Audiology Modernisation and Digital Hearing aids
You may have heard about the modernisation project within audiology services.
Initially, extra funding from the Scottish Executive was used to provide proper equipment and staff training. This initial step ensures that all our hearing aids are fitted to the highest standard possible.
Hospitals across Scotland are at different stages. Some of the necessary work will take a while. Please be patient as it will be worth waiting for.
Digital hearing aids will be provided routinely, but everyone's hearing is different and not everyone will be suitable. Your audiologist will select whichever hearing aid best meets your needs based on the results of various tests and discussion with you. They will also consider whether you are suitable for the provision of the newer type of digital behind the ear hearing aid referred to as an
'open fit' hearing aid.
Digital aids may help you cope better in background noise, but they won't eliminate it. They can be programmed precisely to meet your needs, which should result in a much clearer sound.
It is important to note that the digital aids, which are provided, are not small in-the-ear hearing aids.
With the introduction of digital aids, you might find that you have to wait longer. There are two main reasons for this. The demand for hearing aids has risen significantly so we have a lot more people to see. The other reason lies in the hearing aids themselves. With the introduction of this higher technology, the time taken to fit a hearing aid has also increased.
