Hearing aids and tests

Hearing tests

Hearing screening tests

Due to Coronavirus COVID-19, and the current advice for social distancing, we are not doing adult hearing screening tests on Wednesday mornings. These are now spread throughout the week by appointment. We now have specialist equipment that can perform an automated test. This improves speed of access to a test and provides flexibility to suit your lifestyle. For all enquiries, phone us on +44 (0) 1534 442551.

Newborn hearing screening

These tests are normally performed in the first 12 weeks of life. Initial newborn hearing screening is performed on the Maternity Unit. Babies missed or who require a call-back due to an incomplete test are currently by appointment at the Hearing Resource Centre, Overdale. For enquiries phone us on +44 (0) 1534 442551.

Large drop in hearing

If you have a large, sudden drop in your level of hearing, which is not due to wax, contact us immediately on +44 (0) 1534 442551.

Specialist tests and hearing tests requested by Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultants

We are seeing cases requested by ENT by appointment only at the General Hospital. 

Paediatric tests (ages 8 months to 18 years)

Paediatric tests are by appointment at the General Hospital.  We have a waiting list and prioritise requests based upon need. 

Hearing aids

We are seeing cases by appointment only at the Hearing Resource Centre Overdale and at the General Hospital. New cases are put on a waiting list and are picked up and organised by Audiologists based upon priority and waiting time. 

Part of your appointment may be by telephone or by video and you may have an accurate but automated test as we attempt to reduce face-to-face contact due to Covid-19. Some types of hearing aid are fitted in the clinic and some types may be programmed and posted with information. In all cases there will be a follow-up.  

Reassessment

We are seeing cases by appointment only at the Hearing Resource Centre Overdale and at the General Hospital. Reassessment cases are put on a waiting list and are picked up and organised by Audiologists based upon priority and waiting time.

Private hearing aids

The Audiologists hold regular private hearing aid sessions in the Audiology Department at the General Hospital. This increases your choices in terms of cosmetics and technology. There is a wide range of models to suit your needs, preferences and lifestyle.  These include completely-in-the-canal (CIC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-the canal (RIC) and traditional behind-the-ear models. 

In the past private hearing aids were a fixed price to incorporate a long-term care plan.  Now, as a non-profit making service, we simply charge you the cost of devices from the manufacturer plus appointment costs to cover time, equipment and room use.  

You only pay for the hearing devices if you want to keep them.

Appointment costs are non-returnable because this is extra work for the Audiology Department. This is how we keep the hearing aid prices very low for everyone whilst not placing a burden on the tax payer. The warranty period depends upon the manufacturer. Widex devices have a 5 year warranty. An information appointment is free. 

Hospital hearing aid repairs

There are a number of ways that you can get your devices repaired. We advise that behind-the-ear devices are retubed every 6 months. 

You can visit the Hearing Resource Centre, Eva Wilson Centre, Overdale Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm daily.  There is a desk at the bottom of the steps. Ring the bell and someone will come and take away your devices and bring them back to you. In the unlikely event that someone isn't available, leave your devices in the tray on the desk with your details and any information you think will be useful to us. The hearing aids are repaired and posted back to you.  

You can also drop devices off at the desk after 12pm and they will be repaired and posted back. There is a pen and envelope for your convenience. 

Face-to-face repairs are also available at the General Hospital via appointment. This may be needed if your ear piece is hurting for example. You can contact us on +44 (0) 1534 442551.

For people isolating or frail, we can pick-up the hearing aids, repair them and drop them back off to you. In some cases we may be able to perform the repair at the doorstep. Call us on +44 (0) 1534 442551.

If you are a medical worker already in the hospital and need an urgent repair, come to Audiology Department, 2nd Floor, Gwyneth Huelin Wing, and we provide help and advice.  

Private hearing aid repairs

These repairs are by appointment at the General Hospital where we have the full range of connection leads and software. If you have a faulty device, which we can’t repair, we can post it to the manufacturer on your behalf. Manufacturer’s repair costs (if out of guarantee) are typically £75 to £100.

For people isolating or frail we can pick-up hearing aids, repair them and drop them back off. In some cases we may be able to perform the repair at the doorstep. Please telephone +44 (0) 1534 442551.

If you are a medical worker already in the hospital and need an urgent repair, come to Audiology Department, 2nd Floor, Gwyneth Huelin Wing, and we provide help and advice.  

We have emergency modern body-worn devices, which may be suitable in some situations. We can post these devices to you.

Batteries

Deaf Awareness Week 

Talks this Deaf Awareness Week, (2-8 May 2022) 

In Deaf Awareness Week, find out more by attending talks listed below.

All talks will be held at the Hearing Resource Centre, which is based in the Eva Wilson Centre, Overdale, in the Andrew Le Masurier Room.

There are two talks a day, over 4 days at either 12 noon or 1 pm. 

The talks have been organised by the Audiology Department, based in the Hospital and the Hearing Resource Centre (HRC) at Overdale.

Contact us

To make enquiries about the current status of services, phone us on +44 (0) 1534 442551.
If you can’t hear on a telephone, you can text +44 (0) 7797 846960, send us a fax to +44 (0) 1534 442637 or email us.

Useful resources

You can find out more about 5 ways to prevent hearing loss on NHS website  and why we need to hear on Hearing Link website.

There are interactive multimedia videos on hearing aids and how to hear well on the c2hearonline website and trouble-shooting guides and instructions for product ranges on the Danalogic website.

Here is a poster you may find helpful during the Covid-19 period, when a lot of people are using face masks and lip reading isn't always possible. 

I am hearing impaired. I cannot lip read through your mask poster