Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I really need a hearing instrument?
A: Before we can answer this question, you need a comprehensive hearing test. The initial appointment normally lasts an hour. The consultant will ask you about your medical history, examine your ears for wax or abnormality and then test your hearing in a sound proof booth. The results will then be discussed with you. At this stage, the consultant will be able to determine whether your hearing loss is surgically or medically treatable and a referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist is required. Most hearing losses are not medically treatable but can be treated successfully with a hearing instrument. 

Q: How do I know which hearing instrument to choose?
A: There are many hearing instrument models and options available.

Improving hearing through amplification is not simply a matter of amplifying sound, there are many factors that have to be considered when determining how the hearing device should function and process the sound being amplified. Step one is to determine your hearing loss by means of a comprehensive hearing test and consultation. Factors that need to be considered include:

·         Which frequencies or tones have decreased sensitivity?

·          How much amplification is required for that specific tone to be heard comfortably and clearly?

·         When there is an imbalance in hearing between ears, your sense of direction is affected which compromises your ability to focus on or follow a conversation in groups or noisy environments.

·       The most common hearing loss, is a high frequency loss. This means that you hear lower pitched sounds better than higher pitched sounds. In nature, most of the background noise we experience is in the lower frequencies. The result is that you now hear the noise better than you hear speech. Low frequencies also have much more power than high frequencies and tend to drown out the higher frequencies which are important for the clarity in speech and for your sense of direction and ability to focus.

·         Other factors to consider are the style and comfort of the hearing instrument. The style may be influenced by your ear anatomy or your ability to insert or adjust a hearing instrument. For many clients, discretion is very important and the style may be chosen accordingly. Sometimes the amount of power required for a more significant loss requires a specific style of hearing aid to be more suitable.

 

Besides the amplification requirements, other factors also need to be considered when selecting a hearing instrument:

 

·         Lifestyle is an important factor. If one is socially more active and often in group situations or meetings, a hearing aid with more advanced features may be required to satisfy those requirements. Outdoor activities or work environments would also be a consideration in selecting a particular hearing instrument.

·         Price is normally a factor to consider. The level of technology and sophistication of the hearing instrument will have a bearing on the price of the instrument. Here your daily requirements need to be considered carefully so that you balance the features that you need with the cost of the hearing instrument. One should also bear in mind that the instrument that you purchase will be worn every day for many years to come. It may be worth investing a little more and getting instrument/s that you will be happy with. If they end up in the drawer, the money will have been wasted.

 

Our consultants have many years of experience in selecting and fitting appropriate hearing devices for your specific hearing loss and daily needs. We equip them with a vast choice of the best products available. In addition to modern facilities and the latest equipment to fit and measure the hearing instruments and your hearing to achieve optimum results. Our consultants are continuously trained in new products and technologies as they become available to ensure that the best options are always available to consider for your hearing loss.

Q: What if the hearing instrument doesn't work for me?
A: At the time of initial consultation, the consultant will be able to give you a reasonable expectation of how well a hearing instrument should work for you. The new technologies available in modern hearing instruments automatically maintain the sound within comfortable levels when set correctly. However, some factors which influence the success of your hearing instruments include the following:

We offer a 60 day trial on all new hearing instruments to give you the opportunity to wear them and allow your brain to adjust to them. This is really the only way to see if the instruments are working for you as a new user. If you have worn hearing instruments before, we find you will immediately notice the difference with the new technologies and can appreciate how much hearing instruments have improved. 


Q: How often do I have to change the batteries on my hearing instrument?
A: On average you should get from 5 days to 2 weeks on a battery. Our Siemens over the ear and open canal models have rechargeable batteries and do not require battery changes for at least a year. Simply plug the instruments into the charging stand at night and they are good for the next day's use.


