FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get NHS hearing aids?
The waiting time for NHS hearing aids can vary depending on your location and the demand for services.
What types of hearing aids are available through the NHS?
And can I choose my hearing aid model? While you can express your preferences, the final decision on the model will be based on your audiologist's recommendation and your specific hearing needs.
How can I get a free NHS hearing aid?
All hearing aids provided by the NHS are free. The first step to is to see your GP. Your GP will check for treatable conditions that could be affecting your hearing, like an ear infection or excessive ear wax. If your GP thinks you might need a hearing aid, they may refer you to a hearing specialist (Audiologist). Audiologists have the necessary training and equipment to thoroughly assess your hearing and understand your unique needs. If their testing reveals a hearing loss you may be recommended one or two hearing aids. Although you may need to have a second ‘fitting’ appointment for your hearing aid/aids, sometimes they can be fitted straight away.1,9,10,11
How do NHS hearing aids work?
There are three key parts inside a hearing aid:
- Microphone – picks up sound and converts it into an electrical signal
- Amplifier – this computerised ‘brain’ takes centre stage as it processes the sound to suit your individual needs. Its complex programming brings all the fine nuances of natural sound to life, and adjusts it to suit you
- Speaker – also known as a ‘receiver’, this converts the electrical signal back into the sound you hear
What support is available for adjusting to hearing aids?
Danalogic hearing aids come with access to a free of charge app called BeMore. This can be used to adjust and personalise your hearing aid settings. Once you have adjusted to wearing your hearing aids if you feel that they need to be adjusted your NHS audiologist can make an appointment to do this for you in person or sometimes remotely via an app.
What should I do if my NHS hearing aid is not working properly?
Visit our patient portal and follow our troubleshooting guides. If this does not solve the problem, contact your NHS audiology service.
How do I care for and maintain my NHS hearing aids?
You will have been provided with information at your hearing aid fitting on how to care for your hearing aids. If you are looking for more advice please visit our patient portal, cleaning is particularly important, and we have an easy to use guide on this.
What should I do if I lose my NHS hearing aid?
Contact your local NHS Audiology service for a replacement. There may be a charge for this.
Can NHS digital hearing aids reduce background noise?
Yes – Danalogic digital hearing aids have in-built background noise reduction programs to enhance your listening experience. Discover all of the features of danalogic digital hearing aids.
Do NHS digital hearing aids whistle?
Feedback, or “whistling” is a normal response for a hearing aid that is being covered (for example, if your hand is over your ear). Unfortunately, hearing aids may also whistle if sound leaks out from the hearing aid and is heard by its own microphone. This may be caused by several issues16,17 including:
- Incorrect placement on or into the ear
- Wax build-up in the ear
- Damaged tubing or a poorly fitting ear mould
- Accidental use of the T-loop setting (in an area without a T-loop)
Danalogic hearing aids have in-built feedback reduction programs to drastically reduce the risk of whistling. These digital programs are designed to filter out the unwanted noise whilst preserving similar natural sounds, like alarms beeping, phones ringing and birds chirping.18
Will NHS digital hearing aids reduce my tinnitus?
Probably – hearing aids are not a cure for tinnitus, but they often help to alleviate it. As hearing loss is a common cause of tinnitus, reinstating natural sounds can help to reduce its volume.
A specialist tinnitus feature called the ‘Tinnitus Sound Generator’ program can be added to Danalogic hearing aids if your Audiologist feels it is clinically approporiate. Danalogic also provide a free tinnitus management smartphone app called Tinnitus Relief to support people with or without hearing aids.19 Find out more about the Tinnitus Relief App.
Can I control my NHS digital hearing aid with a smartphone app?
Yes - if you have Danalogic NHS hearing aids and a compatible smartphone.
How do NHS hearing aids connect to other devices?
