which product is right for me?...

With some many hearing aids on the market, how do you work out which model is right for you?

This is where we come in! 

Our Audiologists aim to arm you with the right type of advice about hearing aids so that you understand what they can and cannot do at the beginning of your rehabilitation program.

AudioClinic Tasmania has a long-standing history with Danish hearing aid manufacturer - Oticon.  Oticon's award winning hearing technology has meant that many of our clients have experienced sucessful rehabilitation outcomes with ease.  Our Audiologists can also advise you about products from a number of other leading international manufacturers, including Bernafon, Widex, Phonak, Unitron and Siemens hearing Instruments.  Our vast knowledge of products available in Australia means that we can effectively match your hearing status and needs to the right product solution.

is it just about the degree of my hearing loss?...

 
Contrary to common belief, the severity of your hearing loss is only just the start of the many factors we take into account in selecting the right hearing aid model for you. 

During your consultation, your Audiologist will ask you many questions about the various types of listening situations that you encounter from day-to-day.  As we all lead very different lifestyles, even two people with the same degree of hearing loss might have very different listening needs.

Your Audiologist will also consider your cosmetics and handling preferences, and take into account of the physical shape of your ear in selecting the most discreet, comfortable hearing aid style for you.  We also take into account of any other audio device needs you may have, such as heairng on the telephones, TV, etc.  Often, it is also the combination of these features that determines which brand and model of hearing aid would address your individual needs most appropriately.  Of course, if you want a hearing aid that is fully automatic, they are vastly available as well.

We recommend that you always attend your appointments with your significant communication partner. It takes two to communicate, and it is important for your family to understand the benefits and limitations of hearing aids.  This way we can truely change the way that you "live" with the hearing loss and begin to promote clear communication with your significant others - the ultimate goal for any hearing aid fitting and rehabilitation program.

Coming Soon - Consumer Guide to Hearing Aid Purchase

styles of hearing instruments...  

There are three main categories of hearing aids based on how they are worn on the ear - we call this the Style of the hearing aid.  There are benefits and drawbacks to the different styles and your Audiologist will explain to you based on your hearing status.  It is important that a hearing aid is just that - a aid.  Whilst it will most certainly make it easier to communicate than an uncorrected hearing loss, it cannot give you back normal hearing and speech understanding abilities.

Coming Soon - Read more about the effects of hearing loss  

(1) CUSTOM IN-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS - fit totally within the "bowl" of the ear and comes in various sizes. You can choose from the smallest, discreet completely-in-the-canal to the half shell aids with noise reduction technology.  Power users who require more volume can opt for power models.  Your Audiologist will advise you on your suitability for custom heairng aids.

(2) BEHIND-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS - are attached to a clear plastic earmould and the hearing aid portion sits behind your ear.  These hearing aids tend to incoporate more user adjustable features due to the space allowance.  They tend also to be more reliable and less prone to wax damage as the mechanics of the hearing aid sit outside of the ear and is less exposed to wax and moisture.  Your Audiologist will advise on the reliability of different stypes of hearing aids at your appointment.  Recently Behind-the-ear hearing aids have become extremely cosmetic, as we are now able to incorporate thin-tube fittings which makes the hearing aid virtually invisible.

(3) RECEIVER-IN-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS - represents the latest in hearing aid design.  It is a merging of an in-the-ear and a behind-the-ear heairng aid such that they embody the best bits of the two more traditional styles of hearing aids into one streamlined system.  These mini-hearing aids are not only remarkably cosmetic but are specifically designed for those people who only experience difficulties understanding conversations in crowded, noisy situations.  It's open design means that you can make use of your nature residual hearing, while the hearing aid provides those important speech sounds where you hearing is lacking,

These hearing aids have changed the face of the hearing industry in the last couple of years!

noise reduction technology...

One of the most common complaint we hear at our clinic is trouble understanding speech in noisy, crowded places, such as restaurants, meetings, shops, etc.  As these are highly social activities, missing out on the vital parts of conversations mean that you are not able to participate with ease and enjoyment.  Over time, this may translate to detrimental effects on your quality of life.  At AudioClinic Tasmania, our Audiologists critically evaluate how various noise reduction technologies offered by the different manufactuers actually perform in real life.  We believe in the importance of providing a good noise filtering strategy in all hearing aid fittings as this is vital in achieving a sucessful outcome in our modern busy lifestyle.  Your Audiologist will advise you further on the level of noise filtering technology you require for your lifestyle.

Coming soon - read more about the only noise filtering technology that works in the real world

one or two hearing aids?...

Generally speaking, we need to hear from both sides of our heads effectively to be able to feed our brains with enough information to decipher those important speech sounds.  This is especially important when we are in more demanding listening situations where competing background noise is present.  The importance of "hearing" from both ears cannot be under estimated and is generally what we recommend to our clients as the foundation of achieving successful communication freedom.  There are, however, some medical reasons as to why a person cannot wear two hearing aids - your Audiologist will advise you on the alternative hearing devices that are available if you fall within this category.  

Coming soon - read more about why we need to hear from both ears

how much do they cost?...

Hearing aids are extremely sophisticated computers that have been designed to be as small and cosmetic as possible.  The cost of hearing aids reflect the cost of research and development that goes into achieve this very challenging goal.  The cost of a pair of hearing aids range from $3000 to $10,000 a pair.  Your Audiologist will advise you on the most appropriate technology for your hearing needs based on your budget.

You may be able to claim a rebate through your private health insurance and receive a tax deduction as a health expense.  It is advisable to consult your private health fund and/or your accountant prior to your appointment with the Audiologist.

Eligible Australian Pensioners can access free hearing care services, including the provision of two FREE digital hearing aids, under the Commonwealth Office of Hearing Services Program.  Our Audiologists are accredited practitioners under this program and can advise you fully on your entitlements.  Go to our Pension Patients page to learn more.

If you have a claim under Work Cover, we can also provide your insurance company with a comprehensive report on your hearing status and needs and our recommendations for hearing aids.

At your appointment, your Audiologist will discuss your options further with you.

See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about Hearing Aid Purchase