Embracing a New World of Sound:
Your First Hearing Aid
Getting your first hearing aid can be a significant step, but it's one that can truly transform your life.
Here's how I help you navigate this exciting journey:
The Initial Consultation
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Hearing Test: A comprehensive Diagnostic Hearing Test will pinpoint the extent and type of your hearing loss.
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Discussion: We will discuss your lifestyle, hearing needs, and preferences to recommend suitable Hearing Aid options.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
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Technology: Consider factors like noise reduction, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity.
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Style: Choose a style that suits your lifestyle and hearing needs, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), or completely-in-canal (CIC).
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Budget: Discuss your budget and find the best option for you.
Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aid
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Initial Fitting: I will carefully adjust your hearing aid to optimise sound quality and comfort.
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Gradual Adjustment: Start by wearing your Hearing Aid for short periods and gradually increase the wear time.
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Patience: It takes time for you to adjust to new sounds, so be patient and consistent.
Tips for Success
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Regular Follow-up: Schedule regular appointments to fine-tune your Hearing Aid settings.
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Battery Care: Learn how to properly insert and remove batteries and keep them clean.
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Maintenance: Clean your Hearing Aids regularly to prevent wax buildup and ensure optimal performance.
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Social Interaction: Engage in social activities to practice listening in various environments.
Remember, as your Audiologist, I'll be your partner in this journey. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek advice as you adapt to your new Hearing Aid. With patience and persistence, you'll soon enjoy the many benefits of improved hearing!
Types of Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids come in various styles and sizes, each designed to cater to different levels of hearing loss and individual preferences. Each style offers unique advantages and considerations, ensuring that you can find the most suitable solution to enhance your hearing experience.
IIC
Invisible in Canal
The smallest type of hearing aid available. They are custom-made to fit deep inside the ear canal, making them virtually invisible to others.
CIC
Completely in Canal
A type of custom-made hearing aid that fits entirely within the ear canal, making them one of the most discreet hearing aid options available.
ITC
In the Canal
These custom-made devices fit partially within the ear canal, offering a more discreet option compared to larger behind-the-ear (BTE) styles.
ITE
In the Ear
For individuals seeking a balance between discretion and performance. These custom-made devices fit entirely within the outer portion of the ear.
Mini RITE/
Mini RIC
A balance between discretion and performance. They are smaller than traditional BTE hearing aids, making them less noticeable.
BTE/Mini BTE
Behind the Ear
They consist of a main body that sits behind the ear and a tube that connects to an earmold or dome that fits inside the ear canal.
Super/Ultra
Power
Designed for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. They provide significant amplification to help users hear sounds that would otherwise be inaudible. These devices are typically behind-the-ear (BTE) style.
Rechargeable
Options
The revolutionary design eliminates the need for disposable batteries, offering a more convenient and environmentally friendly solution.
Hearing Aid Brands
With a commitment to providing the best possible care, NP Hearing & Ear Care offers a range of hearing aid brands, ensuring that you can find the perfect device to suit your lifestyle and budget. From discreet, cutting-edge technology to affordable, reliable options, we has a solution for everyone.
Oticon
Oticon is a renowned brand in the Hearing Aid industry, known for its innovative technology and commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing loss.
Designed to integrate with modern lifestyles, their devices offer features like wireless connectivity, noise reduction, and directional microphones. Oticon's focus on BrainHearing™ technology ensures that their devices not only amplify sound but also enhance the brain's ability to process and understand it, leading to a richer and more natural listening experience.​​
Widex
Widex is a Danish Hearing Aid manufacturer, known for its innovative technology and commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality.
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Their Hearing Aids are designed to seamlessly blend with your lifestyle, offering discreet and comfortable solutions. With advanced features like noise reduction, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity, Widex empowers individuals with hearing loss to reconnect with the world around them. Designed to improve hearing and enhance overall quality of life, they are a great choice for individuals seeking a reliable and effective hearing solution.
Unitron
Unitron is a leading manufacturer of Hearing Aids known for their focus on delivering personalised and seamless hearing experiences.
They offer a range of hearing aid styles and technologies to suit various needs and preferences. Their devices are available in various styles and colors, prioritising both functionality and aesthetics. Unitron hearing aids aim to provide a comfortable and discreet listening experience. By utlilising advanced sound processing technology, they help individuals with hearing loss to better connect with their surroundings.
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Is it safe to remove ear wax?If done properly, this process is entirely safe.
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How often should I have my ear wax removed?It depends on the individual and how much ear wax is produced. Some people never require ear wax removal and others I see every ten weeks. It is only required if it is affecting your ear health or your ability to hear and communicate.
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Should I soften the wax with drops?It is not recommended to use drops to soften the wax. More often than not, it is more beneficial to have the ear wax solid so that it makes it easier to remove. On the odd occasion that wax does need to be softened, I use drops in the clinic that generally soften the wax within seconds.
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Can I clean my ears with ear buds?It is not usually recommended because most people end up pushing the wax deeper into the canal which makes it much more difficult and uncomfortable to remove.
