Australian Hearing Magazine Spring 2016

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M A G A Z I N E

- Spring 2016 edition -

a brand new hearing support service just launched Take a look inside...

Tips to manage tinnitus

hearing.com.au

NDIS explained

New apps for adults and kids

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Australian Hearing launches a brand new service. Introducing Hearing Help.

Australian Hearing is excited and proud to announce a brand new service to make specialist hearing advice accessible from the comfort of any home across Australia.

Hearing Help connects you with one of our hearing specialists via

1800 740 301

or

hearinghelp.com.au

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Why did we create Hearing Help?

We believe expert hearing help should be available to all Australians. Our Australian Hearing clients can always receive trusted advice directly from their local audiologists, but what about those who aren’t part of the Australian Hearing family?

In Hearing Help, we’ve created a way for more people to access our expertise and get help. So, whether you are just starting to notice changes in your hearing or are concerned about a loved one’s hearing, our hearing specialists are ready to help.

Hearing Help… for people who are starting to notice changes in their hearing Some people who suspect they are experiencing hearing loss are reluctant to walk into a hearing centre. Hearing Help makes it easy to access professional advice from the comfort of your home, giving you the help you need - sooner rather than later- so you can enjoy the good things in life again.

Hearing Help… for people who have a question about someone else’s hearing In many cases, the person experiencing hearing loss is the last to notice. If you’ve seen changes in a friend or loved one’s hearing and are not sure how to broach the topic, we can help with guidance on how to gently encourage your loved one to seek assistance.

Hearing Help… for people who already use hearing solutions We know there may be times when you’d like a second opinion from an expert. Whether it’s advice on the latest hearing aids or to learn more about hearing-related issues, our specialists are here to help. However, if you’re an Australian Hearing client, don’t forget you can always contact your local audiologist directly for advice!

The Hearing Help website Chatting with one of our hearing specialists is just the beginning. The Hearing Help website is a great place to learn about hearing loss and solutions, you can: - Complete an online questionnaire to get personalised advice from our hearing specialists - Take the online hearing test - Order a free sample hearing aid to try on for size and comfort hearinghelp.com.au

Meet Carol Carol Watt is a one of our hearing specialists who will take your call or online chat request.

With over two decades of experience under her belt, Carol has worked across Australia in all areas of audiology. She has a passion for providing superior client care and is excited to be involved in an initiative that extends her expertise to those who may not have previously sought assistance.

Hearing Help is about making it easy for people to get answers they can trust,” said Carol Watt, “It’s particularly encouraging that through this initiative we are already attracting people who wouldn’t have been ready to walk into a clinic.

Knowing my advice is making a difference sooner rather than later is so heartening to me. It means people aren’t missing out on those important things in life.

Hearing Help is available from 9am - 7pm EST Monday - Friday. Call us on 1800 740 301 or live chat at hearinghelp.com.au

About us For 69 years, Australian Hearing has been dedicated to providing hearing care for Australians. We are the nation’s leading hearing specialist and largest provider of governmentfunded hearing services.

We provide subsidised hearing care for aged pensioners, veterans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 50, and children and young adults under 26.

For more information, call us on 131 797 or visit hearing.com.au If you require an interpreter, call 131 450 (TIS national) and ask to be connected to Australian Hearing.

Have you moved recently?

Call 131 797 to update your details so we can stay in touch.

Audiologist in focus Eshan Ran has been practising audiology with Australian Hearing for 11 years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and spent seven years as an ENT surgeon in China.

The Chinese-born hearing specialist works in the Parramatta, NSW community and speaks Mandarin with many Chinese clients who have a hearing loss, and their family members and carers.

Eshan said, “Understanding speech is already difficult for people with a hearing loss so talking to an audiologist in your first language makes it easier for people to get the help they need.”

“Family members are encouraged to come to appointments because they need to hear the instructions and can provide support at home for the person with a hearing loss.”

Research shows that hearing loss affects 60% of people in Australia over the age of 60, so it is an issue in our communities and the team at Australian Hearing is here to help.

