Product: Pure IX Charge and Go
Website: Click here
Signia distinguishes itself in the realm of hearing aids through its exceptional sound quality, delivering a clear and distinct auditory experience. Groundbreaking technologies, such as Own Voice Processing (OVP), enhance the listening experience by minimizing the intrusion of one's own voice, providing a natural and comfortable adjustment for users. This proves especially beneficial for individuals new to hearing aids, alleviating concerns about the volume and unnaturalness of their own voice during the initial adaptation phase.
The remarkable advancements in Signia's technology are complemented by a user-friendly app, elevating the overall convenience for patients. This intuitive app contributes to an enhanced experience in wearing and managing hearing aids, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for users. Notably, Signia's commitment to addressing background noise through innovative features further demonstrates their dedication to enhancing the listening experience for individuals with hearing aids.
Highlights:
Product: Silk IX
Website: Click here
If you are on the market for in-the-ear hearing aids and want rechargeable batteries, Signia Silk is in rare company. Some custom-molded devices like Starkey Genesis or Oticon Own are a bit more comfortable for all-day wear. The downside for those devices however is that they require disposable batteries at comparable sizes.
Highlights:
Product: Genesis AI
Website: Click here
Starkey released a brand-new family of hearing aids in January 2024. Starkey Genesis AI replaces Starkey's Evolv AI. Genesis is re-built from the ground up and features input from figures inside the tech industry from Intel and others. Available in both behind the ear and in the ear form factors.
Highlights:
Product: Audeo Lumity
Website: Click here
The Audéo Lumity, crafted by Phonak, stands as a product of one of the leading manufacturers globally. Renowned for its remarkable sound processing and connectivity capabilities, the Lumity is widely acknowledged as one of the most extensively connected Bluetooth hearing aids available. It facilitates hands-free phone calls seamlessly on both Android and iPhone devices. Additionally, featuring a motion sensor, it dynamically directs sound for optimal listening whether you're stationary or in motion, offering a comprehensive 360° listening experience.
Highlights:
Product: Real
Website: Click here
In contrast to Phonak, which tends to minimize background noise and accentuate voices, Oticon embraces a more comprehensive auditory experience. Each approach is different, and this is a great example in my view as to why being independent really helps the client as we can prescribe what works best for your needs and preferences.
Upon reading about this product I have learnt that to effectively navigate this expansive auditory landscape without compromising speech clarity, Oticon meticulously compiled an extensive library of everyday sounds, amassing over 12 million recordings. These recordings were then employed to train the brand's hearing aids, resulting in the development of an embedded deep neural network capable of making intelligent decisions regarding the sounds that should be prioritized - consider me impressed!
For individuals who appreciate an enriched auditory experience encompassing the sounds of birds, nature, and daily life, Oticon is an option I would gladly recommend.
Highlights:
Product: Moxi V-R
Website: Click here
The Unitron Moxi V-R is a rechargeable, receiver-in-canal (RIC) style hearing aid designed for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. It is part of Unitron's Vivante platform and our clients have reported that this product provides excellent sound quality and speech understanding in various listening environments. It also has wireless connectivity options for streaming audio from your smartphone or other devices.
Highlights:
Product: Nexia
Website: Click here
The Nexia name represents the "next step" in hearing aid wireless connectivity, featuring the latest Bluetooth LE standard with Auracast broadcast audio technology—a first in the hearing industry. ReSound Nexia accomplishes this while retaining all the best features of the company's previous flagship OMNIA hearing aid line. This means these new hearing aids are able to receive the Auracast broadcasts that should become widely available in the next couple of years in theaters, places of worship, airports, arenas, bars, restaurants, and a lot of other venues.
Highlights:
Product: Moment Sheer
Website: Click here
The new line of hearing aids keeps things simple in that it is focused less on extra features like fitness tracking or transcription and more on sound quality which for some clients I think they honestly prefer. My past experiences with Widex have indicated that once you get used to the unique kind of sound Widex devices produce, you will likely stay a Widex client for many years. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
Highlights:
For more information on hearing aids or to have a free 7-day trial of any product in our guide visit our contact page or click here for more information.
]]>Our initial feedback from our Seniors Week launch event for this platform indicated that this technology represents a dramatic step forward in speech audibility in social environments.
Integrated Xperience by Signia utilizes insights into the changing positions of speakers, ensuring continuous engagement in noisy and immersive environments. Mike O’Neil, president of Signia U.S., emphasizes the importance of evolving hearing technology to meet the demands of dynamic conversational settings. He states, “With Signia Integrated Xperience, we’re delivering a solution to HCPs that empowers wearers to actively contribute to every conversation, creating a future – that now exists today – where every conversation becomes an enriching and fulfilling experience, rather than one that’s frustrating and isolating.”
A study assessing speech performance in group conversations revealed a significant improvement in speech understanding with Signia Integrated Xperience, with 95% of participants reporting enhanced hearing clarity compared to scenarios without it.
Integrated Xperience relies on Signa’s Augmented Focus split processing technology, which separates speech and background noise for a clear contrast. The platform incorporates RealTime Conversation Enhancement, analyzing, augmenting, and adapting to the dynamic flow of multi-party conversations. The process unfolds in three stages:
Integrated Xperience is already proving impactful, with the launch of this product in Australia occuring in late October in conjunction with Seniors Week, we were able to conduct over 25 trials of this product with clients across Tasmania and the results spoke for themselves with all new users of hearing aids reporting increased fidelity of hearing in noisy environments. Of the participants in our event who had experience with hearing aids before, all of them reported exceptional sound quality and improved communication in various environments.
The Pure Charge&Go IX and Silk Charge&Go IX hearing aids are the first models to leverage the Integrated Xperience platform.
Pure Charge&Go IX, featuring RealTime Conversation Enhancement and Own Voice Processing (OVP) 2.0, ensures comfort and natural sound for patients with mild to severe hearing loss. It offers future-proof connectivity, including Bluetooth LE Audio, iOS, ASHA, and Bluetooth operability. The AI-powered Signia Assistant enhances personalized support, adapting to the patient’s environment.
Silk Charge&Go IX, a rechargeable, completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid, includes a built-in power bank for on-the-go charging, compatible with USB 3.0 and wireless Qi charging. Both models are available as IX CROS for individuals with single-sided deafness.
For more information on Pure IX: https://www.mbhc.com.au/pure-ix
For more information on Silk IX: https://www.mbhc.com.au/silk-ix
Tasmanian's can now access the public trials of this device at Maria Brown Hearing Clinic. Click here to visit our booking page: Book appointment
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Cleaning your hearing aids is important for several reasons:
The frequency of cleaning your hearing aids depends on how much wax you produce, how often you wear them, and the environment you are in. However, as a general rule, you should clean your hearing aids at least once a day, preferably at night before storing them. You should also check them regularly for any signs of wax or debris buildup and clean them as needed.
