Hearing aids

Hearing aids are designed to help you hear everyday sounds and they should make you feel more confident when talking to people and make it easier to follow conversations. Research has found that wearing hearing aids can lessen the impact of hearing loss on your life. The more you wear them the more you’ll get out of them.

The Audiologist will choose the best hearing aid for you by considering a number of factors. All hearing aids prescribed by the Northern Trust are digital, which are programmed to your hearing loss.

If you feel your hearing aid is no longer meeting your needs or perhaps you have lost your aid, please contact the Audiology Department rather than your GP.

Adapting to your hearing aid

Hearing will usually deteriorate very gradually over time. Most people find when they get their first hearing aid, it takes some time to adapt. This may take several months but everyone is different.

Begin by using your aid at home, for example watching TV or quiet conversation with one or two people.
Try to use your hearing aid outside but somewhere peaceful.
Wear your hearing aid to the local shop or go for a walk in traffic.
Finally, try your hearing aid somewhere noisy like work, a restaurant or supermarket.

Eventually, with time you should be able to wear your hearing aid most of the day (but not at nighttime) – this is where you will see the greatest benefit.

Troubleshooting

If your hearing aid stops working the first things you should do are:

Check the battery has power and is inserted correctly.
Is it on the correct program? New aids can be reset by opening and closing the battery compartment.
If there is a volume control ensure that it is set to the correct level, usually 2-3.
Ensure that the ear mould or dome is not blocked with wax.
Droplets of condensation can block the sound pathway, take the hearing aid out, examine and shake it.
If your hearing aid has filters, they may need replaced

Ordering batteries

When ordering batteries for your NHS hearing aid, state the type or colour of batteries you require.

Hearing aid batteries are small but come in different sizes for different hearing aids which may be indiscernible to the eye. Each size has a code and corresponding colour:

P13 – Orange

P675 – Blue

P312 – Brown

P10 – Yellow

Batteries and filters can be ordered via post or picked up at Audiology Reception at Braid Valley, during the opening hours.

Supplies can also be ordered by email. Please include identifying information and hearing aid details.

It is best to order batteries when you have one packet left, if posted it may take up to 10 working days for you to receive them.

Sensory Support Services

If you have difficulty with any of the following the sensory support team may be able to help you:

Communication
Hearing the doorbell or the telephone
Hearing alarms, for example, smoke alarms, alarm clocks, baby alarms
Tinnitus

For further advice contact the Sensory Impairment team through the Call Management Centre at 0845 600 3111.

Where to find us

Audiology Department, Braid Valley Care Complex, 86 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HL.

How to contact us

Audiology Service, Central Booking System

Telephone: 028 2563 5483
Email: audiology@northerntrust.hscni.net

Sensory Support Services

Telephone: 0845 600 3111

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 12:45pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm.

How to access the service

We do not offer a walk in service at any of our departments. Patients will only be seen if they have an appointment.

Hearing aid batteries and appointment requests

Replacement hearing aid batteries and appointments can be requested by contacting the Audiology Team at Braid Valley Care Complex, Ballymena.

Booking an appointment

For all appointments and queries for Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine, Moyle, Mid Ulster and Whiteabbey, contact the Audiology Service Central Booking System.

When making a query, please provide the following identifying information.

Your name.
Date of Birth.
Your telephone number.
What the nature of the problem is.

If you require an appointment and your call is picked up by the answering machine, you will receive a letter in the post. If you haven’t received a letter within 14 days, please contact the department again.

In cases of urgency, hearing aids may be left for repair or posted to the Audiology department. They can be posted back or collected as requested. When posting include identifying details and place in a padded envelope ensuring the correct postage is paid.