Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the signs of hearing loss?

How is hearing loss treated?

But I don't think I have a hearing problem...

What type of hearing aids do you supply?

Are the most expensive hearing aids always the best?

What ages do you see?

As a pensioner, how do I obtain my voucher for hearing services and hearing aids?

Can I claim a Medicare rebate?

Why an Audiologist?

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What are the signs of hearing loss?

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Some common signs of hearing loss can include:

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• Family and friends reporting that you aren't hearing as well as you used to

• Difficulty conversing in background noise

• Needing to turn up the TV volume higher than other family members prefer

• Asking people to repeat themselves more often

• A feeling that people frequently mumble

• Difficulty hearing on the phone

• Communication breakdown and relationship strain with spouse or significant other

• Withdrawal from social situations

 

Signs of hearing loss more specific to children may include:

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• Delayed or unclear speech

• Not responding when called

• Daydreaming and inattentiveness

• Displaying disruptive behaviour

 

If you do have any concerns, it's a good idea to call us to arrange an assessment.

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How is hearing loss treated?

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Hearing loss can arise from an array of possible causes.  From outer ear and middle ear problems such as infection, ear drum perforation, cholesteatoma, or otosclerosis; to inner ear and neural involvement such as presbyacusis, Meniere's disease, or an acoustic neuroma.  There are countless potential reasons for your hearing loss, and treatments will vary accordingly. 

 

Some ear problems will require medication or surgery, while others will be managed with hearing devices and counselling.  It is therefore crucial to get the diagnosis right.  In view of this, we feel it very important to perform comprehensive diagnostic assessments on all of our clients - nothing less.  Without a correct diagnosis, how could you be sure the treatment recommended is the most appropriate?

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But I don't think I have a hearing problem...

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This is a very common report from someone who is experiencing a gradual decline in hearing.  As occurs with the majority of older people with hearing loss, it progresses very slowly over many years so you often don't realise it is happening.  Other people can start to sound like they are mumbling, even if they are not. 

 

A hearing test is an important first step in identifying whether or not you have a hearing loss and to determine what management strategy would be most appropriate.

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What type of hearing aids do you supply?

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Unlike the majority of hearing clinics today, we are 100% audiologist owned.  This means we are not bound to any particular hearing aid manufacturer and are free to recommend the hearing aids we truly believe to be best for each of our clients, from the latest miniature, invisible devices all the way through to larger powerhouse technology.  We have significant experience in a wide range of hearing devices and implants from all major manufacturers.

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Are the most expensive hearing aids always the best?

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Not necessarily.  Selecting an appropriate level of technology is dependent on a number of factors, including lifestyle, hearing levels, ear anatomy, among others - all unique to each individual client.  It should also be noted though that a client with basic hearing aid technology that has been fitted by a skilled audiologist is going to have a better outcome than a client with top-of-the-range hearing devices provided by an inexperienced clinician.

 

At Hello Hearing, we see clients from all walks of life with a wide range of different hearing problems and rehabilitation needs.  We are happy to discuss with you your own unique situation, and if required, offer a no-obligation, no-cost trial for you to make up your own mind.

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What ages do you see?

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We perform hearing assessments on adults and children aged 3 and up.

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As a pensioner, how do I obtain my voucher for hearing services and hearing aids?

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If you have never been on the government program for hearing services before, you will need to have our referral signed by your GP (available for download here).  Bring this to your first appointment along with your pension/DVA card and we will do the rest.

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If you have already been seen elsewhere under the government program, all you will need to do is provide your pension/DVA card and sign a consent form.

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If you are unsure or have any other questions, please don't hesitate to call us!

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Can I claim a Medicare rebate?

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In most cases, yes! 

 

We are one of the very few approved providers who offer Medicare rebates for most of our routine audiology assessments.  This is made possible through an alliance we have with an external consultant ENT surgeon who supervises the results and recommendations from our assessments,* thus providing an extra level of medical expertise and quality control.

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* Note: supervising ENT service does not apply to assessments funded by the government Hearing Services scheme.

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Why an Audiologist?

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In Australia, it is not a requirement to be an audiologist to assess hearing or fit hearing aids, despite the fact that an audiologist is the most competent health professional to diagnose hearing problems and manage hearing rehabilitation.  Having a specialist consultant who knows what they are doing is vastly more important than having only a high quality hearing device.  Hello Hearing offers both.  We are highly experienced audiologists, so when you come to see us, you can be assured that you are in good hands.

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