The staff at Better Hearing Australia (Vic) are able to provide free information and advice either in discussion and/or in writing on a range of consumer issues.

Statistics show that people generally wait six to ten years before taking action about their hearing loss. Yet when a person decides to do something about their hearing loss, the benefits are significant.

The hearing loss maze and how we can assist

If you have decided to do something about your hearing problem you need to know what steps to take.  The more you know about hearing loss management the easier it is to make educated and informed decisions, particularly when it comes to obtaining hearing aids and other hearing technology.

The qualified staff at Better Hearing Australia (Vic) can help you navigate your way through the hearing loss maze - some call it a minefield!  We provide professional, up- to-date, independent information and advice on a range of issues including:

• Hearing aids.

• Other assistive technology.

• Communication strategies.

• Telephone use.

We advise about your particular situation, individual requirements and provide written information in support.

 Are you eligible for free testing or hearing aids?

 →  Find out if you are eligible for free hearing testing and free hearing aids from the Australian Government Hearing Services Program

 →  If eligible we advise you how to access this Program

 →  If not eligible we assist you with the decisions involved in the process of considering getting a hearing aid/s.

We do not recommend any particular hearing aid provider but assist you make an educated and informed choice in choosing what you will do in consideration of getting a hearing aid/s.

Do you understand about provider qualifications?

Both audiologists and audiometrists provide hearing services and both sell hearing aids. We explain the difference in qualification between an audiologist and an audiometrist.

What do you understand about hearing tests?

 →  Are you aware of the types of hearing tests that a provider of hearing services needs to carry out?

 →  Do you understand your audiogram (graph of hearing test results)?

 →  Do you understand about the type and level of your hearing loss? The description of a hearing loss as a percentage measure is used for a worker’s compensation claim but does not provide you with the necessary information to understand about what you hear and what you have difficulty hearing.

 →  Are you aware of your right to receive a copy of your hearing test results?

What do you understand about hearing aids?

 → What do hearing aids do and what don’t they do?

 → What are the programs and features of a hearing aid?

 → Do you understand the programs and features of your hearing aid/s?

 → Are you aware of the telecoil program of a hearing aid and how it works with the audio induction loops and other listening systems installed in various facilities and other listening situations and equipment?

 → Do you understand about radio frequency (RF) / frequency modulated (FM) listening and the benefits of this?

 → Do you know whether your hearing aid has the telecoil program?

 → Are you aware of the different types of hearing aids: behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC) or completely in the canal (CIC)?

 → What do you need to consider in choosing the most suitable type of hearing aid for you?

 → What is an open ear hearing aid fitting?

 → Are you aware that you can arrange a trial period when purchasing hearing aids?

 → What is a reasonable trial period?

 → Are you aware of your entitlements should you choose to return the hearing aid/s?

 → Have you discussed a maintenance agreement with your hearing aid provider?

 → What is ‘top up’ as part of the Australian Government Hearing Services Program?

 → Are you aware of how to get used to a hearing aid?

 → Are you aware of the need to learn to hear again with hearing aids?

Hearing aid cost comparison

Do you understand how to compare the prices of hearing aids as offered by hearing aid providers and what contributes to one type of hearing aid being more expensive than another type?

 In discussion with a Hearing Advisor at Better Hearing Australia (Vic) the information you receive about hearing aids, the types, the features, and programs will assist you to understand what may be suitable for you to consider, and in relation to what you want to pay and may be in a position to pay.  In addition you need to be aware of what other support services is included in the cost of the hearing aid/s.

Assistive technology

Are you aware of assistive technology, apart from hearing aids, that can assist you in living independently with a hearing loss? Devices for use with or without hearing aids are available for:

 → Personal conversation listening

 → Telephones

 → Television

 → Radio and other sound systems

 → Alerting you to doorbells, alarms

Free listening devices

 → If you are a client of the Australian Government Hearing Services Program you are entitled to alternative hearing equipment should you take this option instead of hearing aids.

 → The Department of Veterans Affairs will also assist with providing some additional assistive technology to their clients.

How aware are you of the value of using a range of communication strategies?

 → Do you understand the important role of communication partners?

 → Do you require assistance and training to help other people communicate more clearly with you?

Contact  one of our Hearing Advisors for you and others to obtain assistance with developing communication strategies and improve understanding.