There are different types of hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), or completely-in-canal (CIC). Each type has different parts and features that require different cleaning methods. Here are some common steps and tips for cleaning different types of hearing aids:
Cleaning BTE hearing aids with ear moulds
BTE hearing aids with ear moulds consist of a main device that sits behind the ear and a plastic ear mould that fits inside the ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:
Cleaning BTE hearing aids with thin tubes
BTE hearing aids with thin tubes consist of a main device that sits behind the ear and a thin tube that connects to a dome or tip that fits inside the ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:
Cleaning RIC hearing aids
RIC hearing aids consist of a main device that sits behind the ear and a thin wire that connects to a speaker or receiver that fits inside the ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:
Cleaning ITE, ITC, and CIC hearing aids
ITE, ITC, and CIC hearing aids are custom-made devices that fit entirely inside the ear or ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:
Here are some dos and don’ts of cleaning your hearing aids:
While you can clean your hearing aids at home using the methods described above, you may also need to visit your specialist for professional cleaning from time to time. This is especially true if you notice any of the following:
A hearing specialist can inspect your hearing aids and perform a thorough cleaning using specialized tools and equipment. They can also repair any damage or replace any parts that are worn out or faulty. They can also check your ears for any wax buildup or infections and treat them accordingly. Furthermore, they can adjust your hearing aids to ensure they fit comfortably and suit your hearing needs.
Cleaning your hearing aids is an essential part of caring for them and ensuring they work optimally for you. By following the best practices and tips outlined in this blog post, you can keep your hearing aids clean and prevent any problems that may affect their performance or lifespan. However, if you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your hearing aids, you should always consult a hearing specialist for professional advice and assistance.
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. Thank you for reading!
]]>After seven years of research, development and hearing industry consultation, HearSure is poised to transform the hearing aid insurance landscape with its innovative and comprehensive offering. At the core of its mission is the commitment to simplifying the insurance process through partnerships with hearing clinics, providing peace of mind to hearing aid users across Australia.
HearSure's all-in-one hearing aid insurance offers an array of benefits, including:
"We are thrilled to launch HearSure, Australia's first dedicated hearing aid insurance business, and to partner with Maria Brown Hearing Clinic," said a HearSure spokesperson. "Our commitment to transforming the hearing aid insurance landscape is driven by our passion for improving the lives of individuals with hearing loss. With our all-in-one coverage and the support of Maria Brown Hearing Clinic, we aim to provide unparalleled peace of mind and accessibility to all hearing aid users across Australia."
For more information about HearSure and its innovative hearing aid insurance offerings, please visit www.hearsure.com.au or contact 1300 139 448.
About HearSure:
HearSure is Australia's first dedicated hearing aid insurance provider, committed to simplifying the insurance process and protecting hearing aids nationwide. With a focus on customer-centric solutions, HearSure is transforming both the hearing and insurance industries by providing comprehensive coverage, managed by trusted hearing clinics, and eliminating excess charges on claims.
About Maria Brown Hearing Clinic:
Maria Brown Hearing Clinic is a leading independent provider of hearing care in Australia. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a reputation for exceptional service, Maria Brown Hearing Clinic is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with hearing loss by providing tailored solutions and ongoing support.
]]>Wearing hearing aids: Hearing aids are devices worn in or around the ear to amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss. They come in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit the specific needs of the individual.
Assistive listening devices: These devices can be used in conjunction with hearing aids to amplify sound in specific situations, such as in a noisy environment or while watching television. Examples include loop systems, personal FM systems, and phone amplifiers.
Speech-reading or lip-reading: This involves using visual cues, such as facial expressions and body language, to understand speech.
Communication strategies: This includes using visual aids, writing things down, and repeating oneself to help with communication.
Regular hearing check-ups: It is important to have regular check-ups with an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional to monitor your hearing loss and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Protecting your hearing: Avoiding loud noises, using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in loud environments, and turning down the volume on personal listening devices can help to prevent further hearing loss.
Lifestyle changes: Avoiding smoking and managing stress, may also help to maintain your hearing.
It is important to remember that managing hearing loss is a lifelong process and requires consistent effort. It is also recommended to work with a hearing healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
]]>Five biggest trends in 2023:
1. Hearing aids will keep evolving into wearable-type devices. This means more features, more functionality outside of traditional hearing. Features such as fall detection, lost hearing aid tracking, hands-free calling and much more is slowly becoming standard in all hearing aids and will accelerate into 2023.
2. Form factors will keep evolving. Hearing aid manufacturers are beginning to do a lot more work to understand hearing aid wearers better. This work is beginning to show in a range of unconventional hearing aid form factors beginning to appear in the market. Products such as the designer, jewellery styled Styletto AX and the Phonak Slim are just two examples of products designed to meet a younger and more modern demographic of hearing aid wearer. This is a very positive shift in that it not only makes hearing aids more aesthetically pleasing, but it also begins the process of breaking the stigma that hearing loss is something that only happens to elderly people, which is simply not the case.
3. The hearing care provider space will continue to split in two. The last few years Australia has had a huge consolidation of hearing clinics to the point where nearly 80% of the hearing clinic market is now owned and operated by manufacturers or large chains. With this seismic change in the industry, we have seen two types of hearing clinic emerge from this; budget providers, and high care hearing clinics, the two at present seem to be going in opposite directions with their business models with little to no overlap.
4. Remote care will get better and become easier to access. At present most hearing aids that connect via Bluetooth feature some kind of remote adjustment feature set. While in its infancy, we see this technology getting better and easier for both the client and the clinician to utilise in the coming months. Imagine being on holiday overseas and being able to get adjustments and changes to your hearing aid from your specialist through your phone. It is almost here!
5. Hearing aid prices will stabilise, maybe even slightly go down. The reason for this is that quite a few new hearing aid manufacturers are beginning to enter the market. Bose, Sony, Samsung to name a few. While their products might not be very good in the next few years while they catch up, this market pressure we except to see some downward pressure on the existing hearing aid manufacturers to address this and stay competitive in the marketplace. End result is good news for you!
Five best hearing aids going into 2023:
1. Signia - Pure 7AX. Why? Rechargeable and a brilliant all rounder device. One of the longest battery lives of any rechargeable device, this product also now comes with two-way hands-free calling. We expect this device to remain very popular into early 2023.
2. Phonak - Audeo Lumity 90. Why? In preview right now with our clients and officially released January 19th, we rate the Audeo Lumity 90 for its impressive feature set for dealing with speech in noisy environments. we also love the impressive new app that comes with this device on your phone. Plus, it is also rechargeable! We expect this to stay as Phonak's flagship product through 2023.
3. Starkey - Evolv 2400 AI. Why? The swiss army knife of the products on this list, the Evolv 2400 AI is the do it all hearing aid. Every feature you can think of, this product has it. It even has a feature called "mask-mode" to help you hear what people wearing masks are saying. Our particular favourite has to be fall detection though, now allowing your hearing aids to contact a family member in the event you have a serious fall.
4. Signia - Silk 7X. Why? Put simply, comfort and discretion. The Silk 7X is the only hearing aid on the market that is a completely in the canal device utilising the open fit protocol for maximum comfort. The small size also allows it to hide away in the ear for the perfect blend of comfort and discreetness.
5. Starkey - Evolv 2400 CIC with Bluetooth. Why? This product brings the feature set of its bigger brother the Evolv 2400 AI into a discreet in the ear product. It is also the smallest product on the market that has full Bluetooth functionality for two-way hands-free calling to mobile phones and much more.
More information on hearing aids can be found here.
So, there you have it, our predictions on the hot takes and hot products in the hearing industry as we move into 2023. We look forward to seeing how on the money we were with our predictions and how long these products will dominate 2023.
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I get told many stories of what people experience at clinics when they are being assessed for their hearing and the possibility of hearing aids. I believe that each clinic has a way of going about these assessments that is in line with what their company asks them to do. After 25 years of looking after people and 18 years of running a very successful clinic that focuses on client care, I felt it was time to explain from my point of view what your minimum expectation should be when someone is assessing you for hearing aids. I have been assured by many people that they have never had the explanations I give and the focus appears to be on selling them hearing aids which makes them suspicious immediately.
