Profile FAQ Find Us Links My Address: 10 Owens Rd, Epsom PO Box 28362 Remuera Phone Numbers: Fax: +64 (09) 631 0478 Ph: +64 (09) 520 7000 Mobile: 021 845 463 Enquiries: Email Me What do hearing aids cost? The cost of a hearing aid depends on the level of technology, the size and style of the hearing aid and its features .As a registered audiologist, I am able to claim on your behalf, the Government subsidy valued at $198 per ear ($396 for a binaural fitting). Typically a single digital aid would cost between $1000.00 and $3500.00 (incl GST). In most cases binaural (ie two ears) fittings are recommended. A pair of digital hearing aids would cost between $1800 and $6500(Incl GST). The most expensive hearing aids are generally those that have recently been released and boast many special features such as directional microphones, remote control units or very small size. Do Hearing aids need batteries? Yes. These are available from a number of sources such as pharmacies, The Warehouse or supermarkets.They are easily changed yourself, and many hearing aids emit a warning "beep" to alert you to the approaching need for battery replacement. What is the cost of a hearing examination? A full comprehensive hearing assessment and consultation costs $80.00 (incl GST). This would include a report back to your GP if requested. This is carried out by the Audiologist in order to assess the degree and configuration of your hearing loss, to assess the quality of hearing for speech, and some diagnostic procedures will be performed to ascertain whether the loss migh be amenable to medical or surgical intervention or perhaps be associated with some other pathology. Should the assessment lead to the fitting of hearing aids, the assessment fee is waived. How do I know which hearing aids are the best ? This is best done in consultation with the audiologist and after the hearing assessment. Brochures, internet research and the comments of other users may well be of value but in the end your hearing needs are quite individual. A balance may need to be established between desired hearing aid features and your budget. Digital or Analogue hearing aids? This question has become easier to answer in recent years as nearly all hearing aids are now digital. Digital technology means that the hearing aids "think".Rather than just amplifying everything that comes along digital hearing aids process the incoming sound in an attempt to favour speech over noise, and to give more clarity to the quieter and more distant sounds. This often means automatic volume controls, and in the most sophisticated aids, some tracking of the speech signal to assist in hearing when background noise is present. What is an Audiologist? An Audiologist is a qualified hearing specialist with postgraduate qualifications in Audiology. In New Zealand we must be full members of the New Zealand Audiological Society to engage in all aspects of clinical Audiology. Membership of the NZAS requires of us an ongoing committment to continuing education by attending a number of audiological conferences and symposia every year, and by submitting our clinical work to review by our peers. So I need hearing aids...what is the procedure? After the assessment and consultation, the audiologist discusses the various options appropriate to your case including the costs of those options. Once you are in a position to decide on which option to pursue, impressions will be taken of one or both of your ears. This is necessary whether you are opting for Behind the ear(BTE) aids, or the smallest Completely in the Canal (CIC) styles of hearing aids.All hearing aids (with the exception of a newly released BTE to suit mild industrial deafness) have a custom made part to fit in your ear. The impressions are sent off to the hearing aid or earmould laboratory, and an appointment for fitting is made for approximately 2 weeks time. The fitting appointment involves the checking of the fit of the hearing aid(s) and the programming of the aid(s) to suit you particular loss. Operating instructions will be carefully gone over with you.Payment for the hearing aids is required at the time of fitting. After the fitting a 2-week trial period commences . At the end of that period the first of perhaps a number of fine tuning visits back to the clinic is required. If the aids prove to be unsatisfactory, they may be returned for a refund (less consultation costs) or alternate aids may be selected with the process starting over again. Is the any financial help available? You might be entitled to assistance because of your job,being a full time student, your past noise exposure history and or war service.These should best be discussed at the assessment appointment. Member All Content, ©Copyright 2004. Auckland Audiology Ltd.