Do you know what the common problems with NHS hearing aids are? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.
Do you find yourself straining to hear your loved one during a conversation, even with your NHS hearing aid on?
If your hearing hasn’t improved since you started using a NHS hearing aid, there may be a problem with the device worth investigating.
With modern devices like NHS hearing aids, there are bound to be problems that users experience everyday. For example, reported problems to include no sound emitting from the device, incessant high-pitched whistling, and wonky sound distortion.
In the remainder of this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about NHS hearing aids and the pesky problems that may be resolved within a matter of minutes.
What are NHS Hearing Aids?
NHS Hearing Aids are hearing aids provided to the public by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service.
If you are suffering from hearing loss and live in the United Kingdom, you will be granted free hearing aids as part of their healthcare system.
For those who can’t dish out thousands of dollars on much needed hearing aids, visit your doctor to qualify for a NHS audiologist referral.
3 Common Problems with NHS Hearing Aids
Like any technological device, there are bound to be a few problems with NHS hearing aids that users find annoying.
It’s important to note that NHS hearing aids are intended to enhance your hearing, not serve as a permanent fix to your hearing loss.
While it’s possible to never experience an issue, it’s likely that you’ll encounter one of these hearing aid problems below.
1. No Sound
If you put your NHS hearing aid(s) in and the sound doesn’t sound amplified as it should, you have stumbled upon a common problem many users face.
No sound emitting from the device can happen for a few reasons, but many report this issue as being easily fixed.
Your NHS hearing aid may not be enhancing any sound because:
- Your hearing aid is off
- Your earmold/earpiece is blocked with earwax or another substance
- The tubing is twisted or clogged
- The battery is dead
Be sure your NHS hearing aid is switched on during use and cleaned regularly to avoid encountering this problem.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to keep some new and charged batteries on hand in case your NHS hearing aid dies unexpectedly, and sound enhancement is lost.
2. Incessant Whistling
When you wear your NHS hearing aid, you may notice a high-pitched whistling sound that’ll make you cringe and rip it right out of your ear.
This annoying whistling noise may be part of a bigger issue with your NHS hearing aid. For example, your earmold/earpiece may be damaged or too loose.
If this is the case, then a trip to a hearing aid technician is required for adjustments.
However, that whistling sound may be due to a simple misalignment. Be sure the earmold/earpiece is inserted properly and is nestled near the opening of your ear.
Additionally, a buildup of earwax or moisture may cause your hearing aid to whistle. Clean your ears regularly and consult your doctor if earwax buildup becomes a serious issue.
3. Sound Distortion
If the world sounds a bit strange to you with your NHS hearing aid in, then changes are the sound is distorted.
You should be hearing sounds normally, and nothing should be too loud, too quiet, or too fuzzy to understand.
The likely culprit of this problem is moisture in the tubing, or a simple equipment change that needs some tweaking.
To solve this issue, make sure that the tubing isn’t clogged or full of moisture by flicking it with your finger to clear the condensation.
If you recently changed your battery or tubing, the sound may be distorted if the connection isn’t great.
Double check that everything is attached properly. If the issue persists, it’s recommended to take the hearing aid into a technician for a deeper dive.
What Are the Most Common Types of NHS Hearing Aids?
Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are the most common type of NHS hearing aids. As defined by the NHS, BTE hearing aids are typically chunky plastic devices that have an attached earmold.
Since they are compatible with most hearing loss cases, BTE hearing aids are recommended by the NHS to provide a temporary reprieve from hearing loss struggles.
Despite BTE hearing aid popularity and compatibility, there are other kinds of hearing aids that may be more suitable based on your level of hearing loss.
Some of the other most common types of NHS hearing aids include:
Receiver in the Ear (RITE) Hearing Aids
A RITE hearing aid is suitable for most hearing loss levels, but is really tricky to use since the lightweight, wired receiver slides right into your ear.
While the plastic attachment isn’t as clunky as the BTE hearing aid, it may take a steady hand and patience to insert the earpiece correctly.
In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
An ITE hearing aid is easy to hide and very small. Nestled in the crook of your ear, you’ll be able to see the hearing aid from the side, but not from behind.
Again, this hearing aid is tricky to use because it’s right at the opening of your ear and requires a stable hand for proper positioning.
What are the Benefits of NHS Hearing Aids?
If NHS hearing aids are brand new to you, there are crucial benefits to keep in mind as a fresh user. The most blatant benefit from wearing NHS hearing aids is regaining your sense of hearing.
Life without clear sound transmission can be bothersome, but many don’t realize how much their hearing loss affects them and others around them.
Aside from the obvious benefit of temporarily regaining your sense of hearing, NHS hearing aids are beloved for many reasons, like restoring a user’s confidence during daily interactions with family members and strangers alike.
While you may have felt insecure about your hearing in the midst of conversations, you certainly won’t feel that way with NHS hearing aids in.
Final Thoughts
To make expensive hearing aids accessible to all, NHS hearing aids are distributed by the United Kingdom for free after a physical examination has deemed you qualified.
Like many pieces of modern technology, NHS hearing aids are no strangers to malfunctioning equipment and/or casual human error.
However, many problems with NHS hearing aids can be solved right at home.
References
https://www.hearingdirect.com/blogs/blog/how-long-is-the-wait-for-hearing-aids