signia Contrast HP+ Installation and operation manual

Hearing Aid
Information Booklet
“We aim to continually provide professional
and innovative Audiology services in a friendly
and caring environment by a dedicated and
supported team.” WE HEAR YOU
Southport & Ormskirk

Available Appointment Times
Southport & Ormskirk Audiology Department – 8:00am to 18:00pm
Formby Clinic – Thursdays 9:00am – 17:00pm
Sandy Lane Clinic – Tuesdays 13:45pm – 17:00pm
All appointments should be booked via the Audiology Department
Introduction 4
Your hearing aid 5
Types of hearing loss 6
Hearing aids 8
Frequently asked questions 10
Getting started with your hearing aids 12
Communication tactics 16
The patient journey 18
General notes on safety 20
What to do if the aid stops working 22
Repair service 24
Battery replacement service 26
Sources of further information 28
2 3
Southport and Ormskirk Opening Times Contents

Congratulations on getting your hearing aid(s), the first
step towards better hearing. There is no doubt that, with
time and regular use, it will make a real difference towards
your quality of life.
Please take the time to read this guide as it will help you to get the best
out of your new digital hearing aid. It will remind you of what your
Audiologist explained at your fitting appointment, and also contains
extra information about how to use and look after your aid.
You will also find tips that you can use to make it easier to understand
what other people are saying. There is also contact information for
useful organisations and support services.
If you have any difficulties that are not solved by this guide, your local
audiology service is there to help you.
4
Introduction
All hearing aids supplied by the NHS are highly advanced, digital aids.
Your hearing aid has been programmed electronically to take into
account your individual prescription. This begins with your Audiologist
performing a hearing assessment.
5
Your new hearing aid

6 7
Audiogram of familiar sounds Mild
You may have difficulty following speech, especially in noisy situations.
This type of loss is often noticed by family first rather than the patient.
Moderate
You may often have difficulty following speech and miss other quiet noises.
Amplification is very successful for this loss, but the patient also needs to
use good hearing tactics.
Moderately-severe
You would be unable to hear speech even in quiet surroundings and may
not hear general noises such as traffic unless they are loud. Amplification is
very successful for this loss, but the patient also needs to use good hearing
tactics. Lip-reading classes could benefit people with this hearing level.
Severe
You would be unable to hear most sounds unless they are very loud.
Amplification is useful, but the patient will also need to rely on good
hearing tactics.
Profound
Will need to wear appropriate amplification technology (e.g. hearing aids,
cochlear implant, FM) in order to hear conversational speech. You may
not hear traffic noise unaided. Lip-reading classes would also be useful for
people with this hearing loss. Patients in this category may also use sign
language and watch sign assisted programmes.
Types of hearing loss
250 500 1000125
0
2000 4000 8000
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
HEARING LEVELS IN DECIBELS (Db)
Profound
Severe
Moderately-severe
Moderate
Mild
FREQUENCY IN CYCLES PER SECOND (Hz)
Please Note: People often have hearing thresholds spanning two or more of
these classes of hearing loss in different pitches / ears.

8 9
If your hearing is suitable, you will be offered digital hearing
aids. This means that they are programmed with a computer to
a prescription suitable for your loss.
A hearing aid cannot give you perfect hearing but they should
help you to hear everyday sounds like clocks ticking, birds
singing, your feet on the carpet, clothes rustling and people
breathing. More importantly they will amplify the quieter parts
of speech like the beginning and ends of words including the
quieter consonants… ss, th, ff, th, d, v, …etc
This will make speech a bit clearer for you, so you don’t have to
listen as hard and give you more confidence when conversing
with people.
In noisy places the background noise will still be there as it is for
someone who has normal hearing. You will probably find that it
is helpful to watch people’s faces in noisy places like high streets
and restaurants.
You may still find it difficult to follow what people are saying
and, if both ears are impaired, wearing two aids will help you to
focus better on what you want to listen to.
Good stereo hearing is essential for hearing well in demanding
listening environments like background noise and distance.
Either a life tip, life mould or a standard ear mould has been
prescribed for your hearing needs.
Hearing aids
Your hearing aid(s) may look like one of these:
Contrast™ HP+ Contrast™ S+