I don’t want this feeling for anyone. As I explain my role is to educate you and make it easier for you to understand what is happening with your hearing then trust that you will make a good decision about what to do about it, with my help. It is not about selling hearing aids it is about a solution to a problem that you have.
A diagnostic assessment is a must. Not all hearing losses require hearing aids. Sometimes I send people back to their doctors and to E.N.T. Surgeons as there is an issue that needs to be fixed first. We must find out where the hearing loss is coming from. The outer ear canal, the middle ear and the inner ear all provide different problems.
If you have an outer ear canal or middle ear issue that may be able to be fixed, then you may not need hearing aids. If the inner ear is deteriorating then this issue is not usually fixable and requires the assistance of hearing aids. In saying that if we see abnormalities we are trained to notice this and then may still send you for further assessment.
It all depends what is happening with our hearing and what are the steps we need to take to hear again. This is not dependent always on hearing aids and you need someone to trust that will give you the correct diagnosis of your hearing. Our industry has made it all about how much hearing aids cost but I see people that have been told they need hearing aids when they have no hearing loss at all! This is very awkward for me as I try to never discuss other hearing clinics as professional courtesy and I am not privy to their business practice, but when I get asked why would they do that I feel quite embarrassed. So this then is not about cost, it is about ethics.
After the hearing test if it is explained that the only thing I feel that will assist you is hearing aids, I fully explain what is happening to your hearing. When we don’t hear it is not about being deaf it is about what sounds we are actually hearing. The speech spectrum is the most vital part of what we are listening to. Different parts of our hearing represent different sounds. The soft sounds which are defined by the letters sh, f, th, ch, s, t are high frequency sounds and the loud sounds are the a, e, i, o, u. The soft sounds can’t get louder so when we deteriorate these sounds are not getting to the brain fast enough to understand what people are saying to us.
The loud sounds in a room can get louder and this is where all the noise comes from that increases in the room that drowns out your ability to understand what people are saying. Did they say sheep, sleep or steep. It gets harder in noise because soft sounds are smothered by the din in the room, which makes it hard to hear what is being said . Most people just sit back and let it all go past because they can’t hear. What I find difficult is that people stop going out rather than get assistance with their hearing. We need a social life and we need to enjoy our family and friends.
When it gets to the hearing aids this is the subject I feel most people are in the dark the most about. Technology has advanced rapidly the last 20 years and we are now buying a computer in a hearing aid. All of the manufacturers have a top of the range product that they spend 18 months developing before it comes to market.
How it works is:
One brand has two computers in the hearing aid which is a first which is acting like the actual brain, scanning at the front and back rather than just cutting out noise. As we go down the 7 different levels background noise is where the aids become more of a headache because the computer isn’t gathering sounds fast enough for us to remove background noise quicky and efficiently enabling you to hear in background noise situations.
If you want to hear clearly in noisy situations the better the hearing aid the more likely you are to hear well in every situation. The less expensive hearing aids don’t have fast compression systems to get the messages to the brain quickly.
I get all my clients to explain what they need the hearing aids for and I am very honest about what they can and can’t do. Some people don’t want to spend money on hearing aids and want the cheapest. I am very clear that they can’t do what the top of the range do. Some people go well I just need the TV and the nurses to be louder. This need to be taken into account when spending money on hearing aids. If you are in noisy environments all the time the top two levels of hearing aids have the better filters for cutting out background noise. This is what they are designed for.
The absolutely most important advice I can give here is to trial hearing aids.
Hearing aids are too expensive to not be given time to trial hearing aids and see if they are suitable for you. Manufacturers now have retail outlets and you can only get one brand there. What if you don’t like the sound. Don’t believe for a minute if you don’t like the hearing aids it will get better over time. That’s what people tell me when they have purchased elsewhere that they were told they will get used to it over time. The reason they are sitting with me is because they are fed up with their hearing aids bought elsewhere as they don’t work and they don’t like the sound. I ask did you try them or buy them straight away. Bought them straight away, contract at the hearing test put in front of me immediately. No discussing with anyone. Friends or family.
Please be aware hearing aids all sound different from all the manufacturers. They all have a proprietary sound that is different from other hearing aids. If the brand you are trying sounds odd try a different brand. Hearing loss is also different for everyone. Some people have had their hearing damaged others have just deteriorated as they age. Hearing aids will sound different to you than they do for your friends. We are not just whacking a pair of hearing aids in your ears, it is calculated to your hearing loss.
I have people tell me of their friends journey but as I say if they don’t have the same hearing loss as you then its comparing apples and oranges. A large portion of men have noise exposure, the same cannot be said for women. I barely see a female that has been exposed to noise. Some people have congenital hearing losses that have been passed on through the family, they are different losses again to noise exposure hearing losses. Some people also have hearing loss from birth they don’t form the words properly. This affects ability to understand sound when they are forming words as a child. Some people have middle ear issues that cannot be fixed and their nerve of hearing is still perfect but the sound is being stopped on the way through at the middle ear.
This should all be taken into account by your specialist.
There is a lot said about price. Most people talk about the cost of hearing aids. Many ads on TV talk about the cost of hearing aids. I want to have a very honest discussion about this.
No one realises that over the lifetime of the hearing aids they often can cost you double the price you will pay for them in batteries, consultations, domes, repairs, wax stoppers. The cost of all of these things will deter you from getting the care you need because you pay the doctor, the optometrist, the hearing specialist, every time you go there.
It is an expense you don’t think of when you buy hearing aids.
Everyone focuses on the up front cost and oh my do they cost that?? but I am here to warn you that this is where it just begins. It doesn’t matter what you pay you will still fork out the industry norm in appointments and supplies after the purchase unless you are with a company like ours that has a fully inclusive cost for batteries, consultations, domes etc. for the lifetime of the hearing aids.
If you have never had hearing aids you actually don’t realise what the costs are and that our clinic is like a gold mine for people as we absorb all that cost in the purchase price. People tell me they can get them cheaper elsewhere and as I ask are they then covered for the cost for the lifetime in all the things you will need? In most cases, clients will end up paying out of pocket for virtually all of their running costs over the lifetime of their hearing care journey. Domes, consultations, adjustments, cleaning, technical support, batteries, wax stoppers, cleaning brushes, repairs, servicing. These costs depending on the make and model, clinic, chain and location can spiral deep into the thousands unless you do your research.
Maria Brown Hearing Clinic prides itself on being one of the only clinics, and possibly the most extensive in Australia that offers a completely comprehensive end-to-end hearing aid/care package. Plus, we use our large buying power over our three offices to drive down the cost of the hearing aids themselves as well. I have heard of some clinics charging $13,000+ without any after care or running costs included in the price! You even pay for spare hearing aids when yours go back when they need to go away for repair. One lady come to me and was so upset she was being charged elsewhere for repairs while her hearing aids were still within their 3 year warranty. That is not good, as the cost to the clinic to do this for the client is effectively zero, so I am unsure why she was being charged for the repair.
It is really important for you to understand what you are buying and what comes with it. Ask lots of questions when it comes to parting with your money. You want to be sure that it is all above board and there are no hidden traps that stress you out when it comes to hearing aids.
