigh,
alnut Lodge Surgery,
Walnut Road, Torquay
Please bring your brown battery book
with you to all appointments
14

Useful Contacts
Audiology Department Tel: [phone]
Torbay Hospital Email: audiology.sdh[email protected]
Lawes Bridge www.sdhct.nhs.uk/aboutus/services/audiology
Torquay
Action on hearing loss Tel: [phone]
19 – 23 Featherstone Street SMS: [phone]
London Fax: [phone]
EC1Y 8SL www.actiononhearing loss.org.uk
Sensory Resource Hub Tel: [phone]
Jasmyn House, Textphone: [phone]
1 Midvale Road, Paignton, Fax: ( 01803) 219899
TQ4 5BD Email: tctsensory[email protected]
Soundbase Tel/Textphone: [phone]
Bull Meadow Clinic Fax: [phone]
Bull Meadow Road Email: [email protected].uk
Exeter
EX2 4JF
Hearing and sight centre Tel: [phone]
Plymouth Guild Fax: [phone]
Ernest English House Email: [email protected]
Buckwell Street
Plymouth
PL1 2DA
Disability information service Tel: [phone]
Chadwell Annexe Email: [e-mail]
Torquay Road
Paignton
Patient Advice and Liaison Tel: [phone]
Service (PALS) Textphone: [phone]
Hengrave House Freephone: [phone]
Torbay Hospital Fax: [phone]
TQ2 7AA Email: [email protected]
Lipreading courses Please ask for information on the latest courses.
Information about your new hearing aid/Audiology/SDHNHSFT/05.12??/Review date 05.15?? Customer to advise
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