Hearing Aid Users Urged to Return Devices

HEALTH managers have appealed for patients who no longer use NHS digital hearing aids to return them.The devices are often thrown away when no longer required, but the hearing aid service of the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust loans them to patients on the understanding they will be returned.Parts of the aids can have a working life of several years and can be cleaned, reconditioned and put back into use.The only part that is discarded is the ear mould, which has to be fitted for each patient.The trust’s chief audiologist, Liz Fawcett, said: “We hope by raising awareness and encouraging the return of unused NHS digital hearing aids, we can make a difference to future patients.” Patients, relatives or carers who would like further information or wish to check if an aid can be returned, should contact the Harrogate District Hospital audiology department on 01423553320.

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