Hearing Aid Specialist in Auckland.
Acoustix is an independent Auckland hearing clinic and we work with cutting edge hearing aid technology brands such as Widex, Signia, Phonak, Oticon, GN ReSound, Starkey etc. Our commitment is to you and your hearing, not to a specific manufacturer. Each hearing aid is fitted and programmed for your specific needs. So contact us, and we can establish which hearing aid is right for you.
How do hearing aids work? A hearing aid consists of a microphone, an amplifier and a loudspeaker, which transmits the optimized amplification into the ear, based on the degree of the hearing loss. A small zinc-air battery or a rechargeable battery powers the hearing aid.Hearing aids make a significant difference to people with hearing loss. By hearing better, your ability to communicate better with family and friends will dramatically improve.
Development in digital signal processing technology and advanced electronic design has led to hearing aids becoming much smaller and more sophisticated, made from miniaturised, complex and compact electronics.
Development in digital signal processing technology and advanced electronic design has led to hearing aids becoming much smaller and more sophisticated, made from miniaturised, complex and compact electronics.
When providing hearing aids our focus is on performance, ease of use and affordability. Hearing aids should be easy to use with minimal maintenance required to maintain consistent performance.
Types of hearing aids
Hearing aids come in different types and styles with numerous models and features. The primary types of hearing aids are Receiver-In-Canal (RIC), Behind-The-Ear (BTE), In-The-Ear (ITE), In-The-Canal (ITC) and Completely-In-Canal (CIC). Some hearing aids are so small in style that when worn, they are virtually invisible because they either fit neatly inside your ear canal or behind your ear.We will fit and trial you with hearing aids that you prefer and will provide the most benefit to you. We offer a one-month trial period with full support, advice and fine tuning to ensure optimum performance from your hearing aids.When you are fitted with hearing aids for the first time, there will be an acclimatisation period to help you with adapting to better hearing. Follow up visits are necessary for assessing the level of improvement and outcome, as well as providing the opportunity for adjustments to your hearing aids, and to meet your specific requirements as best as possible.
Can a hearing aid stop tinnitus?
Hearing aids cannot stop or cure tinnitus. When there is hearing loss present that benefits from aiding, the amplification from the hearing aids may provide relief from internal noise symptoms caused by tinnitus. Some hearing aids have added features that may help further alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus or ringing in the ears.Side effects
As a new wearer of hearing aids, you may experience some side effects as you get used to wearing them. A common side effect is the difficulty at first adjusting to sounds in the environment around you that haven't been heard in a while, slight physical irritation or itching in the ear canal because it is not used to, and possibly slight acoustic feedback. A slight headache may occur from wearing hearing aids for the first time. It signals an overload of auditory information, which is best managed by giving yourself a break from wearing your hearing aids for a few hours, and then trying again. Other mentioned side effects are commonly caused by not wearing them correctly. These can be avoided or fixed, so talk to us about it.There are different types and styles of hearing aids, depending on severity of hearing impairment, physiology of the ear, its condition, and of course one’s personal preference. In conjunction with your Audiometrist's expertise, choosing the right hearing aid will reduce the risk of undesirable side effects.
How many hours a day should you wear hearing aids?
It depends. For those new to hearing aids, it can be an overwhelming process at first to retrain your brain to process auditory information that it hasn’t heard in a long time. Therefore taking the time to transition with an adjustment period will be key to successfully wearing hearing aids, eventually all day long, and avoid the frustration, keeping them in their case or in the drawer at home.As well as this, working closely with your Audiometrist will ensure that they are working properly for you, improving your hearing and ability to effectively communicate with others around you.
Once you are accustomed to wearing hearing aids, we recommend following a schedule advised by our Audiometrist. However, in most cases, wearing hearing aids all day will help to stimulate the brain, keeping it healthy. If you do start to experience pain or physical discomfort, it is important that you contact a hearing specialist as soon as possible.