To find your nearest centre call 131 797 or visit hearing.com.au

What’s in this issue?

Australian Hearing launches a brand new service, Hearing Help.

2-3

Big Aussie Hearing Check 2016 and holiday closure, travel tips

6-7

Discover Milestones, our paediatric website

8-9

Download our mobile app - My Hearing today!

10 - 11

What is the NDIS?

12 - 13

It’s a hat trick for William

14

Did you know that Australian Hearing provides specialist services?

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What does Sound Scouts do?

16 - 17

Brand new app helps kids listen and learn at school

18 - 19

Help is at hand for tinnitus relief

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Hearing loss is no longer a barrier to starting school

21

Australian Hearing client, Star Janson, rediscovers music

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primaxTM, the latest in hearing aid technology

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Staying connected in your home

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Whether your child likes individual or team sports, communication is key.

1. ASK

2. FACE TO FACE

3. ATTENTION Use gestures or touch to gain

Demonstrate the skill that is

children with a hearing loss face-to-face is a must.

start speaking or they may not know you are talking to them.

Whiteboards or pen and paper work well too.

Speak clearly at your normal

A tap on the shoulder or wave are suitable.

Use videos and get them

How do they prefer to communicate? way to learn about the child straight away.

4. BE VISUAL

and will help the whole team.

Our hearing buses have been busy

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5. KEEP IT LIGHT

6. CHECK BACK

In well-lit environments, visual cues are easier to pick up. and understood. players with a hearing loss or large groups.

Rephrase, seek a nod of the head or other verbal/non-verbal

7. AUSLAN words and phrases in Auslan (Australian Sign Language).

Visit www.auslan.org.au or ask the child and their family to teach you some key words.

131 797 hearing.com.au/milestones

they have understood before moving on.

Making kids’ sport hearing loss friendly

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Make kids’ sport hearing loss friendly.

Tips for coaches and instructors.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in a Deaf Sports program, please visit deafsports.org.au to find out more.

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Big Aussie Hearing Check 2016 This year from 21-27 August we asked communities to join us as we popped up at hundreds of famous landmarks, community halls, RSLs, pharmacies, shopping centres and health centres from Darwin to Tasmania, to give free hearing checks to thousands of Aussies.

We put the word out to our staff and on social media asking people to nominate their Hearing Heroes.

And we also asked some well-known people to help us spread the word about the importance of having a hearing check.

Everybody needs a break -

kids, parents, grandparents, carers and sometimes even our staff.

There are several times during the year when you might not be able to pop in to your hearing centre to get batteries or check that your aids are working properly. Whether you are away on holiday, unable to leave the house or if we have closed down for a few days, we want to make sure you are as prepared as you can be.

- Check your hearing aids are working well - Ask your audiologist about organising a loan device for your trip - Make sure you have enough batteries to last your trip, take a few extras just in case - Pack chargers and adaptors (for international travel) or switch to disposable batteries for the trip - Consider purchasing a shake-awake vibrating alarm clock to

avoid missing flights and

deadlines.

Did you know we close for a few days over the holiday period?

In 2016, our centres will be closed for the Christmas/New Year period from the evening of Friday 23 December and will reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2017.

Emergency help is at hand in other ways over this period should you need it: - If you need emergency assistance you can call us on 1300 262 363 on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 or Friday 30 December.

- Although we can’t provide the full range of services while we are closed, an emergency hearing aid repair service will be available at many locations on Thursday 29 December.

We also close over the usual Easter public holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday).

Remember to always be prepared to ensure you have a great break.

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Introducing‌ Milestones, a website dedicated Mobile. to children and their You can access our credible, Australianparents, and young based hearing information from anywhere. people with hearing loss.

User-friendly.

Parents can easily navigate the hundreds of articles in one of the nine milestone sections that progress through life stages.

Relatable.

Real-life stories about Australian children, teens and young adults leading fulfilling, sometimes extraordinary lives despite hearing loss.

MILESTONES

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Journeyfocused.

Each milestone, from diagnosis through the toddler and pre-school years, onto primary school, high school and university to age 26, has relevant stories and information.

