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FAQs

How much will my hearing instruments cost? Back to top

The price of instruments and services that customers pay for depends on a number of situations:

Pension Card Holders or Veterans Affairs Card Holders (DVA)
Entitled to free hearing services including a range of instruments provided by the Office of Hearing Services (OHS). All ihear clinics are accredited to provide these services on behalf of OHS.
Top Up or Part Pay
Individuals who are entitled to free services may choose to upgrade their instrument and pay the difference in cost. These "Gap" products generally start from around $500.
Private Health Insurance
All customers can use their health insurance to cover some of the costs of the hearing instruments. Benefits from health funds vary depending level of coverage, length of time with fund, etc. We recommend consulting with your health fund prior to your appointment. As a general figure most health funds will provide rebates from $400-$1000.
Tax benefits
Under current government legislation, anyone who spends over $1500 a year on medical expenses can claim 20% of the amount above the threshold on their tax. Hearing instruments are considered a medical expense. We recommend checking with your accountant for more information.
Payment Plans
All of our clinics offer CareCredit. CareCredit offers affordable payment plans to approved purchasers. The plans vary from interest free credit to plans stretching over 4 years. Contact your local ihear professional for further information.

What happens in a hearing test? Back to top

  • We start by getting to know you, finding out about your hearing concern, medical background etc.
  • We then put some headphones/earphones on you and present tones in one ear at a time. You will indicate to us when you hear a tone.
  • Together we will discuss the results. At this point we can answer any questions you have and can make recommendations as to what the next step should be.
  • If a hearing instrument is prescribed, a likeness of your ear may be taken.
  • We will then arrange a fitting appointment that suits you.

What are the benefits of wearing hearing instruments? Back to top

Every hearing loss is different so each customer will enjoy benefits related to their particular lifestyle and what they as an individual hope to get out of their hearing instrument. Benefits can include:

  • Being able to hear your loved ones
  • Watching television with the sound at a comfortable level
  • Being able to listen to conversations in a noisy environment e.g. restaurant, party, family gathering
  • Being able to enjoy a more active lifestyle
  • An increase of performance and productivity in the work environment
  • Enhanced ability to interact safely in your daily environment

I am a pensioner, can I get free hearing services? Back to top

As a pension card holder or a Veteran Affairs card holder you are entitled to free services provided by the Office of Hearing Services (OHS). All ihear clinics are accredited to provide these services. For more information on how to apply for these services, you can contact your local ihear professional or contact OHS on 1800 500 726 or www.health.gov.au/hear

I have received my voucher from the government, what do I do now? Back to top

You will receive an information pack from OHS. This will contain information on the program, a directory of hearing clinics and a voucher. You should contact your local clinic to arrange an appointment.

I have previously received hearing services from another provider, can I transfer to ihear? Back to top

If you have previously received free services from another provider you should always try and resolve any issues with them. If you cannot settle or resolve the issue, you should contact OHS on 1800 500 726 and explain the circumstances. OHS will help and assist you and can provide you with an official relocation letter giving you the authority to change providers.

If you are a private patient you can simply go to where is most convenient for you, or where you feel most comfortable.

How do I clean and maintain my hearing instruments? Back to top

Always handle your hearing instrument with care.

  • Store your hearing instrument in a safe place that's dry and cool.
  • Keep a spare set of batteries in case they run flat.
  • Switch off your hearing instrument when you're not using it. If you don't use it for a long period of time, remove the battery.
  • Battery contacts should be cleaned regularly. Use a cotton swab, taking care not to bend the contacts. Dirty battery contacts can cause improper device function.
  • Remove earwax from your hearing instrument to prevent temporary malfunction or permanent damage. Clean your hearing instrument using the small brush or the soft cloth that came with it.
  • Never insert tools into the sound outlet. Doing so could damage the receiver. If you can't clean the hearing instrument completely, ask your local hearing professional for help.
  • Change filters often so they don't collect wax or dirt.
  • Contact your doctor regularly to have your ear canals cleaned. Never remove the earwax from the ear yourself. Doing so could damage your ear.
  • Try to avoid wearing your hearing instrument when:
    • In the shower
    • Swimming
    • When using a hair dryer, hair spray, or other types of aerosol

I have a ringing noise in my ears, can you help? Back to top

Ringing in the ears, or Tinnitus, is generally caused by noise exposure over a long period of time. There are many strategies on how to help you deal with tinnitus. These range from introducing other sounds into your environment to help mask the ringing noise, to being fitted with a hearing instrument.

I've lost my hearing instrument, how can I get a new one? Back to top

For OHS patients, you can provide a statutory declaration and pay a small loss and damage fee. For private patients it varies depending whether the instrument is in warranty or not. An excess fee may apply for a loss claim. Your hearing instrument may be covered by your own household insurance. Contact your insurance provider for further information. Alternatively, specialised hearing instrument insurance is available through specific vendors. Please call your local hearing professional for further information.

My partner mumbles, can you tell him/her I don't have a hearing loss? Back to top

First of all we would need to do a hearing evaluation and discuss the results. We encourage our customers to bring their partner with them for the appointment. We can then tell whether the loss is real or selective.

Do I need a referral? Back to top

You don't need a referral to come and visit us. Simply call your local ihear clinic and arrange an appointment for a time that suits you.