Radio aids – optimising listening opportunities: Guide

Routine checks

The hearing aids, BAHAs, speech processors and radio aids should be checked at least daily, particularly if the child is not yet able to report faults with the system.  This will ensure that they have the best possible signal to hear the speaker's voice.

1. Look at the hearing aid and radio aid, is there any damage?

2. Check the batteries in the radio aid and hearing aids.

3. Listen to the hearing aid using a stetoclip with an attenuator.

4. Attach the radio aid.

5. Give the transmitter to another person or place by a sound source.

6. Listen to the sound through the whole system.

7. If you are concerned go to the troubleshooting section in the next column

How radio aids can help - A guide for families by the NDCS, gives a full description (pages 29-32) of how to check the systems daily, how to look after the system, and how to explain the use to mainstream teachers.  People registered with the free NDCS website can also find this information and also have free access to a range of information resources, support services and events.

The NDCS have also produced a video on how to check your radio aid system.