Frequently Asked Questions...
When I am older, do I have to pay for batteries for my hearing aids?
I am 13 yrs old at the moment and I have mild/moderate hearing loss. I was just wondering, will I have to pay for hearing aid batteries, and expenses to get them repaired when Im older?? I live in Cardiff, Wales (so it's NHS)
Answer:
Hi there
As long as you have NHS hearing aids from an NHS audiology department then hearing aid batteries, repairs and spares such as ear mould tubing and replacement ear moulds are free as are replacement hearing aids when you need them, for example if your hearing gets worse.
It is true however that the NHS can ask you to pay towards the cost of replacing or repairing your hearing aids if they feel that you have been careless or have deliberately damaged or lost your aids.
Ask the audiology department the next time you go for a test.
Hearing Aid Batteries
Changing a Hearing Aid Battery : Hearing Aid Batteries
The Hearing Aid Lifecycle
After finally completing the monumental task of purchasing a first hearing aid, what next? How often should it be replaced? What about the batteries? Should a doctor be seen for check-ups? When? Here is a guide to the basic lifecycle of a hearing aid.
Immediately after the hearing aid is purchased both a two-week and a one-month evaluation should be set up in order to catch any mistakes in the device early.
Every night when the hearing aid is removed from the ear wipe it down with a soft, dry towel to prevent moisture build up. Next, use the cleaning tool that usually comes with the device to remove any wax that has accumulated on the end of it. Also, consider not only turning the device off, but also removing the battery in order to allow trapped moisture to escape , which can also prolong the battery life.
Battery life varies on how big the battery is and how much power the hearing aid uses. Generally, the smaller batteries (size 10 or so) need to be replaced once a week, while larger hearing aid batteries can last two or more weeks. Be sure to pay attention to changes in hearing as this is the best indicator of a dying battery.
It is important to schedule appointments every three to six months with a hearing aid professional so they can check for defects and professionally clean the device. This will ensure the hearing aid has a long life as possible.
Hearing tests and check-ups should be taken every two years in order to adjust necessary hearing aid settings and functions. This could be more frequent if hearing sensitivity noticeably changes. Users should carefully monitor their hearing and should book an appointment as soon as they notice a difference.
Hearing aids should be replaced about every five years. This will not only help cope with natural product decay, but will also allow the user to stay current on advances in technology in order to receive the best hearing possible. This will necessitate a couple of appointments with a hearing specialist in order to determine the new best product for the user. Of course, a longer life could easily be possible if the device is properly cared for.
While the large hurdle of finding and buying the right hearing aid may be over, the process of maintaining the new investment is only just beginning. With proper care and handling these temperamental devices could run well for years to come before needing to be replaced. Knowing when and how to care for a hearing aid has the potential to save thousands of pounds.
About the Author
Penelope Byrd is a freelance copywriter based in the UK. She specialises in medical journalism, in particular eye care.
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