Hearing

Equipment

Wakefield Deaf Society provides equipment (technical aids) in the Wakefield District on behalf of Wakefield Council. An assessment is required prior to provision of equipment. Further information about the services that Wakefield Deaf Society provide can be found here.

A Technical Aid is a piece of equipment that can improve access to the home, independence and/or social well-being and quality of life.

For example, a loop system may engage someone in a conversation or assist them to hear the television, thus improving the well-being of an individual. A flashing doorbell may encourage someone to be independent and deters reliance on others, smoke alarm designed to meet the needs of people with hearing impairments could actually save lives.

Technical aids can be loaned free of charge to an assessed need for as long as they are needed, providing you meet set criteria.

• Telephones: In today’s market of technology choosing a telephone that is suitable to someone who is hard of hearing can be difficult. A telephone with amplification as well as inductive coupler may make the conversation easier to follow. Inductive couplers in the handset used in conjunction with the hearing aid set to “T” can make a telephone conversation easier. If the hearing aid whistles when the telephone handset is placed near your ear switch to ‘T’ this may stop the feedback experienced. Moving the handset around near the body of the hearing aid can also help to detect better sound or volume when the hearing aid is used on ‘T’. Or try placing the handset near the microphone of the hearing aid. A good quality cordless telephone with speaker method and a volume that can be increased can be held near to the ear but not resting on the ear can also make a telephone conversation easier to follow.
• Text Phones are a telephone device that can be used text to text (typing) or with voice to receive text (speech that cannot be heard) they are suitable for individuals that are unable to use standard telephone with amplification and or inductive coupler. NGT app downloaded on a laptop / PC or smartphone provides a text relay service and demonstrations can be provided by Wakefield Deaf Society.
• Television Loop Systems: Used with a hearing aid set on the “T” position. A loop system cuts down background noise and reduces the volume of the television thus enabling hearing aids user to listen to the television without causing distress to another member of the family or neighbour.
• Portable TV Aids or Communication Aids: There is a range of portable aids that can be used with or without a hearing aid to assist hearing the TV or conversation.
• Flashing/Extra loud doorbell: There are a variety of doorbells to suit individual needs. Ranging from portable chime/flash, vibration or house lights to flash.

Please note: pacemaker patients that require loop systems / TV – communication aids will need written consent from their cardiologist that the equipment is compatible and safe to use.

How do I access the service?

If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and are experiencing difficulties associated with your deafness you are entitled to an assessment of need (specialist assessment) you can either contact Wakefield Deaf society or Social Care Direct who will ask you some questions about how your deafness and or other disabilities effect your daily living. (This helps us to prioritise our work based on the information you give us).

When the referral is processed an appointment will then be made and an officer will discuss your needs and, where possible, offer a solution to your difficulties. This may be a technical aid (equipment) and or information. Or we may sign post you to another organisation that may be able to offer a solution if we can’t.