Shareable.

Parents can easily show or email a link with information relating to their child or situation to family and friends which can help them feel better understood.

The portal is easily accessed via the Australian Hearing website by clicking either of these icons on the Australian Hearing website homepage

or go to hearing.com.au/ milestones

Australian Hearing’s online portal for parents, children and young people living with hearing loss. It provides a range of articles using Australian-based information to give advice, technology reviews and practical guidance.

As well as information, two new exciting areas of the Milestones portal are: 1. The ‘Ask an Expert’ interactive advice service. Simply click the button found at the bottom of every page and follow the prompts to ask any hearing-loss related question.

2. Support resources. State-by-state listings of support and early intervention services available to families of children with a hearing loss.

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Download our mobile app - My Hearing today!

911 Following the successful launch of our mobile app, My Hearing, we're excited to announce that Australian Hearing has recently upgraded it.

Welcome to My Hearing 2.0 We know that more Australians are using their mobile devices than ever before, and these devices play a key role in the way you connect and communicate with others.

That's why we've developed a mobile app to make it even easier for Australian Hearing clients to stay connected with their local centre and learn more about hearing health. Through the app, as an existing client, you can request an appointment, save your centre’s details, contact your centre, order batteries and receive product or information updates.

For anyone concerned about their hearing or the hearing of a loved one, the app offers the latest information on Australian Hearing's services and hearing health.

Download the app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. How much does the app cost? Nothing, it's free!

2. How can people download the app? Go to the App Store or Google Play and type 'Australian Hearing' or 'My Hearing'.

3. Who is the app for? My Hearing is particularly aimed at Australian Hearing clients who are looking for an easier way to order batteries online, make an appointment or send an enquiry.

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What is the NDIS? The NDIS is the National Disability Insurance Scheme which is implemented by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

NDIA is an independent statutory agency whose role is to provide individualised support to eligible people with disabilities, their families and carers.

The NDIS started in 2013 with the aim of administering a major reform of disability services in Australia.

As the changes to existing disability support systems are significant, the scheme is being introduced in stages to ensure a smooth transition for people with disabilities as well as support providers.

How does the NDIS affect Australian Hearing clients?

In terms of eligibility, it doesn’t.

Australian Hearing is an approved provider under the NDIS and if you’re a current Australian Hearing client, you will continue to receive the same level of hearing services regardless of whether or not you register for the NDIS. Australian Hearing will continue to be the sole provider for clients who access services via the Community Service Obligation (CSO) Program until at least the end of June 2018.

When will the NDIS officially be rolled out?

According to the Federal Government, the NDIS will be rolled out nationally by 2019/20, and if you’re located within one of the current NDIS trial sites and you’re under the age of 65 and meet their eligibility requirements, you can register with the NDIS now.

For more information on the NDIS, please call the National Disability Insurance Agency (who oversee the NDIS) on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au.

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With the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) being rolled out across the country, here’s some helpful information for Australian Hearing clients.

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It’s a hat trick for William Like many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, Bundjalung man Joshua Fares and his 15 year-old-son William, both experienced middle ear infections throughout childhood, which has led to them developing hearing loss.

Hearing loss among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is widespread and much more common than for non-Indigenous Australians.

The good news for William is he is the new recipient of a ‘hearing hat’, a first for the Clarence Valley region, but an innovation that families in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities would be familiar with.

“On a recent visit to Bulgarr Ngaru for his hearing, the audiologists from Australian Hearing told us about a hearing aid that goes into a hat,” explained Joshua. “We only needed to pay for the hat William wanted which was $20. The hearing aid was supplied by Australian Hearing.”

The hearing hat has a bone conduction hearing aid tucked securely inside. Microphone tubing pokes through a hole on top of the hat to pick up speech sounds. It is a clever option for young people like William who might feel more comfortable being seen in a hat than wearing a hearing device on its own.

“The hat makes it easier to wear hearing aids as I don’t feel like it stands out so much,” said

William. “I got to pick the style and it’s just right for me!”

William, his parents and teachers, all agree the hearing hat has brought improvements to his schooling including having the confidence to ask and answer questions, while feeling happier overall.

