Nottingham University Hospitals - NHS Trust

INTRANET

Spares and Repairs:

NCIP Helpline 0115 948 5538

Replacement Equipment/Spares

Spare leads and ear hooks will be issued at initial programming. We advise our patients to please call us on the NCIP Helpline on 0115 948 5538 to request replacement items, in case the spare equipment provided needs to be used. This is to make sure that the user has spare leads available at all times.

Replacement equipment is provided free of charge to patients and sent by first-class post for next-day delivery. Spares need to be requested before 3.00 pm for next-day delivery (our last post is 3.30 pm).

If parents and schools wish to keep extra spares in addition to the above, information on obtaining these direct from the manufacturer (with a price list) can be provided on request.

Batteries

Rechargeable batteries: If the processor requires AA or AAA rechargeable batteries, these will be provided by us, as well as the battery charger. A new package will be send every year. The Nucleus 5 and Harmony processor are equipped with custom made rechargeable batteries that should last a number of years. Please ensure the batteries are charged in rotation so as not to exhaust one particular battery. It may be useful to number them to keep track of any faulty batteries.

Non-rechargeable batteries: An initial supply of batteries will be provided at one of the first appointments. A letter will then be directed to the patient's local audiology department to advise them of the patient's battery requirement. We do not provide ongoing supplies of non-rechargeable batteries as they are funded by the local authority.

BCIG Safety Guidelines

For a pdf copy of these guidelines click here

Speech Processors

Just as for conventional hearing aids, speech processors can develop faults from time to time. If a speech processor develops a fault:

Firstly, we ask the patient/parent to identify the fault using the troubleshooting checklist issued at initial programming. Click here for troubleshooting advice.
If the problem persists or the patient needs advice, they can ring our NCIP Helpline on 0115 948 5538. If they can give our administrative staff a brief outline of the problem, we may be able to resolve it. If necessary we will get an Audiologist to return the call as soon as they are available.

If a speech processor has to be sent out by us please state clearly whether it should be sent to the patient's home address or the school. Please have address details handy when calling us.

Replacement speech processors are sent out by Registered Post and should be received the following day.

A speech processor is an expensive item of equipment (approximately £5 500). We only have a limited number to issue as replacements in the event of equipment breakdown, therefore it is important that broken or faulty speech processors are returned without delay in the Special Delivery envelope provided. Repairs can then be carried out and our stock of spare equipment maintained.

If you would like to request spares please telephone or email ncip@nuh.nhs.uk

The following user guides are available for download as pdf documents:

Holiday Loans

If you are planning on going abroad, and would like a spare speech processor to take with you, both Advanced Bionics and Cochlear Europe provide a holiday loaner service that you can use for a charge. To request a holiday loan, please contact us for the appropriate forms.

Once you have completed the relevant forms, please send them to the relevant company (as mentioned on the form). Once the company has received this information they will then ask NCIP to forward your/your child's maps to them with details of the current mapping information. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT BOTH COMPANIES NEED AT LEAST 4 WEEKS NOTICE TO COMPLETE A HOLIDAY LOAN PACK FOR YOU.

For a downloadable copy of the form, please select the company that provides you/ your child's speech processor:

Cochlear (Nucleus 5, Freedom)

Advanced Bionics (PSP, Harmony)