10
Will I have normal hearing with hearing aids in?
No, the hearing aids can only work with the hearing that you have left.
It will sound strange to start off with, but with perseverance it will sound
more natural. It will take the strain out of listening though and improve
your confidence.
Will my own voice change by wearing hearing aids?
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.
What if I don’t like the sound of my own voice?
To start with, your voice may sound unfamiliar to you but after 2-6
weeks this should subside with regular use of the hearing aids.
For some patients this may take longer than 2-6 weeks.
Is there anything else that could help,
as well as a hearing aid?
Yes, social care can give out extra equipment for the TV.
Please discuss with your Audiology Team.
Are there any listening situations that I will still have
difficulty hearing, even with my hearing aids?
Your hearing aids are programmed to automatically adjust to suit
the environment that you are in, however there are limitations to
the technology. Sometimes manual programs can be added to help
specifically with environments that you find especially hard to hear in.
These options can be discussed with your Audiologist.
How do I get used to wearing a hearing aid?
By wearing the hearing aids you are teaching yourself to listen again.
When your hearing deteriorates it takes time to get used to all the new
background noises and hearing speech can be strange to start with. Just like
glasses, it takes time to get used to the physical fit. The more you wear the
hearing aids, the more natural they will feel.
I’ve had one hearing aid for a long time and now I have been
given two, one for each ear. What will this feel like?
The newly aided ear may take a while to get used to wearing a hearing aid,
compared to the ear which has had a hearing aid previously. Similarly to
when you received your first hearing aid, your brain needs time to adjust
to hearing from this side again as it is learning to use both ears together. To
start with it may sound less natural but please persevere with it until your
hearing aid review appointment to allow for this adjustment.
I’ve been given two hearing aids – should I wear
them both together?
Wearing two hearing aids gives a much more balanced, more natural sound.
It will also be easier to locate where sounds are coming from when both
hearing aids are worn. Good stereo hearing is about quality of sound and not
loudness of sound. The hearing aids have been programmed as a pair and if
you only wear one aid the settings may be incorrect for your hearing loss.
How often should I be wearing the hearing aids?
Ideally all day every day – the more they are in the ears, the better.
Sometimes it may not be obvious how much you can hear with it but
persevere as much as you can. Remember, you never know when you might
need to hear something, for example, the doorbell or telephone, etc.
Please Note: The hearing aids should not get wet, they are water resistant but not waterproof.
During showering, heavy rain, at the hairdressers etc., they should be removed to prevent
damage. If the aid is damaged or lost a charge will be incurred.
Frequently asked questions
11

Getting started with your hearing aids
12 13
Turning ON/OFF Changing the battery Volume control
Louder
Softer
Short Press
Turning the
hearing aid ON
• close the battery
compartment
Open the battery
compartment.
You may have a volume control on the back of each hearing aid.
Your hearing aid has an automatic volume control which adjusts
depending on the listening situation you are in.
You can use the rocker switch to make additional volume
adjustments to make the sound more comfortable. A short press up
to increase volume and a short press down to decrease volume.
Please Note: Your volume adjustment is limited.
The upper and lower limit is indicated when you hear several beeps in succession.
When you hear the beeps you cannot adjust the volume any further.
Opening and closing the battery drawer will reset the volume to the mid-point.
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
Your battery size is:
13 44 Other
Turning the
hearing aid OFF
• open the battery
compartment
You may have an alternative ON/
OFF on your hearing aid. Ask your
Audiologist for further details
1
2
3
Rocker
Switch
Push
Button
Signia
App