Q: Do I have to wear two hearing devices?
A: If you have a hearing loss in both ears, you should wear a hearing device in each ear. You have two ears for a reason. There are many reasons for looking to balance the two ears. Your brain monitors the signal from both ears. It compares them all the time and uses this comparison to establish direction and to allow you to focus. In group situations or background noise, this is critical. Typically, if you have a loss in both ears but only wear an instrument in one ear, that instrument will benefit you in quiet one-on-one conversations but have very limited benefit in groups or noisy environments. Any interfering sound will tend to distract you.
Wearing two instruments will normally make a significant improvement in speech discrimination. 


Q: What is Bluetooth?
A: Bluetooth is a wireless communication system between electronic devices. It typically has a range of 30 feet and uses an encoded signal which allows two devices to connect to each other without interception or interference from other bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth technology in your hearing instruments enables your instruments to link up to compatible home telephones, cell phones, television transmitters and compatible audio components through a reciever typically worn around your neck and allows hands free use of these sources.
If using it with a TV transmitter, the TV sound is played directly into your hearing instruments and you can set the volume at a level that suits you without interfering with the volume settings for other listeners.
When using a bluetooth cell phone or home phone, if the phone rings and you are within the 30 feet range of the phone, it rings in your hearing instrument.  To answer the call, you simply push a button on your bluetooth reciever which hangs around your neck. When your conversation is over, simply push the button again to hang up. The call is completely hands free and you don't even have to pick up the phone. One of the advantages of using bluetooth with a telephone, is that you hear in both ears and don't have to hold a phone to your ear. It also allows you to speak hands-free on a cell phone while driving your car or wherever you are! No more running or scrambling for the phone...


Q: Do I need a remote control?
A: Many hearing instrument models come with remote controls or have them available as an option. Most of the models that we supply, are automatic and do not require adjusting all the time. You just insert them and they take care of themselves. Some clients prefer to be able to control the instrument themselves and the remote control allows you to do that. Generally, the remote is a nice feature for those who like control but not a necessity. With many models, the remote is included at no charge.


Q: What do the hearing instruments cost?
A: Hearing instruments range in price from about $1200 to $3400 depending on the level of technology in the hearing instrument. On the lower end of the price scale, hearing instruments are less sophisticated and require more manual manipulation. They typically offer slightly older technology and often limit  the adjustments available to the consultant for customizing. Their ability to help you in noisier environments are typically limited but in quiet environments they perform well.
The mid range hearing instruments are fully automatic and some makes offer some high end features within this price range. These hearing instruments have a computer inside that listens to your environment and selects a program for that situation. Typically 3 programs are utilised namely one for quiet environments, one for speech in noise and one for when you are just in a noisy environment but not having a conversation. Volume is adjusted automatically to keep sounds within your comfort range. These hearing instruments are usually excellent for one-on-one situations and small groups. They offer directional microphones that focus on the speaker in noisy situations and help to reduce noise from other directions. Some models offer Bluetooth capability in this price range.
High end hearing instruments have more sophisticated processors which enable them to handle the more difficult hearing situations such as groups and noisy environments better. They have more programs for more situations and they allow the consultant much finer control of the sound. Some of these instruments can 'talk' to each other wirelessly so that if one instrument changes it's setting, it tells the other one to change too thereby maintaining the balance between ears which is important in noisy environments. These instruments usually have Bluetooth capabilities and often include bluetooth accessories. If you are socially active and frequently in group situations or meetings, it may be worth investing the extra money to get the extra features that are more suited your lifestyle.


Q: Will my extended benefits pay for my hearing instruments?
A: If you have extended benefits, many will normally contribute towards the cost. The amount varies from person to person and we recommend that you enquire from them directly. They will normally refund their contribution to you.



Q: If I purchased my hearing aids from another supplier and I come to you for adjustments or repairs, will I lose or affect my warranty?
A: No, your warranty is from the manufacturer. The manufacturer has your hearing aid serial numbers on file as well as your date of fitting so your warranty is still valid and will be honored by them no matter which hearing aid dispenser sold and fitted them to you. We deal with all the major manufacturers and have their software, cables and products available to us. We also provide servicing for their products.