Our Hearing Aid Clinics

Hearing Choices Audiologists

Here at Hearing Choices we make it easy to find a trusted clinic in Australia. Whatever your hearing needs, all partners operating with Hearing Choices are licensed and trusted practitioners ready to offer advice and answer questions regarding your hearing health or hearing loss. All our partners are strictly screened to ensure you always receive professional care. When visiting one of our many Partner Audiologists operating around Australia you’ll often receive your first consultation for free! Unless you already have an audiogram (graph of your hearing test results), we’ll conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment to ensure any hearing aids dispensed are suitable for your hearing loss.

More About Hearing Tests & Audiograms

So What Can I Expect At My Appointment?

Firstly, you’ll be asked questions about your history and past experience with hearing loss. Our partners will then likely examine your ears, and then depending on your symptoms, will either screen your hearing or carry out a number of tests for a diagnostic  hearing assessment to determine the extent of your hearing loss. At all stages the Partner Audiologist you visit will keep you informed about the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

When Should I See An Audiologist?

You don’t need to be referred to us by an ENT specialist or your family doctor to one of our Partner Audiologists or even to receive hearing test. If you think your are suffering from hearing loss give Hearing Choices a call and one our consultants can setup a FREE appointment for you with one of our local partners. Experiencing ear pain, dizziness, buzzing or ringing in your ears? Schedule a hearing test with an Hearing Choices Partner right away!

What Type of Hearing Tests Can Be Performed?

Pure Tone – This is to determine which frequencies each ear can hear. The results are recorded on an audiogram.
Speech – To determine which sounds you have trouble hearing in speech.
Middle Ear – Various tests to determine how your middle ear is functioning.
Inner Ear – Testing to determine information about the cochlear inner ear functions and brain pathways for hearing.

Before any tests are carried out, the Audiologist will look in your ear with an otoscope to ensure there is no earwax blocking your ear canal and that your eardrum is healthy. The information gathered from all the tests will determine the type of hearing loss you have – where in the ear the problem is and how much your hearing levels have been compromised. If you require medical treatment or further testing for any aspect of your hearing, the Audiologist will advise you of what your next steps should be.

What Experience Do Audiologists Have?

All Audiologists in Australia have up to 5 years university experience including post graduate qualifications, so they are well equipped to assist you. If you are suffering from symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo please let your Audiologist know so that they can do specific tests for those symptoms. They may refer you on for further testing to properly diagnose your condition.

Hearing care professionals in Australia also include Audiometrists. Audiometrists are trained at TAFE, specifically in hearing testing and hearing aid fitting. Audiometrists are required to refer to Audiologists for complex cases. Both Audiologists and Audiometrists are classed as Hearing Care Professionals and will work with you towards the aim of improving your communication and gaining better hearing.

Will a Hearing Care Professional Find Me The Best Hearing Aid?

After conducting an audiogram and evaluating the situations in which you are having difficulty hearing, your Hearing Care Professional can start to recommend styles and brands of hearing aids. Everyone’s ears are unique and can react differently to hearing aids so only after trialling and testing different types will you be able to determine the best device for you. There is a very large price difference between hearing aid models so your Hearing Care Professional will work within your budget to help you find the right hearing aid. At Hearing Choices we offer 45 day trial hearing aid trials so should you not be happy we will issue you a full refund inside 45 days.

Different Types of Hearing Aids

There are many different brands and types of hearing aids. These days, digital hearing aids are the norm with many advanced technological features available for you, the wearer, to choose from. However the shape and fit of the hearing aid is also an important consideration when selecting your hearing device. The size of your hearing aid will also determine the battery life you can expect. Bigger hearing aids have bigger batteries or can be fitted with rechargeable batteries. The type of hearing aid you choose depends on a number of factors, including your hearing and lifestyle needs.

Hearing Aid Styles

You can investigate each style in more detail, but here is a brief overview of the main styles of hearing aids:

BTE Styles

BTE: Behind-the-Ear hearing aids come in two different style formats:

• BTE, a more traditional hearing aid that sits behind the ear and is coupled to an earmold that sits in your ear. These hearing aids are packed with power and performance features. Any level of hearing loss can be successfully fitted with a BTE hearing aid.
• RIC, (receiver-in-canal), hearing aids sit behind the ear. However this style has the hearing aid receiver situated in the ear canal, instead of in the hearing aid itself. A thin wire joins the hearing aid to small ear piece holding it in place. RIC hearing aids therefore have a reduced form fit behind the ear and can be classed as an open-fit hearing aid. They are suitable for most hearing levels, including severe hearing losses.

The most advanced technology features are found in BTE styles including directional microphones for improved hearing in background noise, wireless and Bluetooth capability, tinnitus management, Telecoil options, rechargeable hearing aid batteries and much more.

ITE Styles

ITE: In-the-Ear hearing aids come in many form factors – from small, discreet models to invisible styles. They are often referred to as custom hearing aids.

• ITE, sitting in the bowl of your ear (concha), is the largest inside the ear style. ITE hearing aids will accommodate hearing losses up to the severe range. The ITE is easier to handle if you have dexterity issues.
• ITC (in-the-canal) style hearing aids are a more discreet version of the ITE. ITC hearing aids have a smaller portion of the hearing aid visible in the concha.
• CIC (completely-in-the-canal) hearing aids are barely visible being hidden in the ear canal. CICs have a removal handle made from fishing wire to allow for easy removal.

Invisible Styles

Invisible hearing aids are popular for their cosmetic appeal. However, being so tiny limits the amount of technology and power available. These hearing aids suit mild to moderate, less complex hearing losses. If you wish to have an invisible hearing aid your ear canal will need to be assessed for suitability.

• IIC (Invisible-in-the-Canal) are hidden deep in the ear canal. A very deep impression of your ear canal is required. Like the CIC, an invisible wire for ease of removal is supplied.
• Extended wear IIC – an extended wear invisible hearing aid that does not require an impression. Currently only one manufacturer, Phonak, make this style of hearing aid.

At Hearing Choices we are here to help you as you decide on the type and style of hearing aid that is right for you. If you are ready to begin your journey to better hearing, we can link you with one of our Partner Hearing Clinics in your local area, today!