14 15
Using the telephone Programs
Program 1
Program 2
Program 3
Program 4
Program 5
Program 6
One Beep
Two Beeps
Three Beeps
Four Beeps
Five Beeps
Six Beeps
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.
Telephone program
You may prefer a certain volume
when using the telephone. Ask
your Audiologist to configure
a telephone program.
• Switch to the telephone
program whenever you
are on the phone.
1
2
Your Audiologist will discuss the choice of programs and how they may
benefit you In different listening environments.
You can select your different programs by giving the rocker switch a
long press of 3 seconds or more.
Changes the program up one
Changes the program down one
Long Press 3 secs+
Please Note: To reset your hearing aid to the original program (1),
press the program button until only one beep is heard or alternatively to reset all
settings, turn the aid off and on again.
Do not use the loop setting unless you are in the vicinity of a loop system. If the loop
setting is active at any other time, the amplified sound will be reduced.

16 17
Communications tactics
Here are some tactics your family and friends can use to help you
hear more easily. It may be helpful to introduce them to your
family and friends.
If you are experiencing
difficulties communicating
with a particular person or
in a specific situation, the
best thing to do is explain
these tactics to them as it’s
likely they are not aware.
Once they understand this
they can help make the
situation easier for you.
“Don’t cover
your mouth”
“Find a suitable
place to talk”
“Don’t speak
too fast”
“Get to
the point”
“Get my
attention”
“Face me”
“Don’t shout”
Speak clearly and use normal
lip movements, natural facial
expressions and gestures
Use plain language
and don’t waffle. Keep your voice at a normal
level. Shouting can distort
speech making it more
difficult to understand.
Before you start to speak
to me, make sure you
are in the same room as
me and you have my
full attention.
It is easier to hear when there
is good lighting and not too
many noises and distractions.
If I don’t understand what you
are saying, try and say it in a
different way and slow. down.
Always turn and face me
when you talk. It helps
me pick up any visual
clues you might give me.

The patient journey
18 19
After care
Your hearing aid is expected to remain
appropriate for several years. If your
needs change, assessments are available
through your Audiology team.
Hearing assessment and fitting within
4 weeks of referral. For mould fittings
patient returns for second appointment
Follow-Up within 10 weeks
of hearing aid fitting
Aftercare includes batteries,
repair and advice fitting
Referred by GP into
Adult Hearing Service
One
appointment,
assesment
and fitting
Assessment
Fitting
Follow Up
After Care

General notes on safety
20 21
Choking hazard posed by small parts.
• Keep batteries, hearing aids and accessories out of children’s reach.
• If swallowed, consult a physician or hospital immediately.
• If infants, small children or disabled persons need to wear hearing aids
ensure adequate supervision.
• Keep the battery compartment locked.
Important
Regularly check the condition of your hearing aid and consult your
Audiologist if it fails to operate correctly or the case becomes damaged or
deformed.
Leaking batteries damage hearing aids
• Turn the hearing aids off when not in use to preserve battery life.
• Remove battery when aids are not in use for a prolonged period of time.
Batteries contain harmful substances
that pollute the environment.
• Do not throw away batteries into household refuse.
• Dispose batteries according to national regulations or return them to
your Audiologist.
Please Note: For further and more comprehensive safety information please refer to your
product user guide and safety guide.
Please Note: Check the condition and operation of the hearing aid regularly.
Consult your Audiologist if the casing is deformed.
Your hearing aids are sensitive to extreme heat, high humidity,
strong magnetic fields, x-rays and mechanical stress.
• Do not expose your hearing aid to extremes in temperature or humidity.
• Do not leave them in direct sunlight.
• Do not wear them in the shower or while applying make-up, perfume,
aftershave, hair spray or suntan lotion.
• Do not wear your hearing aid when you are exposed to short-waves, a
strong magnetic field, a high frequency field or x-rays.
• Do not place your hearing aids in a microwave oven.
WARNING!
Connect the audio input only to equipment which conforms to
the safety requirements of EN 60065.
Hazard of explosion
Do not use your hearing aids in areas where there is danger of explosion
e.g. mining.

