Audiology Adults - Frequently Asked Questions
OVERVIEW:
Please find below a series of Frequently asked questions for the ADULT Audiology Service.
For specific questions related to Phonak hearing aids, please click www.phonak.com/en-uk/support-options/frequently-asked-questions
- How do I request a referral?
To be referred to the NHS ADULT Audiology you will need to:
1. Visit your GP to check your ears are clear.
2. Ask your GP to send us a referralYour first appointment can last up to an hour and will include a full assessment of your hearing.
We aim to see all new patients within 20 working days.
- How to find us at Leigh Infirmary?
Audiology Department
Orange Zone
Leigh Infirmary
The Avenue
Leigh
WN7 1HS - How to find us at Thomas Linacre Centre?
Audiology Department
Suite 2
Thomas Linacre Centre
Parsons Walk
Wigan
WN1 1RU - How do I make an appointment if I am an existing patient?
Telephone: 0300 707 5667
Text: 07920 289578
Email: audiology@wwl.nhs.uk
You can also make a request to our Audiology Services by using our online form below. Services include making an appointment or requesting a new prescription.
- What Services does WWL Adult Audiology Offer?
Services offered include:
- Hearing Aid Service
- Tinnitus Service
- Balance Service
- Hearing Therapy Service
- Complex needs service
- Severe/profound hearing loss service
Included free of charge in the service are:
- Discreet state-of-the-art digital hearing aids
- Batteries and repairs
- Rehabilitation and hearing therapy service
- Comprehensive after care
- Hearing Aid Maintenance Classes
- What type of hearing aid would I have?
All our hearing aids are digital. The size and type of hearing aid you will be fitted with will depend on the degree of your hearing loss and your dexterity. The audiologist will select the hearing aid that is most suitable for your hearing loss. All NHS aids are behind the ear aids.
- How do I insert my slimtube fitted aid?
Please see the video below on how to use your hearing aid with open fitting.
Make sure your speakers are turned on and press the play button to watch. The video will start after a short period of buffering.
- How do I clean my Slimtube?
Please note the brush and drying beaker is not essential. The main tool is the cleaning wire, which is provided by the audiology department with your Annual Supply.
The hearing aids in this video are not the exact aids we offer.
- How do I insert my Mould fitted aid?
Please see the video below on how to use your hearing aid with ear-mould
Make sure your speakers are turned on and press the play button to watch. The video will start after a short period of buffering.
- How do I clean my Mould?
- Why is my hearing aid whistling?
Why a hearing aid may whistle:
- There may be a lot of wax in your ears, once that has been cleared the whistling will stop
- The ear mould / dome of your hearing aid may not be in your ear properly.
- The ear mould may not be a tight enough fit in your ear
If the problem is definately not wax, then arrange an appointment with the audiology department.
- Why is there no sound from my hearing aid?
Please check the following:
1. Check the battery is not dead. Try ONE new battery. Also, check the battery is in the correct way an doesnt still have the sticky tab on.
2. Seperate ear piece and hold hearing aid in hand, if it whistles clean the earpiece as this must be blocked.
3. Check for condensation in the tube. If there is then detach tubing from aid, blow through the tube, tap or shake to remove water
4. Make sure the hearing aid is not in the incorrect program
If it still does not work, use the Repair + Collect Service.
- What if the sound is intermittent?
1. Check the tubes are not twisted
2. Check there is no water in the tubes. If there is then tap, shake or clear the tubing
Use the Repair + Collect service is the problem continues.
- What can I do if my hearing aid breaks?
We offer a Repair and Collection Service.
If you are experiencing problems with your hearing aid, you can drop it off at reception and leave it with us for 2 working days. Please only attend in the following times:
Leigh Infirmary Reception times:
Monday to Friday
9am to 12 noon
1pm to 4pm
Thomas Linacre Centre Reception times:
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 12 noon
1pm to 5.30pm
- What do I do if I feel my hearing has changed?
If you have had a sudden loss, please contact your GP or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.
If you feel your hearing has gradually deteriorated, and are an existing user, and you do not have wax in your ears, please contact the department on 0300 707 5667 and arrange an appointment. Alternatively, please email audiology@wwl.nhs.uk. Or text 07920289578.
- How do I maintain my hearing aids / order batteries?
If you have a mould fitted hearing aid, you need to have the tubes changed on your mould every 6 months. Please follow your Individual care plan which is issued when you first have your hearing aids fitted. You can arrange this by using our Repair and Collection service or book an appointment via 0300 707 5667. Alternatively, please email audiology@wwl.nhs.uk, or text 07920289578. (Please do not text from a shared mobile). You will always receive a 6month worth of supply of batteries when you have your maintenance appointment, therefore if you have ran out of batteries, you are most likely due your maintenance appointment.
If you have a slim tube fitted hearing aid, you need to change your tubes yourself every 4 months using your annual supply. If you have ran out of your supply, please leave a message on the following numbers and follow your individual care plan. Please note you will not receive a reply to your message.
For Thomas Linacre Centre
01942 774740
For Leigh Infirmary
01942 264012
- What happens if I lose my hearing aid?
Please contact the audiology department on 0300 707 5667, or email audiology@wwl.nhs.uk, or text 07920289578. (Please do not text from a shared mobile). You will be liable for a charge if it is lost.
- What happens if my hearing aid is stolen?
Please contact the audiology department on 0300 707 5667, or email audiology@wwl.nhs.uk, or text 07920289578. (Please do not text from a shared mobile). We will require a police crime number.