Questions you need to ask:
“I am so proud of the entire Starkey team for continuing to push technological boundaries with cutting-edge technology,” said Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering, Achin Bhowmik, PhD. “Evolv AI has outstanding functionality, highly impressive design quality, and demonstrates our deep understanding of customer needs.”
Starkey’s new full line of hearing aids, Evolv AI, sets the stage for an entirely new hearing ecosystem that “not only emphasizes hearing’s impact on overall health and wellness, but creates an effortless user experience.” The hearing aids are built on Starkey Sound, “a ground-breaking technology created by years of refining Starkey’s research and science-based algorithms to power high-fidelity audio, which is modeled after the human auditory system.” Like the brain, Starkey Sound is designed to automatically suppress background noise and increase speech audibility and intelligibility with machine learning technology, according to the company. The combination of these features creates “an effortless hearing experience for users.” Evolv AI’s “always on and always automatic” approach delivers “realistic and genuine sound quality in every environment, without the need to do anything extra.”
“Congratulations to the entire Starkey family for this impressive, international recognition,” said Starkey President and CEO Brandon Sawalich. “Receiving this honor is a tribute to the amount of research and development we devote to producing high-quality, innovative, and personalized hearing aids.”
Source: Starkey
This coincides with the Starkey Evolv launching this July in Australia. To celebrate, we are holding a exclusive first in Tasmania event!
Starkey Evolv - Launch Open Home Event
July 25th to 29th
Free hearing test and free 7 day trial of the worlds newest and most advanced, intelligent, smart and powerful hearing platform. Call 1300 797 519 to book in, or click here for more information.
]]>We love this time of year with family, friends and loved ones coming together. It is however a difficult period for sufferers of hearing loss. To encourage people to get the most out of seeing family and the people we care about we wanted to do a special something for our new and returning clients with a super Christmas special!
The first 10 people who purchase any of the AX from Signia range of hearing aids (any technology level) before Christmas will receive a free TV streamer and free portable charging case valued at over $1000.
Simply call 1300 797 519 to book in at our Hobart, Lindisfarne or Launceston offices to have a free 7 day trial and hear your family for Christmas.
]]>"I started the hearing clinic with my mother (Maria Brown) in 2004. We actually just passed our 17 year anniversary. Originally I found the technology and the difference it could make really fascinating which is why I was studying Audiometry for two years. It was during my time balancing my studies and managing the clinic that I realised the business management and advertising sides of the business interested me more."
"It was from there that I adjusted my studies and pursued that side of the business which has proven to be quite fun but also challenging."
"Well, I organise and run basically all of the day to day management of the business and its three office location. That includes all of the strategic and planning work, advertising and marketing, oversight on accounting, client correspondence and day to day coordination of activities and work around the three offices.
Because we are operating across the state, the logistical scale of executing this work has grown quite large (thank god for wine some weeks!), not to mention we are trying very hard to ensure every office is able to deliver the same level of quality and care that our primary office in Hobart is delivering.
In terms of how this translates to day to day, it really starts with planning out my day early, lots of emails over a pot of tea (peppermint of course!), coordinating and dealing with client facing requests and queries and then mostly advertising and communications activities in the afternoon. Some days I also do home visits to clients for cleaning, maintenance etc. A good mix of daily and monthly tasks ensure no two days are ever the same for me!"
"It would either have to be any song ever composed by Ludovico Einaudi or the sound of people enjoying warm summer weather along the waterfront in Hobart.
This might however be biased by the fact when I am listening to these sounds, I usually have a wine glass in my hand."
"Oh there are so many to choose from! Salamanca definitely for the vibrancy, people and good food. I do also love the Tamar Valley, the wineries and the drive up there is just sublime.
Apart from that however, I did have the pleasure of driving the east coast in February, and honestly, I had not been in many years, talk about beautiful. I think as I am getting older I really and coming to appreciate how beautiful most of Tasmania actually is!
Many years ago as well I used to love going up Mount Wellington to watch the sun rise. I strongly suggest if you have the tolerance for a 4am start to try it some time. Truly one of the best seats on earth."
]]>As many of you will know, during the pandemic last year we were forced to temporarily close our Eastern Shore office due to health and safety reasons.
We greatly appreciate how supportive and understanding you and the rest of our clients have been in commuting to our Hobart office for appointment and supplies.
Our new address and contact details:
Address: 32 Wellington Rd, Lindisfarne TAS 7015
Phone number: 1300 797 519
Email: support@mbhc.com.au
Opening Hours:
Monday: 9am - 12pm
Tuesday: 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: 9am - 12pm
Thursday: 9am - 12pm
Friday: 9am - 12pm
Saturday: By appointment only
Clients will also be able to collect batteries and supplies from this location during these hours. Both Maria and James will be holding multiple clinical sessions for testing, adjustments, and wax removal throughout these hours also.
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
]]>There a few different reasons why your child should have his or her hearing tested:
The status of your child’s hearing can change over time.
Some hearing losses are temporary and can be treated medically while other hearing losses are permanent.
Further, the severity of some hearing losses can change (either become better or worse) while other hearing losses remain stable overtime.
Therefore, it is recommended that children with established hearing loss have a hearing test at least once a year to have a current picture of the child’s hearing.
If your child is younger or hearing tests have been incomplete or inclusive, this might require multiple hearing test appointments in a year.
It’s called wax, but it’s not a wax at all.
The name comes from the waxy texture. Earwax is made partially of skin cells from the auditory, or ear, the canal. This area contains skin that is always renewing itself.
It’s role is to protect the skin inside the auditory canal. It takes just a small break in that skin to cause an infection that leads to an earache.
The strange texture of the earwax lubricates this skin, as well, and it is a natural antimicrobial, so it stops bacterial infections before they can start.
Earwax is similar to other protective elements on the body like nose hairs or tears.
You don’t think much about them, either, but they an important part of preventing infection.
That’s right, surprisingly not all earwax is the same. It comes in two forms: wet and dry.
What kind you have depends on genetics just like eye color. Wet earwax is the dominant gene, so it’s common for most people.
Individuals with East Asian descent, from China or Korea, for example, usually have the recessive dry gene as do the Native American Indians.
It’s a detail important to anthropologists as they track the migration of different cultures throughout the world.
Yes, that is another essential function of earwax. Think of it as a conveyor belt like you see in the grocery store checkout lane.
Dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria get stuck in the earwax to create the belt.
When the eardrum beats or the jaw moves, the belt goes towards the opening of the ear canal, taking all that debris with it.
Everyone has itchy ears sometimes, but it can be a sign of low levels of earwax possibly due to excessive cleaning.
Earwax is natural and doesn’t need much help to clean the canal.
There few reasons to try to pull it out of the ear, especially if yours are already itchy. The itch usually means the skin that covers the auditory canal is dry because there isn’t enough earwax.
It acts as a natural lubricant, so removing it will just lead to more itching.
Instead, try a drop or two of mineral oil to moisten the dry skin.
On the other hand, too much earwax might cause a temporary hearing loss.
That is what happens when the wax is pushed back during cleaning with a cotton swab, end of a pencil or whatever else you might stick in your ears.
Sound travels as a vibration through the canal to the inner ear. That process is disrupted when there is an earwax blockage.
It’s not done by shoving a cotton swab in the canal, though. There is a reason mom said not to put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
First, if you have diabetes or chronic problems with your ears, let the doctor do the cleaning for you.
If you do decide to do it yourself, add a few drops of baby oil to the ear canal to soften built-up earwax and, hopefully, dislodge it.
