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In making a decision about a hearing aid it is important to consider the ‘7 What Questions’.

1. What are my hearing needs and what level of technology do I need?

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Your lifestyle and hearing needs are very important in determining whether you need a hearing aid and what level of technology might suit you best.  Here at Hearing Wellness we have 4 levels of technology to choose from: Economy (Level 1), Value (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3) and Ultimate (Level 4).  It is important to choose a level that suits your needs and is based on where you want the hearing aid to work and how well you want the hearing aid to work in those environments.  You also need to consider if you need two hearing aids or one-this decision will often be based on your hearing loss but also on your needs. It will have an impact upon your ability to hear in noise and localise sound. When choosing a level of technology you don’t want to have to spend more than you need to and you also don’t want to purchase something that isn’t going to work well in terms of meeting your needs. Getting the balance right is important.  Our Audiologists do not receive commission for hearing aid sales so you can be assured that the advice they give you will be unbiased and based on your needs.  We want you to be empowered to make your own decisions about your hearing aid choice so we will be there to answer any questions you may have so you can ultimately make an informed decision.

2. What Style, Colour, Cosmetics and Brand do I want/need?

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Being independent Hearing Wellness is not bound to any hearing aid manufacturer and we can thus offer a variety of brands, styles and colours to choose from.  Modern hearing aids are much more cosmetically appealing and most are very discrete.  The hearing aid that you choose will be based on your own personal preference but may also be determined by the shape and degree of your hearing loss, the physical condition and size of your ear and your ability to manipulate and manage the hearing aid.  We will help guide you in making this important decision as it will often determine how successful your hearing aid fitting will be. 

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3. What Controls/Accessories do I want/need?

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This question is often overlooked but it is very important.  Different hearing aids come with different controls on them and are compatible with different accessories-from remote controls to wireless audio devices (eg. for the TV).  It is important to consider what controls you may want/need if you want to adjust your hearing aids and any accessories that you may want now and into the future when choosing a hearing aid.

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4. What do I need to be prepared for with a hearing aid fitting program?

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After your hearing assessment you need to be prepared to have a thorough hearing aid fitting appointment and a follow-up appointment/s to ensure you are getting the most out of your hearing devices.  It is very important to note that wearing hearing aids isn’t an instant fix.  It takes time for your brain to get used to hearing better again and you need to give your brain time to adjust to the new sound level and world of returned sound. Hearing aids come with different prescriptions just like glasses and we will often have to start you at a lower prescription and work you up to a full prescription.  To be able to give your brain the best chance of adapting to hearing aids it is important that you wear your hearing aids as consistently as possible, especially when you first start wearing them. Hearing aids will not make your hearing worse or lazy- in fact it is quite the opposite as providing consistent stimulation for your auditory system and brain (by wearing your hearing aids) means that you are more likely to have better long term outcomes in terms of preserving your hearing ability, brain health (cognition), communication and quality of life overall.  The number one reason people struggle with hearing aids is that they don’t give their brains time to adjust to processing the new sound and particularly hearing in background noise again.  It is important that you are committed to the process as we are and we will help you every step of the way. 

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5. What trial period is available and what aftercare service will I receive should I choose to purchase aids?

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At Hearing Wellness we offer a 30-day free trial after initial purchase.  At the end of the trial period, you will have the option to return the hearing aid/s.   For private purchases we offer 12 months of complimentary aftercare services such as hearing assessments, aid adjustments and repairs as required.  You also have the option to purchase an additional 2 years of inclusive care in line with the warranty and/or an annual battery supply membership should you wish to do this.  For eligible pensioners and veterans you have the option to enter into a government subsidised maintenance agreement which includes a small annual subscription fee that will cover all of your hearing aid services, repairs and batteries. Having an aftercare program in place is very important to ensure you are getting the most out of your devices, it is good value for money and ensures piece of mind when it comes to your hearing aids. 

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6. What is the warranty on hearing aids and accessories?

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The majority of our hearing aids come with an extended 36-month manufacturer warranty*.  Many other providers only offer a 12-month warranty on their hearing aids. Accessories such as remote controls and wireless audio devices come with a 12-month warranty*. Ear moulds, Custom ear tips and shells on Custom Hearing Instruments also attract a 90-day warranty, such that remakes will be done at no charge.

 7. What is my budget and what rebates/discounts are available to me?

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It is important to know what you budget is when choosing a hearing aid and we have a range of devices to suit different budget needs.  It is also important to consider any discounts and rebates that you may be eligible for also.  To read more about possible rebates and discounts please visit our ‘Rebates and Discounts' page by ‘clicking here’.

*Terms and Conditions apply.