22 23
What to do if the aid stops working
Has your hearing aid stopped amplifying sound?
• Turn the aid off and on again. You may have accidentally altered the
program or volume. This should reset the aid.
• Try one new battery. Each battery will last between 1 and 2 weeks.
• Try separating the tubing from the aid and cup the aid in your hand.
The aid should whistle:
- If it whistles, check the tubing and mould/LifeTip for signs of
blockage. You may need to contact the Audiology Department to
change tubing/LifeTip.
- If it does not whistle, contact the Audiology Department for an
appointment.
Does your hearing aid whistle when it is in your ear?
• Check that the ear mould/LifeTip is inserted correctly and fully into
your ear.
• You may have excess wax, which can cause your hearing aid to
feedback. See your GP about removal.
• Check your tubing for discolouration or cracks. The tubing may need
to be changed.
Remember to:
If none of this solves the
problem, take the aid back
to your audiology service to
see if it needs to be repaired.
Turn OFF and ON
Check for blockages
Change the battery
1
2
3

24 25
Repair service
For basic repairs and servicing, please phone the department
to make an appointment.
What is a repair?
• Check hearing aid is working correctly
• New tubes or hooks
• Cleaning of NHS hearing aids
• Measurements for new ear moulds
Hearing aid enquiries
All hearing aid enquiries are dealt with centrally at
Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital
Please call:
Southport 01704 705230
Ormskirk 01695 656708
Email:
[e-mail]

Battery replacement service*
26 27
The Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust offer battery collection
Service at the following sites;
* Postal Service
For batteries and accessories, simply call either department and
speak to a member of the Audiology Team or leave an ansa-machine
message stating clearly who you are and what you need. All post is
2nd Class so allow plenty of time.
SEFTON
Clinic
Southport Centre of
Health
and Wellbeing
Hoghton Street
Southport
Tel: [phone]
Open: Clinic Hours
Clinic
Ainsdale Centre of
Health & Wellbeing
164 Sandbrook Road
Ainsdale
Tel: [phone]
Open: Clinic Hours
Pharmacy
Boots
17-19 Elbow Lane
Formby
Tel: [phone]
Open: Mon-Fri –
08:30am-7pm,
Sat – 9am – 12 Noon
Clinic
Formby Clinic
Philip’s lane
Formby
Tel: 01704
Open: Clinic Hours
Clinic
Churchtown
Medical Centre
137 Cambridge Road
Southport
Tel: [phone]
Open: Clinic Hours
WEST LANCASHIRE
Clinic
Sandy Lane Health Centre
Sandy Lane
Skelmersdale
Tel: [phone]
Open: Clinic Hours
Clinic
Ashurst Health Centre
Lulworth Road
Skelmersdale
Tel: [phone]
Open: Clinic Hours

28 29
Sources of further information
Action on Hearing Loss
Information:
Telephone: [phone] (freephone)
Textphone: 0808 808 9000 (freephone)
Head Office:
19-23 Featherstone Street,
London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: [phone]
Textphone: 020 7296 8001
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
British Tinnitus Association
Information:
Telephone: [phone] free of charge within the UK
0114 250 9922 national rate within the UK
[phone] outside the UK
Head Office:
Ground Floor, Unit 5,
Acorn Business Park,
Woodseats Close,
Sheffield, S8 0TB
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tinnitus.org.uk
C2Hear
Online videos for hearing aid users offering practical help.
Website: www.c2hearonline.com
Hearing Link
Information:
Hearing Link is here to give you advice, information and support.
Please contact our Helpdesk by phone.
Telephone: [phone]
Head Office:
27-28 The Waterfront,
Eastbourne,
East Sussex, BN23 5UZ
SMS: 07526 123255
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hearinglink.org/contactus
SENSE
Information:
For deafblind people
Telephone: [phone] or 020 7520 0972
Textphone: 0845 127 0066 or 020 7520 0972
Fax: [phone]
Head Office:
101 Pentonville Road,
London N1 9LG
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sense.org.uk
Signia Hearing Instruments
Website: www.signia-hearing.co.uk

07.2020
I
JN10115