Once the wax is soft, you can use a rubber-bulb syringe to run room temperature water through the ear. When the water is in place, tilt your ear to the side and allow it to drain out.
Dry the outside of your ear with a clean towel. If you are prone to swimmer’s ear or ear infections, a few drops of rubbing alcohol will ensure all the water dries up.
If your hearing doesn’t return once the wax is gone and the ears are clean, see your doctor.
A hearing test can pinpoint that problem, so you can start to hear again even if it means you need hearing aids.
We recommend wax removal under the following circumstances
Wax removal costs only $45 per ear and takes less than 30 minutes.
Contact us now to book an appointment or book online.
]]>Wax is a good thing. It has hydrophobic and anti-microbial properties to protect the ear of infections and water-logging.
Wax only becomes a problem when there is too much of it and our innate skin migration mechanisms cannot push it out naturally.
This is when we normally seek help. Typically when we see our doctor he/she will syringe the wax out; however this can put unnecessary stress and pressure on sensitive ear structures and potentially cause middle ear damage.
At Maria Brown Hearing Clinic, our audiologists utilise ‘precision techniques’ to mechanically excavate wax with specialised utensils.
This technique is used by Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons and it is their preferred method of wax removal for reasons outlined below.
The advantages of this method are:
This service is only $45 per ear and is available at our Hobart office. Call 1300 797 519 for more information or to make an appointment.
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To celebrate Seniors Week for 2020, Maria Brown Hearing Clinic is offering a free hearing test and free & no obligation 7 day trial of the worlds newest and best hearing aids technology, such as Phonak Paradise.
Use this opportunity to learn about your hearing health and reconnect with friends, family and loved ones.
Sue has more than 10 years of experience working in office admin. She loves working with clients. Before that, Sue was also a teacher.
Outside work, Sue loves gardening. She also bush walks every weekend. Her number one place to bush walk in Tasmania is Mt Wellington.
Sue also stays active by attending Pilate class every second day/or every day.
“I am used to working with a small group of people and the team here is very lovely, I’m fitting in very well and I already find it very comfortable here. They also have got a good client base whom I look forward to meeting and helping them out” said Sue.
Welcome Sue!
]]>A hearing aid that delivers an unrivaled hearing experience.
And here are the top 6 reasons to try Phonak Paradise Technology.
Hearing is a complex process. It starts at the cochlea, where sound is first perceived, and finishes at the brain where we experience the sound.
Phonak Paradise has been created to deliver crisp natural sound for you to enjoy the wonders of the world as they should be heard.
Understanding someone who is speaking softly or from a distance in a quiet environment can be challenging.
Speech Enhancer boosts soft-level speech so you are able to enjoy conversations with friends, colleagues and loved ones.
It sometimes takes effort to follow conversations when speech is coming from the front and noise is coming from the side and back.
This can often vary depending on the type of room you are in, or even how you feel during that time.
With the Dynamic Noise Cancellation you can personalize the amount of noise cancellation you want all in real-time – all through the myPhonak app.
Imagine answering phone calls, streaming or pausing music, and activating voice assistants just by tapping your ear.
A motion sensor in Phonak Paradise offers you an effortless way to do all that and more.
The built-in microphone allows you true hands-free calls and voice assistant activation.
Phonak Paradise connects directly to your iOS®, Android™ or other Bluetooth®-enabled devices so you can stream audio in excellent quality directly to your hearing aids.
Plus, as an added convenience, you can simultaneously connect to two Bluetooth devices and seamlessly alternate between the two.
Control your Phonak Paradise hearing aids, access useful features and personalize your settings all through the myPhonak app.
It’s the best way to get the most out of your hearing aids.
Contact us today for your hearing aids free trial.
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"I don't want hearing aids". We can assure you the percentage of people that come to see us feel exactly the same way.
Unfortunately, the body deteriorates in many ways and with our hearing, it starts early and we don’t notice until some of the effects of that hearing loss make it difficult to communicate with people.
We learn our speech from the time that we are born, and the longer we go without hearing the spoken word at the right level, the harder it is to remember speech.
When we get to the point that we have a severe hearing loss the brain is not just unable to hear, it is unable to understand.
We go from "I’m missing some things when I am listening to people speaking" to "I am not actually understanding what they are saying".
Hearing aids become much harder to adapt to when we get to this level.
So many times we see people changing their whole lifestyle over the fact that they can’t hear. People stop going out, don’t see their friends anymore, grandchildren can’t be heard and aren't allowed to be visited.
Unfortunately, this also happens at the best time of our lives: RETIREMENT.
Why would you allow this to happen? Vanity? It is more noticeable when you can’t hear than it is that you're wearing a hearing aid.
Hearing is a personalised process! You do not have the same hearing loss as your friends.
You can’t wear your friends’ glasses so why do you believe that you can wear your friends hearing aids and have the same experience as they do?
The only way to know is to try them for yourself. A specialist will tailor the hearing system to your needs as it is your hearing loss. One size does not fit all.
If you get your hearing aids for free then you get what you pay for. The industry is designed in technology levels. The better the hearing aids the better the solution for you.
If you want the best out of the free hearing aids then sorry, that is not going to happen. Many of your friends will complain about their hearing aids but they actually got them for free.
The question you need to ask your friends is did they pay for them? If they did, then the next question is then why do you accept the fact that you are not happy when you have paid good money for your hearing aids?
You would not buy a car just to put it in the garage and then say "well, that was a waste of money"!
The industry puts all of their research money into these hearing aids. The technology that is in these aids is designed to get the message to the brain the fastest with maximum speech understanding.
Now, why is fast better? Because when we lose our hearing the message is not getting there fast enough to follow a conversation.
Justifying the spend is the issue for everyone. Not whether the lower levels will do the same job because they won’t.
Top range work better, especially in background noise. The newest of the top of the range hearing aids is a very sophisticated computer that sorts your environment for you—it automatically adapts!
]]>This is a fact of business.
All businesses in every industry receive discounts and the hearing industry is no different. A majority of clinics are even owned by the manufacturing companies!
What the consumer (you) has to look out for is being sold hearing aids by specialists. Many specialists are more comfortable with certain software and certain hearing aids, and they will sell you what they are comfortable to fit or what they get big discounts on.
This is not what the consumer wants or needs!
How do you know that the person that you are dealing with is not on commission and selling you a certain product because it's in their interests to do so?
This alarming trend of buying hearing aids online misses one crucial step—specialist hearing care. Hearing is incredibly unique to everyone and everyone has different hearing needs.
A specialist studies for years and never stops learning how to look after you properly!
Buying a medical item online and expecting your self-treatment to fix your health issues isn't realistic. Buy stuff online cheap, sure! Just please not your hearing aids!
You need a professional to care for you and you also need to have recourse against a company selling you inferior items.
Hearing specialists have millions of dollars of public indemnity so you are protected.
People say to me that they can "buy X hearing aid online for X price and it is cheaper than yours so why wouldn’t I do that?"
But do you know what you are buying, or whether that is the latest technology?
Why is this important?
You are technically buying a computer in a small little device. This computer in our industry becomes obsolete very quickly.
So, how do you know that you are receiving a hearing aid that is not 3 years old and will soon be out of parts and can’t be fixed?
Hearing aids last 5 -7 years now.
Robots make the parts and when they change technology they can't make the parts for older hearing aids.
It is just what they have on the shelf left available.