Trials
When you trial hearing aids, there is no obligation to purchase. However, a fee for clinical time will apply, and any cost for non-returnable custom ear moulds for Receiver-In-Canal or Behind-The-Ear hearing aids may apply. We will advise you of this prior to commencing your hearing aid trial.Our Process
Our process involves a detailed assessment of your hearing loss and individual hearing needs. We take into account your manual dexterity and visual ability, both of which may become less than perfect with age. Then there is the precise fitting of the hearing aid. We will make sure that it is physically comfortable and helping you to hear better in a variety of different listening situations and environments.Cost of Hearings Aids
All hearing aids are not created equal. Prices for hearing aids differ and are generally determined by the different features and benefits that each hearing aid brand and model provides. A hearing aid can cost upwards of $1800 (one side only) and will be dependent on the technology level, sound quality, features and level of personalisation you need or require. As a rule of thumb, newer models and latest technologies are priced higher than older models.Buying a hearing aid can be a substantial investment. To make this easier we have partnered up with businesses who offer affordable finance, subject to normal lending criteria, to ensure that everyone who requires our help has the opportunity with the help of flexible payment options. As with any type of financial arrangement, it is important for our customers to understand the exact nature of the commitment that is made as part of any consumer finance contract. By understanding and accepting the terms and conditions associated with any lending institution, the customer is pledging the ability to repay within agreed terms, and that they have every intention of complying with each component or section of the loan agreement. It is in the best interest of the customer to seek the most suitable finance arrangement, while taking care to avoid any situation that will place an undue amount of stress onto their resources.
Hearing Aid Accessories & Consumables
In addition to hearing aids there are several choices of hearing aid accessories available to further enhance the performance of your hearing aids, especially when it comes to watching television or DVD movies, hearing conversations clearer on phones, or when reduced dexterity starts to make the operation of your hearing aids more challenging. Hearing aid accessories such as Widex TV-Play, Widex TV-DEX, Widex UNI-DEX, Widex RC-DEX, Phonak DECT phone, Siemens E-charger, can be viewed, tried and purchased at our clinic. Please note that some hearing aid accessories require pairing with your hearing aids to optimise functioning. We will take care of this for you. Some hearing aid accessories are ready-to-go.Hearing aids require regular maintenance and use of hearing aid consumables to maintain consistent performance. Hearing aid batteries, rechargeable hearing aid batteries, hearing aid wax guards, moisture prevention, hearing aid domes and hearing aid tubes are available from our clinic or online store.
Unbiased & Independent Advice
We recommend hearing aids and hearing aid accessories without being biased towards any one brand. We work with all major brands available on the market.For example; Phonak, Signia, Widex, Oticon, GNResound, Starkey, to name just a few. Let us know if you have a specific request for any preferred brand or model.
Hearing Aid Maintenance
Hearing aids are small devices and when worn, are frequently exposed to moisture, perspiration, ear wax and other debris which can easily accumulate around the sound outlet, sound inlet or become trapped in the tiny spaces and crevices of your hearing aids' housing. In addition to keeping the hearing aids clean, wearers must take care of their ears and keep them clean too.Keeping your hearing aids clean and well maintained, and understanding how to do this, will lessen the need for frequent repairs. Because of their small form factor, hearing aids contain highly sophisticated components, and like with any other devices, they may require to be repaired from time to time. Regular servicing of your hearing aids will help to keep them functioning efficiently. So when you hear an increased amount of feedback, whistling or static, find that the volume is fluctuating or any other general interferences that impact on your ability to use the hearing aid properly please to contact us.
