Hearing Aid Specialists FAQ in Victoria

An important part of a successful hearing device fitting is finding a hearing device dispenser who not only provides the appropriate hearing devices but also offers a variety of services that provide for your total hearing health care. These questions may help you find a dispenser who will best meet your needs.

A dispenser should have several different brands and types of hearing devices to choose from. No single brand or type of device amplifies sound adequately for every hearing loss and, importantly, not every style of device is suitable for all individuals.

Hearing devices differ in their type of sound processing, their available features and their style. The most common styles include behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) and completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing devices. A new set of devices have recently been released called micro behind-the-ear (mini BTE) and receiver in the ear devices (RITE).

In general, the cost of a hearing device depends on the level of technology and features more than the size or style. Devices with sophisticated features that incorporate background noise reduction, multiple listening programmes, directional microphone technology, Bluetooth/FM capability, etc., will usually command a higher fitting fee than devices that do not have these qualities or only one or two of these features.

Hearing Aid Specialists Victoria includes all the consultations for the life of the hearing device warranty, which can range from three to four years within the fitting fee. Other practitioners may choose to charge a separate fee for the device(s) and the consultations. Consumables like batteries, ear moulds and the like will need to be purchased after the initial supply which is included in the fitting fee.

Most dispensers offer some type of satisfaction guarantee period, whether it's called a trial period or return option. Some dispensers offer a “road test” which allows you to wear the device(s) for several hours in your normal environment. Hearing Aid Specialists offers a 60-day return option. This allows the wearer to not only evaluate the device(s) in their normal environments but it also allows enough time for adjustment to be evaluated.

Warranties vary by hearing device manufacturer but generally they range from three to four years, some manufacturers also include a one-year loss and damage warranty (an excess may apply). Under this type of warranty, the company will replace or repair a hearing device that has been lost or damaged for any reason during the coverage period. Extended warranties are also available for an additional charge.

Check with your hearing device dispenser that your device(s) have a loss and damage in the warranty, you may be able to buy hearing device insurance if it does not come with the device. Hearing Aid Specialists also includes all the consultations during the warranty period of the device.

After the manufacturer's warranty has expired, repair charges are the responsibility of the hearing device owner. For most hearing device repairs, there is a standard fee. A warranty should be offered on any repairs that are made and a quote can be arranged. The cost can vary significantly depending the nature and degree of the repair.

During a fitting and orientation appointment, the hearing device user and family should receive information about the use and care of the hearing devices. The hearing device user should receive instruction on all aspects of hearing device management and practice putting on and taking off the hearing device, adjusting the volume control and inserting and removing the battery, etc. A personal program should be included to help you adjust and adapt to your new devices and your surroundings.

The hearing device dispenser should perform a variety of assessments whilst the device is being worn. This will help to verify the appropriateness of the selected device and subsequent settings. There are a variety of techniques called hearing tactics, these strategies should also be discussed as part of the fitting process. Follow up consultations should be organised at regular intervals, allowing for a review of any adjustments made previously. The use of assistive devices may be discussed or demonstrated as well.

Most hearing device dispensers can obtain a variety of ALDs if a client needs them. These may include amplifiers or transmitters for the telephone, television or group listening situations, as well as signalling devices for use in the home.

Many assistive devices and telephones are designed to be compatible with hearing devices which are equipped with a telecoil or "T" switch. When activated, a telecoil picks up electromagnetic signals coming from a hearing device-compatible telephone or assistive device. The signal carries the sound information coming from the device to an individual's hearing device. Before ordering a hearing device it is important that the dispenser and hearing device user decide if a "T" switch will be needed.