When the shelf is empty your hearing aid will no longer be able to be fixed. This means that your hearing aids may only last 3-4 years then they can’t be fixed.
Hearing aids are too expensive to be replaced this quickly.
When your doctor says, "go and see this person about your hearing" do you actually believe that the doctor knows this specialist personally, and is this the best place for you to go?
I wonder.
I have 70 doctors that refer to me and I have only met half of them, but they know of my business and know that I will treat people decently.
If you think this is a personal recommendation from your doctor then you may not be right.
When you go to the doctor’s recommendation and they say "$12,000 for the top of the range hearing aids", then you say "well, that must be right my doctor wouldn’t send me here if it wasn’t".
Unfortunately, the doctor doesn’t know that in our industry there is a huge disparity in price to the tune of thousands of dollars.
Why do they charge that much?
Because they can!
The manufacturers of hearing aids in this country will not fix or honour your purchase from America or elsewhere. The manufacturers in each country are bound by certain rules of trading.
Here in Australia, they will not service or repair hearing aids from outside of Australia, so you will have to send your hearing aids back to wherever they come from every time you need them fixed!
Breakdowns may occur more often than you think they will. There is no guarantee that they will last forever with no issues. You do need to take this into account.
How do you have the aids tuned up?
What if your hearing drops (which it will over time) and the hearing aids no longer sound like they are doing the job?
What does all this mean for you?
It means that no one here in Australia will touch your hearing aids.
I know I won’t.
People say "But they are cheaper, I wanted to save money."
That’s great, but now you are faced with the hearing aids not doing their job and no one here can take care of you because you saved money on a product that no one will touch!
This is not in your best interests.
If money is the only barrier standing between you and hearing again... and hearing properly... some hearing care providers, such as ourselves, offer interest-free finance to remove this for you!
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book today
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“No, this business is not a franchise. Maria Brown IS a real person.
My dream was to change my industry to help people the way I had always believed I would. Instead, when I qualified I was expected to sell hearing aids. I would sit in business meetings while my husband was fighting cancer and we would discuss how much more we would charge children and how much more can we get out of pensioners.
There were days I felt like my head was spinning on my shoulders. In the fight of our lives at home and at work greed was controlling my work hours. To say I was stressed was really an understatement. I just could not understand why selling hearing aids were what it was all about.
But that is what it is all about. That’s what business in any industry is all about. We have a product that we have to buy in, we have to make a profit, and we have to keep the doors open so we can look after all our clients.
But what if I could be fair about it? What if I didn’t do it the same way as everyone else?
I put an idea to my wonderful family, who even though we were going through so much personally, all of them said: “let’s do it”. They understood that for me unless I did it the right way, I wouldn’t be able to work in this profession. It made me feel sick.
I was in a position of being the only worker in the family so I had to have a job no ifs, buts and ors about it. I did not have the luxury of not earning any money.
So with everything we had saved in our whole marriage, we took the biggest risk of our lives right as my husband was told the cancer was going to take his life (they were wrong—he is still here!) because our whole family believed we could make a difference.
Two years later it was the worst decision we had made. I was slandered, attacked, vilified, and basically tried to be run out of town. I was devastated. Everything I believed was in tatters on the floor. The people in my industry obviously did not want me to succeed and tried everything to stop that from happening.
The only thing that kept me going is that we would just help one person at a time who trusted us. Sooner or later, people came to see that we had an alternative way of looking after people and that we do care and we deliver on everything we promise.
My clients were shocked at the care—they had never been cared for so well and could not believe the results. It took years but eventually, people have started to talk. Now my clients ask their friends, "Why doesn’t your hearing care look after you like this?"
We have been so lucky. The support we have received from our clients and the community... I feel completely blessed. I say thank you to Hobart for embracing our hearing clinic.
I say thank you every day that we have not failed in what we set out to do.
One of my proudest moments in life was when my son, who gave everything up for me at 16 to come work with his parents, said to me 6 months down the track of starting our business:
‘Mum I finally get it. It isn’t about selling hearing aids, is it? The look on your face and the reaction that people have when you help them hear is amazing. There is no money in the world that can make you smile like that when you help someone.’
That was my proudest moment when my son could actually see why I did this and why I risked our whole family to help people, who need someone like me to care for them like no one ever has…”
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book today
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But it is not okay to ignore the fact that you have a hearing loss.
It does hurt the people around you and your family do get upset because you won't talk to them anymore. You don’t talk to them because you can't hear them! This is a vicious cycle.
We all have to recognise what issues we have to deal with and be confident enough to pursue a solution. Your family are well-meaning and just want you to be the person you have always been. They want to communicate and have a relationship with you.
Do you want your hearing aids to be invisible? Would they embarrass you?
You need to ask these questions of yourself. It is not enough for your wife/husband/partner to be upset with you, so you "have to do something". You need to choose what YOU want.
What will you be comfortable to wear? How much are you happy to spend on a hearing device? What features do you need? Do you want the best for yourself? Or do you want something cheap that will probably make you unhappy (and I'll end up saying I told you so)?
Hearing loss, to start with, affects your ability to follow conversations well and quickly—it doesn't mean the world goes dead silent.
Background noise starts to overwhelm you in social situations and the TV usually gets louder (and the family starts complaining!). As your hearing deteriorates, people repeat things to you and you still don’t understand specigic words. The solution is easier when we are at the stage of repeating. There is still a level of hearing to work with.
When we don’t understand the speech at all, then it is harder. The brain (which is what actually does the hearing) struggles to understand speech no matter how loud speech is once hearing is lost.
A specialist is necessary for a higher level of understanding of all of the body's ailments.
If your back won't stop hurting after a while, the GP can't do any more, then a specialist is called. If your eyes won't work, you go to a specialist who will fit you with glasses. Your teeth are aching, you go to a dentist and have it dealt with.
Buying hearing aids is no different. A specialist is necessary. This is not like buying a couch or a car. We should not be salespeople. You should not feel that someone wants to sell you anything.
In our current world, it is paralysing how much advertising we see or read about everything we could ever want to buy or could hope to buy.
How do you sort through it all? Lots of questions. Don’t just believe what you are being told. Larger companies often have huge advertising budgets, but there are also greater restraints on the quality of care they can provide.
Try different hearing systems and see what works for you. Make sure you have a no-obligation, risk-free trial and that trial doesn't cost you any money. Hearing aids range in price from clinic to clinic—you want to know that should you buy, you'll get your money's worth in both the hearing aids and the care you'll need with them!
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book today
]]>At this point in time, we have 26% of people that have recognised they have a hearing loss and have found a solution. 74% of people with a hearing loss have chosen through stories of all descriptions that they will not do anything. "If you can't see you get glasses, but if you can’t hear, why won’t you get hearing aids? This has always been a major issue for me.
What makes people ignore this in such great numbers?
People don’t want to admit they can't hear.
Common statements I hear:
The sad part is that gets you absolutely nowhere.
Not hearing your family or friends isolates you from the world.
My husband used to sit at the table and not speak for years. He couldn’t keep up with the conversation. My children quickly worked out Dad couldn’t hear and addressed everything to me.
He felt as though no one listened to him.
In social situations, he would be yelling at people, talking over the top of them, because he couldn’t hear that they had started a conversation.
Everywhere we went I was shocked by how loud he was and how awkward it made people feel.
The TV was so loud (deafening) in the room no one could sleep of a night time, and the kids were constantly complaining.
I begged him to let me fit him with hearing aids. When I did it has changed his entire persona completely.