Both William and Joshua said other families should not be afraid of getting their ear health checked.

“As parents, you want to ensure your child gets the best education they can and they need to listen in order to learn,” Joshua added. “At the first sign of a sore ear or infection, go see your doctor for treatment. If you leave it, it’s just going to get worse and your child can end up with hearing loss. If specific hearing testing is needed, you will be referred to Australian Hearing.”

Australian Hearing provides free hearing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and eligible adults. For more information call 131 797 or visit hearing.com.au

School is much better now with the hearing hat,” William said. “I’m starting to understand more things in class, catching up on work and finishing on time… The hat helps with background noise so even when the kids are screaming I can still hear the teacher.”

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Did you know that Australian Hearing provides specialist services?

Specialist Hearing Services at Australian Hearing are available to help those with complex communication needs, such as: - severe or profound hearing loss - significant visual impairment in addition to hearing loss - other disabilities that heighten communication difficulty Who provides these services?

Australian Hearing’s specialist audiologists.

They have undertaken extensive training and have experience in complex rehabilitative audiology.

Do you know somebody who may need our specialist services?

To access Specialist Hearing Services, contact Australian Hearing on 131 797 to speak to one of our friendly, expert team members. For more information about Australian Hearing go to hearing.com.au *Conditions apply to clients under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

What is covered?

The government provides funding exclusively to Australian Hearing to deliver additional assistance to clients with complex communication needs. Products and services for these clients are provided at no charge and include: Comprehensive assessment of hearing and communication needs Specialist advice on making the most of hearing ability A personalised program to improve listening and communication in daily life Access to higher level technology devices in addition to hearing aids Ongoing program of services and support

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What does Sound Scouts do?

Playing the game enables a hearing check for children and can detect hearing problems, including those due to ear infections. The screening will help determine whether the child has: - Normal hearing - A hearing loss

As Seen

Channe

- Needs medical intervention - A problem understanding and processing speech in noise

On

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Sound Scouts is a tablet-based game designed specifically to check the hearing of children before they start school.

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The game to check your child’s hearing Introducing the new Sound Scouts game. It’s an app that can accurately check a child’s hearing at home.

Developed by Australian Hearing‘s research division, National Acoustic Laboratories and cmee4 Productions, Sound Scouts helps families with children who are about to start school or are already at school, where a hearing loss is suspected.

It is ideal for children aged from 4 years 9 months to 15 years old and the game is fun and easy to play on Apple and Android tablet devices.

Sound Scouts tells you whether hearing is normal or not, and whether the likely cause is inner ear, middle ear, an auditory processing or language disorder. The game can’t differentiate between the last two.

The result is shown on a curve, indicating the child’s hearing in relation to the normal range for their age. A score is also shown below. Scores decrease as hearing loss increases.

How to use Sound Scouts The game is an engaging detective story and players will need to use headphones. Children must know red, black, yellow, blue and green. It takes around 15 minutes to complete.

One download costs $14.99. Multiple downloads cost less per game. A short video in the app explains the game. Supervision is needed to make sure the child isn’t randomly tapping the screen.

How to get Sound Scouts Sound Scouts can be downloaded for $14.99 via iTunes or Google Play.

For more information visit soundscouts.com.au or hearing.com.au.

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Brand new app helps kids listen and learn at school

How do we know the training works?

The Sound Storm iOS app contains the same auditory stimuli and training protocols as the proven LiSN & Learn program.1 In 2011, Cameron & Dillon2 demonstrated that the LiSN & Learn training program was effective in remediating SPD for nine children aged 6-11 years, with all children within normal limits post-training on the LiSN-S diagnostic test.

Performance was sustained three months after training was complete. The efficacy of the training program was further confirmed using a randomised blinded controlled trial which compared LiSN & Learn with another popular auditory training program.3 In 2015, Cameron et al showed that the benefits demonstrated under research conditions translated into real-life benefits when delivered through a clinical program.4 References 1. Cameron, S., & Dillon, H. (2012). LISN & Learn Auditory Training Software (Version 3.0.0) [Computer software]. Sydney, NSW: National Acoustic Laboratories.

