Audiology
In the first few weeks after surgery, it is very important to take good care of the skin around the implant site. Even after the skin has healed, the abutment must be cleaned every day.
Although the sound processor is a very small piece of equipment, they are very expensive. One sound processor can cost up to several thousand pounds. Therefore, it is vitally important that you look after it.
In this leaflet you will find tips on looking after your device, advice on what to do if something goes wrong and information about wireless accessories.
Useful tools and equipment
Problems with my BCHD
If you have a problem with your device, please work through the following troubleshooting tips:
I can’t hear anything from my hearing aid …
If you have:
- Checked the battery
- Checked the expiry date of your batteries
- Tried a battery from a different packet
… and the device still isn’t working, please contact South Tees Audiology to arrange a BCHD repair appointment.
My hearing aid is distorted, whistling, buzzing or feeding back …
If there is anything inside or around the abutment, e.g. skin, crusting, discharge:
- Try cleaning inside and around the abutment gently with a cleaning brush/a strip of alcohol free wipe. Do not apply pressure to the skin itself.
- If your device is worn on a softband make sure the device is not touching the ear and check the tension on the softband is sufficient.
If
- the skin around the abutment has changed or is higher up than you remember
- the abutment is loose or wobbly
Please contact the ENT department on tel: 01642 854033.
Ask to speak to one of our BCHI nurses for advice.
The sound from my hearing aid keeps cutting out …
BCHDs are susceptible to water damage caused by condensation. This can cause the hearing aid to become intermittent. Place your hearing aid somewhere dry over night or use some desiccant sachets.
If your hearing aid remains intermittent, please contact South Tees Audiology to arrange a BCHD repair appointment.
There is something wrong with my abutment …
If the skin is red or crusted with no pain:
The abutment should be cleaned thoroughly using the techniques described in the ‘Abutment Care’ pamphlet.
If
- there is wetness, bleeding, discharge or pain
- the abutment is loose or wobbly
Please contact the ENT department on 01642 854033. Ask to speak to one of our BCHI nurses for advice.
Using my mobile phone with my device
If you have a smart phone (Apple or Android) you have the option of streaming from your phone using an app.
(Ponto 3)
Cochlear Baha® 6 smart app
- Quickly and easily change programs, activate streaming and adjust the volume.
- Adjust treble and bass to customise your sound processor settings, and link them to your favourite locations.
- Locate a lost or misplaced sound processor.
Oticon Medical Connectline app (Ponto 3)
The app can be used to control both your sound processor and any Connectline devices that are streaming to it.
Oticon Medical – Oticon ON app (Ponto 4/5 mini)
The app enables you to control your devices, use the “find my hearing aid” search feature and set a low battery notification.
Useful contacts
- Audiology department
Telephone: 01642 854436 or 01642 854068
Email: [email protected] - Ear, Nose and Throat casualty
Telephone: 01642 854033 - Cochlear
Address: Cochlear Europe Limited, 6 Dashwood Lang Road, Bourne Business Park,
Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2HJ
Telephone: 01932 263400
Visit the cochlear website - Oticon Medical
Address: Oticon Medical, Cadzow Industrial Estate, Low Waters Road, Hamilton, ML3 7QE
Telephone: 01698 208 234
Visit the oticon medical website
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]