Hearing Aids for Adults
The Audiology department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital provides a hearing aid service for people meeting certain criteria as defined by the Clinical Commissioning Groups within Norfolk. We have a particular specialism in providing care for people with more complex hearing problems, such as those with severe-profound hearing loss, tinnitus or hearing loss related to medical conditions.
Types of Hearing Aids
NHS digital hearing aids are small and discreet and work to make the sounds around you loud and clear enough for you to hear easily, but without making background noises intrusive. The Audiology department provides modern digital hearing aids, in both ‘thin tube’ and custom ear mould design. Your audiologist will discuss which style best suits your hearing needs at your assessment appointment. Both styles are displayed below in the most popular colours of silver and beige (other colours are available including black and dark brown):
NHS hearing aids have all the features you need to help you hear better – whatever your lifestyle!
• Up to 17 channels
More channels allow your NHS digital hearing aids to be matched, or tuned, closely to your hearing loss, giving you all the sound you need at the right pitches.
• Up to 4 programmes
Whatever your lifestyle, your NHS digital hearing aid settings can be tailored to suit your needs.
• Volume control
You have the option of either having a hearing aid with a volume control that you can adjust yourself to suit your needs or a hearing aid without a volume control that adjusts itself automatically according to the sounds around you.
• Adaptive directionality
Focuses the hearing aid on who’s talking to make it easier to overcome background noise.
• Feedback management
NHS digital hearing aids automatically stop feedback, or whistling, before it starts – no more whistling hearing aids!
• Noise reduction
NHS digital hearing aids automatically reduce the level of noise around you so you can hear better in background noise.
• Wind noise reduction
The rush of the wind is automatically reduced to help you hear more easily outside.
• Bluetooth connectivity
Using Bluetooth, and a free app, the hearing aids can connect to a smartphone or tablet to allow you to stream phone and video calls directly. This makes it easier to hear what is being said.
You can also listen to music, videos or other audio from your smart device as the sound will be streamed into your hearing aids.
• Smartphone app
This free app is available to allow you to control and personalise your hearing aids. Features include adjusting volume, background noise and changing programs.
It is also possible to send and receive fine-tuning adjustments via the app using the Remote Assistance feature.
Location of Services
We offer a full range of hearing aid assessments, fittings and follow up appointments at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Cromer Hospital and the Hear for Norfolk (14 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich NR7 0TA).
Buses to the Meridian Business Park from the Norwich Railway Station (Stop DD) are the 15A, 5 and the 5A. Buses from St Stephen Street, Norwich are the 5 and 5A (Stop BC) and the 15 and 15A (Stop BA).
Easy access by car from A47, exit A1042 to Thorpe St Andrew.
How to get a hearing aid
If you think you would benefit from hearing aids, please visit your general practitioner (GP) to discuss a referral to the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) department at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital or Cromer Hospital. Your GP will identify if you meet the criteria for a referral to the hospital hearing aid service.
At your initial appointment, you will have your hearing tested by an audiologist and be seen by an ENT doctor. If you are suitable for hearing aids, a further appointment will be made to see an Audiologist who will discuss your hearing needs with you and programme hearing aids to address your hearing needs.
Your Audiologist will explain how to get used to your hearing aids and how to clean and maintain them.
Will I need two hearing aids?
Your Audiologist will explain your hearing test results and will advise you if two hearing aids would be beneficial to you. Of course, it is your decision if you would like one or two hearing aids. If you decide to have two hearing aids, both will be provided free of charge.
What happens after I receive my hearing aid?
Once you receive your hearing aids, we will offer you a follow-up appointment a few weeks later to see how you are getting on. This may be by telephone or by visiting the department.
If you require any further help with your hearing aids please contact us via telephone on 01603 287284 or email audiologyadmin@nnuh.nhs.uk
Existing hearing aid users
The Clinical Commissioning Groups in Norfolk issued new criteria in 2016 which define who is eligible to continue receiving hearing aid care at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.