2. Cameron, S., & Dillon, H. (2011). Development and Evaluation of the LiSN & Learn Auditory Training Software for Deficit-Specific Remediation of Binaural Processing Deficits in Children: Preliminary Findings. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 22(10), 678-696.

3. Cameron, S., Glyde, H. & Dillon, H. (2012). Efficacy of the LiSN & Learn auditory training software: Randomized blinded controlled study. Audiology Research, 2:e15.

4. Cameron, S., Glyde, H, Dillon, H., King, A., & Gillies, K. (2015). Results from a national central auditory processing disorder service: A “real world� assessment of diagnostic practices and remediation for CAPD. Seminars in Hearing, 36 (4), 216-236.

Help for spatial processing disorder Australian Hearing’s research division, National Acoustic Laboratories, has launched a brand new gaming app: Sound Storm. It will help thousands of Australian children improve their listening ability by doing something they love - playing a game on an iPad. Sound Storm combines science and the latest gaming technology to help children overcome spatial processing disorder (SPD), a condition common particularly in children with a history of ear infections but who may have passed a standard hearing test.

Adjunct Professor Dr Harvey Dillon, Director of National Acoustic Laboratories says SPD prevents children making use of the sounds their ears are sending to their brains.

“Spatial processing disorder makes it really hard for kids to take in the sounds around them, especially speech.”

Dr Dillon said, “through Sound Storm, we can give kids auditory training which helps them totally overcome the problem so they can hear in noise, just as well as any other child.”

The auditory training software contained in Sound Storm is proven to help students become better listeners in just 10 weeks.

The game is a rich and compelling space fantasy, filled with amazing characters and lush environments that appeal to kids of all ages, so it’s easy for them to engage with the program.

To learn more about the Sound Storm app click here, or call 1300 133 115.

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Help is at hand for tinnitus relief Around one third of the population suffers from tinnitus - an annoying ringing in the ears that can be either constant or occurs in sporadic bouts. For some, it goes beyond a simple annoyance and can have devastating effects on their quality of life.

While there is no cure for tinnitus, the condition is manageable with a few lifestyle changes.

Top tips for tinnitus sufferers - Find out about tinnitus. This will reassure you that it’s not something nasty like a brain tumour.

- Find the triggers. In many cases, identifying how you first became aware of tinnitus can help you understand it better and, in turn, makes the tinnitus less threatening.

- Avoid complete quiet. Keeping your ears busy with some low-level background noise - such as the television or radio - can help your brain focus on those sounds rather than the ringing of the tinnitus.

- Relieve the stress of tinnitus by trying to stay calm and relaxed. The relaxation response reduces the alertness state of the brain and, as the hearing system relaxes along with the rest of the body, tinnitus usually becomes less stressful.

- Tinnitus often affects people when they go to sleep, so investigate ways to help you sleep better.

- Avoid loud noises and wear something to protect your hearing from damage if you are going to be around loud music or machinery.

- Have your hearing checked. If there is evidence of hearing loss, seek advice on hearing solutions.

Block out irritating noises and rest easy with the Sound Oasis Sound Therapy System. Clinically proven, the system helps diminish tinnitus discomfort to create a relaxing atmosphere to help you fall asleep.

The system also has a volume reduction feature for a peaceful decrease in sound and comes with a headphone/pillow jack to help you enjoy a better sleep. For more information call 131 797.

Hearing loss is no longer a barrier to starting school For parents across Australia, watching their child prepare to start school for the first time is a proud and exciting time. But for those whose children have hearing loss, the journey to reach this important milestone started a long time ago.

Beginning intervention as soon as possible after an initial diagnosis of a hearing loss minimises any delay in a child’s language development.

Australian Hearing paediatric teams have often been working with children for five or six years before they start school.

To celebrate this important milestone in their young charges’ lives, Australian Hearing centres across the nation held special events at the start of the school year inviting the children and their families in to show off their new school uniforms and enjoy games and morning tea with other new school starters with hearing loss.