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Is Wax Removal Painful?Ear wax removal, when performed correctly by a qualified professional, should not be painful. However, it's important to note that everyone's experience may vary slightly. If you're experiencing ear pain or discomfort due to wax buildup, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional like an Audiologist or an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can safely and effectively remove the wax using techniques like microsuction or irrigation.
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How long does Wax Removal Take?Allow 30 minutes. The procedure usually takes 10 mins but can take up to 60 minutes. You may need to visit again on a regular basis to support your ear health.
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Can I claim Wax Removal through Medicare?Ear Wax removal is not an item number recognised by Medicare, therefore cannot be claimed. DOWLOAD THE REFERRAL HERE
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Is it worth having my ear wax removed?You may need to remove earwax if: You experience hearing loss. You have earache or discomfort. You notice a buildup that’s visible and impacting your ear health.
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Have a question that's not covered here?Please contact me! I'm here to answer any questions you may have about ear wax removal.
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What can an Audiologist diagnose?An Audiologist can diagnose hearing loss and most ear conditions. An Audiologist's expertise and advanced testing equipment ensure accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and ongoing support for optimal hearing health.
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Do I need to bring a GP referral?If you have a GP referral with all the correct items mentioned in the referral, most of the cost for a hearing test can be claimed through Medicare. However, simply having a referral that requests a hearing test is not sufficient. For this reason, it is highly recommended that a referral from my clinic or printed from my website is used. That would guarantee that the test will be able to be claimed. DOWNLOAD THE REFERRAL HERE
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How often should I have a hearing test?It is important to have regular hearing tests. Usually annually.
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What Causes Hearing Loss?Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): This is a common type that occurs gradually as people age, often affecting the ability to hear high-frequency sounds. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as music, machinery, or explosions, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. Genetic Factors: Some individuals inherit conditions that affect hearing, either at birth or later in life. Ear Infections: Chronic otitis media (middle ear infections) can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss if not treated properly. Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications, particularly some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the inner ear and lead to hearing loss. Physical Damage: Injuries to the head or ear can affect hearing. Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, or autoimmune disorders can also contribute to hearing loss. Wax Buildup: Excess earwax can block sound waves from reaching the inner ear, leading to temporary hearing loss. Barotrauma: Changes in pressure, such as during flying or scuba diving, can affect ear function. Developmental Disorders: Some individuals are born with malformations of the ear or auditory pathways that can lead to hearing impairment.
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Is a Hearing Test Painful?No, a hearing test is not painful. It's a simple and painless procedure that involves listening to sounds through headphones or speakers. The audiologist will play different tones and ask you to respond when you hear them. There's no discomfort or risk involved.
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How accurate is a Hearing Test?Hearing tests conducted by an audiologist are highly accurate, with accuracy levels exceeding 90% and often approaching 95%. Audiologists use specialised equipment and techniques to measure hearing sensitivity across a wide range of frequencies, assess speech understanding, and evaluate middle ear function. This comprehensive approach provides a detailed picture of your hearing health and allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
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Can I claim my Hearing Test through Medicare?Diagnostic Hearing Testing is claimable if you use my referral with the correct items ticked. The cost for the Hearing test is $100. If you use my referral form with the correct items ticked, you can claim a rebate through Medicare. You are usually about $37 out of pocket (or less if you have reached the Medicare Safety Net Threshold). DOWNLOAD THE REFERRAL HERE
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How long does a hearing test take?The case history and test alone is usually about 30 minutes. Allow another 30-60 minutes for hearing aid discussion/trial/counselling.
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Do I need to do anything to prepare for my hearing test?You don't need to do anything. You may require ear wax removal first. Come along with a positive attitude and we'll problem solve together.
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Can I claim my Hearing Test through private health insurance?It is best to check with your private health insurer. Diagnostic Hearing Testing is claimable through Medicare. The cost for the Hearing test is $100. If you use my referral form, with the correct items ticked, you can claim a rebate through Medicare. You are usually about $37 out of pocket (or less if you have reached the Medicare Safety Net Threshold). DOWNLOAD THE REFERRAL HERE
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Have a question that's not covered here?Please contact me. I'm here to answer any questions you may have about Diagnostic Hearing Testing.
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How do I prepare for my Hearing Aid Fitting?No preparation is necessary. Simply arrive for your appointment relaxed and ready to learn more about your hearing health.
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Can I claim the cost of my Hearing Aids through private health insuranceIt is best to check with your private health insurer. Most insurers will only contribute to a Hearing Aid purchase if you have extras and Hearing Aids are an item covered under your policy. Most insurers make that contribution through HiCAPS (available at this clinic) but some insurers require you to make the claim back through receipts after the purchase.
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Can Hearing Aids be adjusted?Absolutely. If you are new to using Hearing Aids, I usually start at about 70-80% of the final recommended gain and increase it with subsequent appointments. The devices are also adjusted based on your daily experiences and requirements.
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How often should I have my Hearing Aids checked?Usually annually, unless you need to see me more frequently due to any issues you are experiencing with your devices.
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Have a question that's not covered here?Please contact me! I'm here to answer any questions you may have about Hearing Aids, fitting, adjustments, servicing or selection.
Your Journey to Better Hearing Starts Here
Let us help you achieve optimal hearing health.
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