If you previously had hearing aids fitted at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and feel that they need adjustment or you require another hearing test, please contact the Audiology Department on 01603 287284 to find out whether you meet the new criteria and are eligible to have another appointment with us at the hospital.
If you need a new hearing aid and do not meet the new criteria, you will still be able to have NHS hearing aids, but you will need to see your GP to obtain a referral to an alternative NHS hearing aid provider in Norfolk who will take over your care. They will then be responsible to maintain your hearing aids and you will need to return to them for your ongoing care and maintenance in the future.
Hearing Aid Batteries
Batteries are issued annually and are available via:
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and Cromer Hospital:
- Online request – Click here to access the hearing aid accessories request form
- Post (please send battery card with request)
- Telephone (please call 01603 287284)
- via email hearingaidbatteries@nnuh.nhs.uk
Hearing Aid Repairs
To book a repair appointment at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital or Cromer Hospital please click here (or scan the QR code below).
If you cannot use the online system, you can ask someone to book an appointment on your behalf; alternatively please telephone 01603 287284 (NNUH) or 01603 646204 (Cromer) or email: audiologyadmin@nnuh.nhs.uk
Postal Repairs
Some hearing aid repairs (retubing, hearing aid unit replacing) can be carried out via the postal repair service. Put the aid (NO BATTERIES) and ear piece in a small, padded, secure envelope and post it in a post box with the appropriate postage or take it to your local post office. We aim to return your aid within 7 working days of receiving it under normal circumstances. Please note, if you require a replacement ear piece to be made we will need to see you in person; please book a repair appointment at NNUH or Cromer as detailed above.
Our Address is:
Audiology Department
Outpatients West Level 2
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital,
Colney Lane
Norwich
NR4 7UY
Danalogic Ambio Smart hearing aids – support with connectivity
If you are experiencing difficulties using the ‘BeMore’ app or Bluetooth streaming on your Danalogic Ambio Smart hearing aids, please follow the advice below.
- Check that your smart phone is compatible on the following website:
Some smart phones are compatible with the app only and are not compatible with the Bluetooth streaming function on the hearing aids. Please note that there are currently some connectivity issues with phones running Android 12, further information is provided on the above website.
If your phone is not compatible, you may wish to purchase a Phone Clip+ to enable Bluetooth streaming. You can also purchase a Remote Control or Remote Control 2 if you prefer to adjust your hearing aid controls with a handheld device rather than on your ear. For further details, please see:
https://www.danalogic.co.uk/wireless-accessories
- If your phone is listed as a compatible model, ask a friend or family member to help you download the app and pair your hearing aids.
- Watch the following video on You Tube which demonstrates how to use the BeMore app with your hearing aids:
Search for “How to use the BeMore App with your Ambio Hearing Aids” or type in the web address: https://youtu.be/XtR-klOI9oA
- If you are still having difficulties, please contact Danalogic technical support on:
Tel: 01869 352800 (option 3)
Email: danalogicuk@gnhearing.com
N.B. Any issues experienced with the BeMore app or Bluetooth connectivity are the responsibility of the hearing aid manufacturer and unfortunately cannot be addressed by the Audiology Service.
Further Information and Resources
Information and resources for deaf and hard of hearing people, their families, friends and employers is available from Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). The site contains information about deafness and hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing aids, loop systems/assistive listening devices, accessible entertainment, and the Disability Discrimination Act.
Further information can also be found on the National Association of Deafened People website and in a leaflet that can be downloaded from this website, listed under the ‘Related Documents’ heading on the left of this page. The NADP provides information and support for deafened people who have lost all or most of their useful hearing, and for their families and friends, to help enable them to regain their independence and enjoy the best quality of life. The NADP is run by and for deafened people.
C2Hear Online provide a series of short, interactive, multimedia videos about hearing aids, hearing loss and communication.
The charity Hearing Link works to ensure that people living with hearing loss can find information, specialist services, and social contact, in order to live well with hearing loss. Their website contains information about living with hearing loss and also has details of free courses you can attend to learn more and meet other people in a similar situation.