Audiologist Nicky Taylor from our Bunbury centre says it’s always a pleasure to see young clients grow over the years.

We really enjoy the opportunity to recognise our young clients’ achievements. We are so proud to have contributed to their development, allowing them to start school at the same time with comparable language skills, as children without hearing loss,” said Nicky Taylor.

The event was also a wonderful opportunity for the children and their families to celebrate with other school starters with hearing loss, reassuring them they are not alone in facing this next step in their journey.

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22 For Star Janson, a retired community nurse living in Canberra, music has always been a passion, but over time her hearing declined and she found herself enjoying music less, particularly on the radio because it would sound blurry.

When you can’t hear well, you don’t feel like you’re part of a conversation and you lose confidence in yourself.

And as her hearing loss increased, Star’s self-confidence dropped. Not only was she constantly repeating herself when speaking with her children and friends, she was also withdrawing in social situations. At dinner parties, she couldn’t keep up with conversation, especially if the acoustics in the room weren’t great.

Since speaking to her audiologist at Australian Hearing and trialling the primax™ hearing aid, Star’s self-esteem has received a boost due to being able to hear people better. An added bonus is that her love of music has been reignited.

She is now attending concerts and feels she can tackle noisy cafes. And at home, Star is also excited to finally be able to listen to the stereo that has been sitting unused for three years plus she now entertains more because it is much easier for her to engage in conversations with guests.

Star can now celebrate things like her nephew’s birthday party; an environment which she would normally struggle to hear in. This year, however, she will adjust the program on her primaxTM hearing aid and embrace the occasion.

Music lover reconnects with her passion Star Janson - Australian Hearing client

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Hearing is easier with the new primaxTM hearing aids Building on the tremendous breakthroughs in binaural hearing, we are excited to announce the ultimate in hearing technology.

Introducing primaxTM primaxTM redefines ease of listening in all hearing situations including work, home or doing your favourite activities.

Music lovers. With three dedicated music programs, primaxTM comes into its own.

Whether you’re listening to live music, recorded music, or you’re a musician yourself, primaxTM delivers richer, fuller sound and outstanding music quality for your listening pleasure.

Social butterflies. Busy restaurants and noisy parties need no longer be a strain with advanced noise reduction to cut out background noise, optimal directionality to hone in on the important sounds; and elevated amplification so you can hear the sounds and voices you want to listen to.

Outdoorsy types. primaxTM cleverly cuts out wind noise, transferring stronger signals between hearing aids to replace windaffected weaker signals so you can enjoy the great outdoors without hearing loss getting in the way.

Chatterboxes. Compatible with free apps EasyTek and Twinphone, you can use the phone hands-free, whether it’s Bluetoothenabled or not, to keep in touch with your friends and family on the move.

Whatever your lifestyle, primaxTM can help Australian Hearing clients to enjoy life to the full.

For a demonstration of primaxTM or to find out more about how primaxTM can work for you, contact Australian Hearing on 131 797 or go online to hearing.com.au.

STAYING CONNECTED IN YOUR HOME If you have trouble hearing in everyday situations, there are many solutions available to help you hear the sounds that matter. Australian Hearing’s range of helpful devices for around the home can help you live in comfort and independently.

Don’t miss the doorbell Phoenix Wireless Door Chime • • • •

Portable wireless receiver to carry around with you means you won’t miss a visitor again Wireless range of 45 metres from the doorbell transmitter Portable receiver has a chime sound and a strobe flash light tube to alert you if the doorbell has been pressed Includes seven loud chime sounds

Amplify the sound of your phone and doorbell Oricom AM20 Doorbell and Phone Alerting System • • • • •

A simple to connect and use alerting device, that works with your existing home phone and comes with a wireless doorbell Sounds an extra loud ringer and/ or signals a super bright light when phone or doorbell rings Wall/desk mountable Includes an extra loud ringer that reaches up to 95 decibels, four alarm options, tone control (high/medium/low), three ringtone melodies and two doorbell melodies Can be powered through mains or battery operated (requires four AA batteries)