The whole time he was in denial and aggressive towards us, because how dare we pick on him.
He now wears hearing aids and there are no more issues at all!
It is very obvious to those people around their loved ones that they don’t hear.
I have husbands and wives come in and start wars in my office. They refuse to believe they have a problem. The wives or husbands beg their loved one to listen and see sense.
I have grandparents that have been banned from having their grandchildren because they can't hear them.
There are tears and accusations and they still won't get hearing aids.
I pull my hair out from the sheer frustration because I want to help these people.
It makes no difference. You still can't hear properly. Fighting doesn’t change the fact that YOU can't hear.
The scary part is that the attitudes surrounding hearing aids overwhelm this fact:
You can actually end up with dementia from not being able to hear.
A high percentage of people do nothing about their hearing loss and cannot understand what people are actually saying to them.
Unfortunately, they can’t communicate anymore because they can't hear.
People aren’t mumbling at you, your brain is not understanding what they are saying.
Hearing aids are not a miracle; we can only work with what we have got left of your hearing.
Seeing a specialist when your hearing is severe to profound is a huge risk with your life of hearing. Our ears have to last for a lifetime, not just for 60 years.
From the time, we are born we learn our understanding of speech.
By 4 years of age, we know 50% of what we will learn in our lifetime.
By the time we are 60, it has been a long time since we heard certain sounds at the right level for our brain to understand them.
Predominantly this is the soft sounds, high-frequency sounds. S, th, ch, t, f and are our sounds that do not get louder no matter how hard we try.
The brain needs sound pressure to be quickened up to provide these sounds faster so that the soft sounds reach your brain at the right rate again.
This is why the government hearing aids that are free fail for a high percentage of people.
These hearing aids can’t get the soft sounds to the brain faster as they are basic amplifiers.
The difference between good hearing aids and basic amplifiers is how fast we get the message to the brain.
In a hearing aid, there is a prescription that applies sound pressure to the inner ear that then sends the message to the brain faster.
In a good hearing aid, it will work on each frequency of your hearing that is declining, giving you the sounds you want and helping you with the sounds you don’t want.
With basic amplification, it does not choose between the sounds that you are hearing they are all just louder.
This is why they fail in background noise and the main reason people come to me is that socially they can't hear first.
As your hearing deteriorates the TV, conversations at home, people walking away from you all become very difficult.
Just when you get to the stage where you go travelling and go out a lot because you have the time and the funds to do that, your hearing doesn’t enable you to have a great time like you expected.
This is the indignity of it all.
The hardest part is our best hearing is at 18.
Many people ignore this until they are in their 60’s and have been not hearing for 20 years.
Hearing loss is gradual and is not as obvious immediately when you are younger. Small things are an issue then it becomes a much bigger problem.
You need to trial hearing aids.
I understand the stories.
I understand the fear.
At the end of the day, it's all completely cost-free and risk-free to you.
Unless you try them for yourself and see if they actually work for you, then you are being scared off by just stories. This is sheep-like behaviour.
Just because your "friend says", are you prepared for you to not be able to hear your grandchildren, have fun with your friends, and sit at home because you can’t hear?
The number of times I have heard loved ones tell me things like:
My clients tell me the most wonderful stories of how they can hear when they go out with hearing aids.
Don’t get me wrong—some situations are overwhelming. I won't lie about hearing aids in a situation where there are 100 people yelling and having fun where even normal hearing doesn’t cope.
Hearing aids have changed—we have amazing technology now. We can help you hear in nearly all situations.
The confusing part about hearing aids isn't "Will they help me hear?" It's "Why do they cost so much?".
With these advancements in technology comes a price tag that is higher than some people can afford. This is perplexing in our industry and hopefully, soon we can see the trend to cheaper not more expensive devices.
We can all only pray for this, as the manufacturers and expensive hearing clinics have had it all their own way for a very long time.
The cost of care is higher than most people expect and you need to shop around to make sure you are not being over-charged for your hearing aids.
This is the best advice I can give at this stage of our technological developments.
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book now
]]>In this article today, our audiologist Nicholas Ng will be answering some of your top questions about hearing care and services. But first, we'll introduce you to him:
Nick has been with us for 3 years now and shares our passion for delivering you the highest quality care.
He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), Masters of Clinical Audiology, and is a full Member of Audiology Australia with a Certificate of Clinical Practice—he certainly knows what he's talking about when it comes to hearing!
"Before I studied audiology, I was in the field of medical research and neuroscience. Although theoretically stimulating; practically, it can be a solitary and painfully repetitive profession. I believe you need to be a certain kind of person to thrive in that industry and I probably wasn’t that person. I'm more of a social character and wanted to work with people while improving their quality of life, and with a strong desire to utilize my science background, this led me to audiology."
Here are his answers to your questions:
"For government pensioners, we offer $1200 off pairs of hearing aids, and 10% off hearing aids for Seniors Card holders."
"No, we are completely independent and privately-owned, which allows us to offer you more advanced hearing technologies and more personal care."
"No, we don’t have access to government hearing care initiatives or funding. You are however able to purchase hearing aids from any of our manufacturers through us (we also offer finance)."
"Because we're an independent hearing care provider, we can offer you a wide range of hearing aids from a range of manufacturers. We have all sizes and types, ranging from Behind-the-Ear (BTE) to Invisible In the Canal (IIC) hearing aids."
"This varies by hearing aid, but we focus on the top 3 technology tiers as we find they deliver the best results. These range typically from $5,000 to $9,000. Budget options are also available (around $2,500 mark). We also offer interest-free, no upfront payment finance options."
"Yes, but it depends on your technology level and the model of the hearing aids you have.
Some offer integrated phone streaming for calls and music, Just like Bluetooth earphones. For TV streaming, however, an accessory is required to stream audio from your television."
"Yes, we do offer children’s hearing tests, but they need to be 5 years of age or above for proper testing. A $90 payment is required for the initial test, but any follow-up appointments are free of charge."
"Yes, we do. Tinnitus most commonly accompanies a hearing loss, so the first point of call is to have your hearing tested; we can then consider options for therapy to ease your tinnitus."
"Yes, we offer custom earplugs for activities like swimming and for noise exposure. You have two main options with custom earplugs:
In-house. We create these based on an impression of your ear and they are slightly less functional but more affordable. $90/pair
Manufacturer-made. Impressions are sent off to manufacturers for advanced imaging and tailored production. $200/pair
Your hearing care professional will walk you through the pros and cons of each during an impression appointment."
Thank you to Nick for taking the time to talk with me today!
We both hope that this 'Q&A' has answered some of your questions about what assistance and care are available to you.
A hearing test only takes 15 minutes and is completely free to you. To book today, call us now on 1300 797 519
]]>Keeping your hearing aids clean and sanitary will provide you with years of reliable hearing and protect your investment. How you clean them depends on what type of hearing aid they are, so we’ve listed quick walkthroughs for each of the main types.
First, we will introduce you to the cleaning tools and supplies you will need.
Browse our entire range of hearing aid cleaning accessories by visiting our online store.
]]>One of the most common ways hearing loss affects people is in their consumption of media. Turning up the television, and having it at an unbearable volume for people of normal hearing, often becomes a point of contention in relationships where there is a hearing loss. Hearing aids can enable people to hear the shows and films they love once again, and enjoy those shared family moments by the television or at the cinema.