Hearing Aid Repairs & Services
It is important to note that you should never try to repair your hearing aids yourself. Without the necessary expert training, skill and tools needed to successfully repair a hearing aid, your attempt to fix it yourself may cause irreparable damage instead, which can end up costing you a lot more.At Acoustix Hearing, we have more than two decades of experience in repairing most popular brands and models. Subject to the state and condition of your hearing aid, we are able to verify the performance of your hearing aid with the help of a modern hearing aid analyzer. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid wearers should regularly have the tubing of their custom earmould checked for discolouration, and to see if it is loose, stiff or brittle. In most situations we are able to replace the worn earmould tubing while you wait. Minor repairs may be carried out on-site and while you wait and if we find that a major repair is required, we will return the hearing aid to the manufacturer for repair and servicing. Since most hearing aid manufacturers offer standard repair charges, we can in most cases inform you right away of the likely cost involved, or if you prefer instead provide you with a quote first.
Are hearing aids covered by medical or health insurance?
Medical or Health insurance provider do not cover the cost for the physical hearing aids but they may cover the consultations getting hearing aids. We advise checking your medical or health insurance policy or getting in touch with your insurance provider to see what they will cover.Are hearing aids covered by home and contents insurance?
A Home and Contents insurance policy may cover lost or accidentally damaged hearing aids that are beyond economical repair. Check with your Home and Contents insurance provider who will provide clarification on this.ACC - Accident Compensation Corporation
If eligible, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government compensation scheme which provides partial funding for hearing aids to New Zealanders and New Zealand residents who have acquired a hearing loss through: Long term exposure to noise through their occupation and work environment Exposure to loud level impulse noise eg an explosion Physical trauma to their hearing through an accident If evident and approved, ACC will determine their level of partial funding towards the cost for hearing aids, required accessories, batteries, maintenance and repairs.Lodging a claim with ACC: A claim form must be completed by your GP and forwarded to ACC. ACC then issues a claim number to the claimant and arranges for an ENT appointment (Ear, Nose & Throat specialist) for a medical opinion which may include a further audiological assessment. The necessary reports are completed by the ENT specialist and Audiologist and forwarded to ACC. After ACC assesses the claim and the reports, a decision is made, and the claimant is notified of the outcome. If the claim is accepted, ACC sends information and forms to be completed by the claimant. These forms detail the claimant's entitlements and ask for a preference of Audiologist or hearing clinic. It should be noted that at times legislation can change, so do call ACC on 0800 101 996 if you require further information.
Government Funding and Subsidy
This type of government funding through the Ministry of Health is available to New Zealanders and New Zealand residents, aged 16 years and over, who require hearing aids and who also have complex needs such as: severe long-term hearing loss since childhoodonset of sudden and severe hearing loss during adulthood dual disability such as deaf/blind or hearing loss and an intellectual disabilityAdults, aged 16 years and over, who require hearing aids and are holders of a valid community services card, may be eligible for funding for hearing aids if they meet the following criteria: They are working full time - the person must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week They are studying full time - student must be aged 21 years and older They do voluntary work greater than 20 hours per week They care full time for a dependent person The process is as follows: You will pay for the initial hearing assessment and for a portion of the hearing aid cost. We require a letter from your employer confirming your full time employment or confirmation from your educational institute of your full time enrollment or training which we need to submit with your application. Please provide your National Health Index number (NHI) if available. Your GP may be able to provide you with this information. Once completed, we will submit your application to Enable, who will acknowledge your application, process it and once funding has become available, will notify us to proceed with fitting you with hearing aids. The application is made in the knowledge that: You are a New Zealander or New Zealand resident. You have a hearing disability which is likely to continue for a minimum of 6 months and you do not have any entitlement to payment through the Accident Insurance Act (ACC) 1998. You care for your hearing aids and additional equipment received and carry out all routine maintenance.
If you are not sure whether any of the above applies to you please contact us to discuss your situation.
If you do not qualify for any other funding, a Government hearing aid subsidy of $511.11 (incl GST) is provided to New Zealanders and New Zealand residents towards the cost of each hearing aid. This subsidy is available when purchasing hearing aids for the first time and every 6 years thereafter for replacement hearing aids.