Emergency Phone with Smart Dialer Pendant Oricom CARE 170 Speaker Phone with Emergency Call Function • • • • • • • • • •

Smart SOS dialler pendant is waterproof and can be worn around neck or wrist When pressed the pendant will alert selected contacts with a pre-recorded message and know you need assistance Pendant also allows remote phone answering by pressing the speaker phone button (no rushing to answer the phone) Extra loud ringer and amplified receiver Super bright flashing alert light Large buttons for easy dealing 30 Name and Number memory Hearing Aid compatible Talking Caller ID (announces the caller’s name or number loudly) Talking keypad (repeats number as it is dialled)

For more information call 131 797

Feel safe in your home Brooks Battery Powered Smoke Alarm and Alerting System Early detection to all standard domestic fires types • 10 Year Lithium cell will outlast the useful lifespan of the alarm • Large easy to use Test/Hush button allows false alarm control • Built-in high audibility warning sounder • Plug in Vibration Pad • Visual RF transmission and power indicators • Rechargeable battery back-up with low battery power warning

Never sleep in again!

Bellman Pro Alarm Clock • • • • • •

Makes waking up on time easy with a high-intensity flashlight and a bed shaker that vibrates and makes sounds directly into your pillow Alarm signal gradually increases in volume so you have plenty of time to turn it off before others might be disturbed Includes smart alarm signal that sweeps through different frequencies Night light beacon means you can easily find your way back to bed if you get up Battery backup that kicks in if there is a power failure Ability to connect to your telephone to amplify the ring signal

EVERYDAY HEARING HELP Along with our range of alerting devices for the home, Australian Hearing also stocks other appliances to help you in everyday situations.

Enjoy the sound of your favourite TV show in comfort with wireless headphones

Block out irritating noises and rest easy with the Sound Oasis Sound Therapy System

Sennheiser RS195 headphones

Sound Oasis Therapy System

Enhance speech and music in different listening situations

Wireless listening with your hearing aids

Bellman Audio Maxi

Sennheiser Set 840 S

For more information call 131 797

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Our hearing buses have been busy

Big Prawn, Ballina

Big Merino, Goulburn

Big Mosquito, Hexham

Tag Us! Take a pic and post on Instagram using #australianhearing. We’d love to see where you’ve seen our bus.

While you’re there don’t forget to have a free hearing check or chat with one of our hearing specialists about anything hearing-related.

See you on the road - The Australian Hearing team

The Australian Hearing bus is always on the move to offer free hearing checks and raise hearing health awareness in communities across the country.

Now with a 12-strong fleet of ‘blue and white buses’, the mobile hearing service has provided over 45,000 free hearing checks in communities across Australia since the first bus was launched in 2009. No destination is too far-flung or offbeat!

Big Oyster, Port Macquarie

Golden Guitar, Tamworth

Social bus Keep an eye out in your local paper or check hearing.com.au to see where our buses will be next.

hearing.com.au

Big Axe, Kew

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Whether your child likes individual or team sports, communication is key.

1. ASK

2. FACE TO FACE

3. ATTENTION

4. BE VISUAL

Use gestures or touch to gain

Demonstrate the skill that is

children with a hearing loss face-to-face is a must.

start speaking or they may not know you are talking to them.

Whiteboards or pen and paper work well too.

Speak clearly at your normal

A tap on the shoulder or wave are suitable.

Use videos and get them

How do they prefer to communicate? way to learn about the child straight away.

and will help the whole team.

5. KEEP IT LIGHT

6. CHECK BACK

7. AUSLAN

and understood.

words and phrases in Auslan (Australian Sign Language).

In well-lit environments, visual cues are easier to pick up.

players with a hearing loss or large groups.

Rephrase, seek a nod of the head or other verbal/non-verbal

Visit www.auslan.org.au or ask the child and their family to teach you some key words.

131 797 hearing.com.au/milestones

they have understood before moving on.

Make kids’ sport hearing loss friendly.

Tips for coaches and instructors.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in a Deaf Sports program, please visit deafsports.org.au to ďŹ nd out more.