Page 4 - Health and Wellbeing Summer 2019
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Why do hearing aids cost so much? THERE can be substantial costs involved when it comes time to get new hearing aids. Diana Bienvenu from Wangaratta Audiology said the government’s Hearing Services Program provides good-quality base-grade hearing aids which are fully subsidised for pensioners and eligible DVA clients. "Most people should be able to hear reasonably well in quiet places with any wellfitted hearing aid of any price – this is about programming the hearing aids correctly in the clinic as well as choice of the right connection of the hearing aid into your ear canal," Ms Bienvenu said. "Price is not about a difference in durability of the hearing aid. Durability has improved considerably over the past few decades. "The suggested outer case is dictated by the shape of your hearing loss and your ear anatomy and does not necessarily affect the price of the hearing aid." So why are such big prices mentioned for hearing aids? "The hearing aids you see advertised today took years of research and development to create," Ms Bienvenu said. "The manufacturers put a lot of time and effort into developing all sorts of things like new computer chips and the software that processes sound in a variety of ways, new hous-
ing for the hearing aid including reduction of moisture and dust penetration, battery life and even the aesthetics of the product (size, colour, shape). "Rechargeable batteries which provide benefits for people with dexterity problems and Bluetooth connectivity with mobile phones have become available. "There are always different levels of technology possible within the hearing aids, as with nearly all other manufactured products on the market. "The benefits offered by more expensive hearing aids are not necessarily noticed when you are in quiet listening places – benefits are more applicable to people who are frequently in challenging listening environments (with more background noise). "Be sure you know what you are getting for your money when you make a decision to get hearing aids – free trial with new aids prior to purchase, availability of a loaner hearing aid if yours needs servicing by the manufacturer, ready access to assistance for any problems which could arise, and discussion about hearing strategies to assist you to get the message in a variety of listening environments." Call Wangaratta Audiology on 03 5722 4433 if you would like to learn more about your options for hearing aids.
CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY: Be sure you know what you are getting for your money when you are looking at purchasing a hearing aid.
Be organised and get your hearing aid serviced Everyone deserves to communicate Ask our audiologists at Wangaratta’s premier audiology clinic
angaratta udiology
9am - 5pm Monday - Friday 82 Docker St, Wangaratta Phone: 03 5722 4433 www.wangarattahearing.com.au j/31d54617-v4/49-19