Does a child in your family use Phonak Naida hearing aids?

The Naida hearing aid has been available from NHS audiology services for about a year.

The hearing aid uses new frequency compression technology that is particularly useful for children who cannot hear high frequency sounds even with their previous hearing aids. 

Research and feedback about the benefits of the hearing aids from children and their families is very positive. However, NDCS has become aware of a potential problem with the Naida hearing aid that we would like to bring to the attention of our members.

It has been reported to us that a small number of the hearing aids develop an intermittent fault that can cause the hearing aid to turn itself off frequently.

We have worked with the manufacturers, Phonak who have assured us that the fault, which they believe affects less than 1% of the hearing aids, is caused by a build up of static electricity in earlier production models, and is being corrected in all hearing aids returned to them for repair regardless of the original fault it is sent in for.

The company have written to all audiology services alerting them to this problem.

The vast majority of children using these hearing aids will not have any problems with them. But, if your child is very young or otherwise not able to reliably report that the hearing aids are not working correctly, you may like to consider regular listening checks yourself throughout the day.

Phonak also manufacture a device, that can be used to check whether the hearing aid is working properly whilst it is in the child’s ear, known as the iView. The iView can be purchased at Connevans or one may be available to borrow from your audiologist or teacher of the deaf.

If you notice that your child appears to be less responsive than normal, or if you have any reason to be concerned that your child’s hearing aids may not be functioning well at all times please contact your audiologist who will arrange a replacement.  

If you have any questions please speak to your audiologist, teacher of the deaf, or contact our Freephone Helpline and ask to speak to our audiology advisor.