How do You Get Hearing Aids in South Australia?
Hearing loss can impact children and adults in many ways. For example, it can influence the development of children’s speech and language skills, affect learning in school, reduce social interaction and may lead to isolation.
Eligible people are entitled to free or subsidised hearing aids under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. This includes top-quality, discreet digital hearing aids with Bluetooth capabilities.
Eligibility
When you seek to improve your Hearing with a hearing aids South Australia, there is a wide range of options. The suitable device will depend on your unique needs and lifestyle, so working closely with your audiologist is essential. This will help to ensure that your hearing rehabilitation treatment is tailored specifically for you and that you get the best possible outcomes.
For patients without private health insurance, you can consider applying for a government program that provides funding to cover the hearing aid cost. This is an excellent option if you’re on a pension or DVA, as it can significantly reduce the cost of your new hearing aids. The application process is straightforward, and it involves submitting your medical history. Your audiologist will then assess your eligibility and discuss the available funding options with you.
Another way to access hearing aids is to apply for a worker’s compensation claim. This is a good option for people who have developed industrial deafness due to exposure to loud noise at their workplace. Adelaide Hearing has extensive experience assessing workers’ compensation claims, and we can advise you about whether you are eligible for hearing aids.
The first step in claiming workers’ compensation for your hearing loss is to book a WorkCover hearing assessment appointment. This is a free service; you can contact us to make an appointment. The hearing specialist will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive audiological assessment. Then, they will determine if your hearing loss is work-related and assess your eligibility for a lump sum compensation payment and a hearing aid.
You may also be eligible for a government-funded hearing aids South Australia through a local hearing aid bank. These organisations recondition donated devices and offer them at a reduced price. They have different criteria for eligibility, so you should check with your local government or visit this list of national and state-based hearing aid banks to find out more.
Assessment
A hearing assessment is a necessary first step in your journey towards better Hearing. A full hearing health assessment takes 1 hour and provides a snapshot of your current hearing status. It will help us determine how much your Hearing has been affected and what is causing this. We will then be able to offer solutions and strategies that will benefit you.
Our assessment process is thorough and tailored to you. We use state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based assessments to offer you the best advice, service and equipment. We are also a preferred supplier to the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). This means that we can offer you fully subsidised hearing aids for life.
The HSP is an Australian initiative to reduce the impact of avoidable hearing loss. The program is designed to provide fully subsidised hearing aids and related services to Australians who need them. Amplifon is an accredited service provider to the HSP, and we can assess whether you are eligible for these services.
If you are eligible for subsidised hearing aids, you will receive your first pair through the HSP. We will then work with you to tailor the fitting of your new hearing aids to your specific needs. We will ensure that the hearing aids are suited to your lifestyle and that you are confident using them. We will then arrange regular reviews to monitor your progress and make any adjustments needed.
Hearing aids are a personal choice; you must find the right fit. During your consultation with Can: Do Hearing, we will take the time to listen to your concerns and explain how your assessment results can be used to improve your quality of life. Our audiologist Christy Akins is an experienced and qualified audiology graduate from Flinders University. She specialises in fitting hearing aids, tinnitus management and communication strategies.
A recent study in The Lancet compared outcomes of self-fitting over-the-counter (OTC) devices with those of an audiologist-fitted device. The trial was a randomised clinical effectiveness study and followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. The study included participants with mild to moderate hearing impairment, defined by a hearing loss of more than 25 decibels in the better ear. The results indicate that self-fitting OTC hearing aids do not produce the same benefits as professionally fitted devices. However, the study’s limitations include that blinding was impossible and that the outcomes were only assessed six weeks post-fitting.
Fitting
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a hearing aids South Australia. These include your level of hearing loss, lifestyle and listening environments. You may also have specific preferences regarding the appearance and size of your hearing aids. An experienced independent audiology practice can help guide you through the process and ensure that your new hearing aids fit and optimise to your needs.