Most Apple and android devices are compatible with Danalogic hearing aids.8 If you are unsure, you can ask your Audiologist or click here to check if your device is compatible. Once you’ve ‘paired’ your smartphone to your hearing aids you can use the free BeMore app to:
- Turn the volume up or down, or mute
- Make advanced sound setting adjustments
- Change programmes
- Find a lost hearing aid
- Adjust streaming volume and balance
Can I listen to phone calls wirelessly through my NHS digital hearing aids?
Yes, if you have Danalogic hearing aids and a compatible smartphone or PhoneClip+:4,8,20
(1) Connecting directly
Danalogic’s advanced digital hearing aids integrate seamlessly with most Apple and android smartphones. If you have one of these compatible devices you can directly stream calls, music, and other audio, such as audiobooks or podcasts to your hearing aids.
(2) Via Phone Clip+
If your Danalogic hearing aids and telephone are not compatible, you can use a Danalogic Phone Clip+ to connect them together. This is a small device that enables you to stream calls or audio from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile or landline phone to your hearing aids. This handy gadget also doubles up as a remote control, so you can adjust the volume or change programmes on your hearing aid with ease.
Can I link my NHS digital hearing aids to my TV, computer, or music system?
Danalogic have lots of solutions which you can purchase to allow you to connect your hearing aids to other devices. This may be the TV Streamer, Multi Mic or Phone Clip+. Visit our wireless accessory page for more information.
How often should I have my hearing aids checked or serviced?
You should be cleaning you hearing aids at least twice a week and we recommend the tubing is changed around every 6 months. These are tasks you can do at home without the need to visit the clinic and all of the information you need.
What if my hearing changes?
If you notice changes in your hearing, it’s important to return to your audiologist for a reassessment. They can adjust your hearing aids or recommend new devices if necessary.
Are NHS digital hearing aids easy to use?
Yes – after a little practice, your hearing aids will be easy to take in / out and control. Your Audiologist will demonstrate how to use them and provide you with instructions.5 You can also view danalogic how-to videos for help operating your NHS hearing aids.
Although Danalogic digital hearing aids are easy to operate by touch alone. If you prefer, you can also control them with your smartphone.6–8 Using the BeMore app you can adjust sound settings, find misplaced hearing aids, request help from your Audiologist, and much more8.
What do NHS hearing aids look like, are they big?
Just like ears, NHS hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes. The size depends on the level of technology required for your hearing loss. Your Audiologist will select the hearing aid type that’s best for you.1,9
Will an NHS digital hearing aid be personalised to my hearing loss?
Yes – using a computer, your Audiologist will program your hearing aid to suit your hearing loss.1,10
Thanks to digital technology, Danalogic hearing aids are fully customisable, so they can support your exact hearing loss and be ‘tuned’ to your preferences. It’s a similar concept to adjusting the lights in your home; playing with the tone and mood to make the ambience perfect. You can do this with sound, adjusting until it sounds natural and feels right for you.
Do NHS digital hearing aids break easily?
No – although they should be treated with the same care as other personal electronic items, such as mobile phones, to ensure they continue to work correctly.14 Digital hearing aids need to be particularly robust as they spend most of their time in a difficult environment for electronics. Here are some handy tips to help keep your Danalogic NHS hearing aid/s in the best condition possible:15
- Keep them clean and dry – wipe the case with a soft cloth or tissue after use to remove grease or moisture
- Do not use water or solvents to clean them, or immerse them in water or other liquids
- Avoid dropping them on hard surfaces
- Do not leave them in or near direct heat or sunlight, such as in a hot, parked car, as excessive heat can cause damage or deform the casing
- Do not wear them while showering, swimming, in heavy rain or in a moist atmosphere (such as a steam bath or sauna)
- Remove them when applying cosmetics, perfume, aftershave, hairspray, and suntan lotion as these might get into the hearing aid and cause damage
For more information on caring for your hearing aids, take a look at our how to videos.
NHS hearing aids can improve the lives of those with hearing loss and you can find the right solution to enhance your hearing experience with the support of an NHS audiologist. If you suspect you have hearing loss, the first step is to reach out to your GP for a hearing assessment.