Useful Tips

Replacing Tubing

The plastic tubing used in hearing aids deteriorates over time and will require replacing every 6-12 months. Without this essential maintenance, a wearer will find their ability to hear reduces over time to a point where the aid isn't helpful at all. If a patient is able to replace their own tubes - some unscrew or click-to-remove and are sized to fit - the Audiology Department will post new tubes if you leave a message on their answer machine: tel. 0117 342 5854. If you are unable to replace the tubing in your hearing aid, contact the Audiology Department to arrange to attend a repairs clinic. If you cannot easily attend a clinic because of having mobility problems, you can request a referral to HISS so that a volunteer may visit to carry out the maintenance you require.

Cleaning Aids

Hearing aids should be kept clean to keep them in tip top condition. The most common problems can be caused by

Wax can block the tube leaving the sound unable to travel to the eardrum. If you find wax building up on the mould or tip of the aid, give it a wipe with a soft cloth or gently use a soft toothbrush in circular motions to dislodge any excess. Stubborn wax can be tricky to remove so if there has been a build up check the How To guides on the NHS website and follow instructions carefully. It is important to keep the aid itself dry, so be careful around water.

Moisture

Condensation can gather in the tubing sometimes. This causes crackling and distorts the sound. If you are troubled by this try storing your aids overnight in a small box with a silica gel packet and this will help dry your aids while you sleep.

Batteries

Hearing aids give an auditory signal (beeps) when batteries are about to run out. Battery life varies depending on usage, but batteries generally last 7-10 days. If someone you care for struggles to replace the fiddley batteries, we recommend that you replace them routinely / weekly which should keep the wearer's aids working continuously. Remember to check the ‘use by’ date on packages of batteries to ensure they’re not out of date. Ring the Audiology Department in good time to request more batteries, which will be sent out by post.