Another form of entertainment that often is lost due to hearing impairment is music-listening. Whether you once enjoyed the classic works of Chopin or the vocal stylings of Andrea Bocelli, hearing aids mean that the ability to hear music is an experience that can once again be enjoyed.
In a relationship, communication is one of the most important skills required to maintain a loving and healthy connection. An untreated hearing loss undermines this and there is evidence to support those marriages with one person suffering from hearing loss end in divorce at 4 times the normal population rate.
Seeking help eliminates the cause of many hearing-related relationship problems such as arguments and feelings of being ignored or unheard.
If you’re interested in ways you can improve communication within your relationship, you can click here to read our blog post about it.
Hearing enables us to connect with the moments that matter in life, such as Christmas family dinners, birthdays of loved ones, our grandchildren’s first words or steps, or simply intimate conversation over a nice meal.
When your ability to hear suffers, so does your family and social life. There are thousands of studies about the correlation between your hearing ability and the quality of life enjoyed as a result.
There is a proven link between the level of hearing loss and the resulting risk of developing dementia. Mild hearing loss comes with a 2x risk of developing the condition, moderate hearing loss comes with 3x risk, and profound hearing loss carries a 5x risk of dementia.
Scientific research shows that hearing is good for the brain and increases cognitive function, meaning a hearing aid can significantly reduce the possibility of developing dementia and related conditions in people with hearing impairment.
Your ability to hear is vitally important for your professional life. With a hearing impairment, the likelihood of making errors increases and quality of life is reduced, impacting job performance. On top of lost income, hearing-related underperformance can also cost promotions and other career opportunities.
Hearing aids have been shown to mitigate income loss by 90%-100% for those with milder hearing losses and from 65%-77% for those with a severe to moderate hearing loss. For individuals nearing retirement, reducing any income loss as a result of hearing-impairment is even more important.
If action isn't taken on hearing loss early, your ability to follow a conversation decreases and you are more likely to miss out on jokes and updates on your friends' and family's lives. This often results in feelings of social isolation and insecurity and increases the likelihood of you developing depression and anxiety.
Hearing aids reverse the effects of the impairment, meaning hearing aid users are more likely to be involved in group activities, have greater self-confidence, and have improved relationships with friends and family.
These are just our top 6 of the many ways in which hearing aids can improve your quality of life. Relationships, entertainment, and family life all benefit from the communication ability hearing aids can restore.
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book now
Sources:
Quite often, hearing loss-related communication problems will be blamed on one’s ability (or lack thereof) to listen. When a person has a hearing problem, their closest circle of loved ones also has a hearing problem, as this puts a strain on daily interactions and emotions between all parties.
It’s common for a partner to feel isolated, ignored, or undervalued in a relationship when communication lacks as a result of an untreated hearing loss. Often the person with the loss can become dismissive and blame the other party, making complaints such as “You’re mumbling” or “You need to speak more clearly”.
Although it can be embarrassing or hard to step up and seek help for a hearing loss, it can help a person rebuild and improve their relationships with the people they value most. The first step in this direction is recognising the problem and acknowledging the hearing loss.
Once this is done, partners can open an honest dialogue with each other and talk about their frustrations and approach the topic of solutions. After the problem has been verified, partners often become more conscious of the accompanying needs of a person with hearing loss.
There’s much hope to be had when facing hearing loss. The good news is that thanks to groundbreaking technologies, communication and social participation can be restored to near-normal levels and quality of life improved dramatically. Activities like watching the television together, attending events, or enjoying intimate conversation, can once again be enjoyed as part of a couple.
Why not take a moment, and reflect on the state of your relationship with your partner. Have you had communication problems? Do you feel isolated or disconnected from your partner? If you believe you’re experiencing hearing loss-related relationship strain, don’t wait to take action. Some things are worth too much to lose.
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book or visit our Free Hearing Test page for more information.
]]>Your sense of hearing is one of your most valuable assets; it provides information the brain uses in many different ways to do things like keep you balanced, build a picture of the world around you, and of course, communicate with others. It’s this communication that our relationships with friends and family are built on.
So what happens to you when this powerful sense starts to deteriorate? What options are there to alleviate hearing loss at different degrees? Read on to learn about the different degrees of hearing loss and everything you need to know about them.
Technically not a level of hearing loss, but forms the basis of what hearing loss is measured against. Normal hearing level starts from -10 dB and extends up to 20dB. Most sounds within this range are audible to those with their sense of hearing intact, as well as all sounds above. With normal hearing, you can hear conversations, television and films, music, and sounds of nature, and enjoy a full quality of life.
Mild hearing loss is classified as hearing sounds between 21 and 40 dB upwards. This would mean sounds like the hum of a refrigerator or leaves gently rustling in the wind, as well as certain spoken sounds, would become hard for you to hear in environments with some background noise. This level of hearing loss will often be noticed by your friends and family before yourself. A proactive approach to protecting your hearing will help you retain the ability to talk to friends and loved ones (you can read more about prevention here).
Moderate hearing loss is classified as 41-70dB. At this stage, speech is becoming increasingly difficult to interpret and interpersonal communication may suffer. At this degree, music can be unclear, and noise as loud as a household vacuum or the sound of rainfall can become muffled and hard to hear. Use of hearing aids can restore the ability to converse naturally and enjoy music.
Severe hearing loss is classified as a hearing range of 71 to 80 dB. Sounds that may be difficult to hear in this range include group conversation, a running dishwasher, or an alarm clock. People speaking will be barely audible, even in quiet settings, and most general sounds are inaudible at this degree also.
Profound hearing loss is the most extreme degree of hearing loss, from 91dB upwards. People experiencing profound hearing loss could struggle to hear sounds as harsh as a motorcycle, a freight truck, a gunshot, or even a jet engine. Conversations of a natural volume aren’t audible at this level and people will often have to shout if they’re to be heard.
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book or visit our Free Hearing Test page for more information.
]]>Music listening is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, with trends in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) increasing and affecting more and more people of all ages.
To prevent damage caused by high levels of music listening, use the '60/60 rule': try to listen to no more than 60 minutes of music at more than 60% volume in a day.
Your ears, much like muscles, need time to heal and recover after strenuous use.
If your ears have been exposed to high levels of noise for extended periods of time, whether you be at a bar, venue or event, try to occasionally step outside for a few minutes to give your ears the relief they need and keep your hearing intact.
Cotton tips have been commonly used for ear wax removal in the past, though modern research has shown that improper or frequent use can damage the ear canal and vitally important hearing organs -- these are best kept unused, in the container they came in.
Ear wax typically moves its way through the canal out of the ear by movements of the jaw, such as chewing or speaking. Because of the delicacy of hearing-related organs, it is always recommended that if manual ear wax removal is required, it be performed by a professional.
Excess water can gather in the ear when performing everyday activities such as swimming or bathing. This can carry with it bacteria and allow it to enter the ear and cause infection, increasing the chance of damage.
Use waterproof swimming earplugs to prevent this, or gently towel dry after such activities to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
Of course when it comes to hearing loss, prevention is the best treatment, as there is no cure. As it builds gradually over time and slowly detracts from your quality of life, it is important to catch it as early as possible to prevent any further damage and maintain healthy living. Good news is that a hearing test takes 15 minutes and is 100% free!
There are many ways to protect your hearing, but these five are some of the most effective methods that you can implement now to start looking after your hearing.
A hearing test takes 15 minutes and is free. Call 1300 797 519 to book or visit our Free Hearing Test page for more information.
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