Hearing loss is very common and it effects people of all ages. There are many reasons for hearing loss including hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear disease. Hearing loss becomes more common as we age. Research shows increased severity of hearing loss is correlated to increased memory loss and dementia.
The post Directory: List of Ear Nurses for Ear Wax Removal appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
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Sometimes wax accumulates in the ear canal. This needs to be removed before a hearing assessment. An ear nurse is the best professional to see for this. An ear nurse is the best professional to do this.
Note: We do not do wax removal by suction at Auckland Hearing, we are an Audiology clinic – this list is for your information.
Please scroll down to find the details for your closest Ear Nurse Specialist and contact them directly.
At Auckland Hearing, we provide audiological services like hearing tests and fitting hearing aids. You must see an ear nurse specialist who will remove wax from your ears. At this stage, we do not have an ear nurse working from our Auckland Hearing rooms.
Before testing your hearing at Auckland Hearing we will look in your ears to check your ear canals and eardrums are healthy and free of wax. If your ears are blocked with wax we need to organise to have it removed before beginning the hearing test.
When your ears are blocked with wax it will affect the hearing test results, as we are trying to find out the very
quietest sounds you can hear. If they are only partially blocked (and the wax is deep in your ear canal) we may still ask you to have it removed. This is because we use insert earphones to test your hearing and would not like to push wax further down your ear canal towards your eardrum.
If you have hearing aids or are thinking about getting them, a partial wax blockage is also likely to affect the way they work (possibly causing acoustic feedback or reducing the available sound ).
If you need wax removed, we recommend you see an ear nurse.
Why do I get wax in my ear?
Our ear canals have specialized cells that produce cerumen, commonly known as ear wax. Ear wax is our natural ear cleaner, it also lubricates our ears and has an antibacterial function.
How does ear wax clean our ears?
The skin on our bodies is replaced and regenerated constantly. For most of our bodies, the old skin comes off on our clothes or when we dry ourselves with a towel. We do not usually have contact with the skin in our ear canals so it is the job or the ear wax to escort the old skin cells out and away.
The skin in your ear canal naturally grows in an outward, spiral pattern. Your natural jaw movement like talking and chewing keep the process moving. Dead skin cells stick to the wax and they migrate slowly and constantly from deep in our ear canal – near the eardrum – to the entrance of the ear. For most people ear wax clears by itself with a normal face and hair washing.
Then why do I have wax in my ears?
Some people have ear wax accumulation over time; they may have a narrow or bendy ear canal or their natural wax system may not be working so well (perhaps from using cotton buds in their ears). Also sometimes using hearing aids or earplugs may cause wax build up as the ear canal is blocked and the wax cannot migrate out all the way. An ear nurse specialist is the best professional to see if you need wax removed.
Getting it out…
People are often tempted to use cotton buds or other items to clear their ears. This can push the wax further down the canal, further impacting the wax or may even push it onto the eardrum – which is very uncomfortable. It is also possible to puncture the eardrum, which is very painful and can have long-lasting effects.
Why should I see an ear nurse specialist?
An ear nurse will offer you safe removal of ear wax or other debris blocking the ear canal using a microscope and gentle micro-suction. Suctioning is less traumatic than syringing and has a lower risk of infection. Ear nurse specialists are trained in ear health.
What if I get the wax out and I still can’t hear well?
A wax blockage can cause hearing loss because it can act as an earplug and stop sound passing through your ear canal to your eardrum. Sometimes taking the wax out, can help you to hear better. However, if there is a gap through to the eardrum sound will be passing through normally. Please contact us at Auckland Hearing if you are still not hearing well enough after that wax has been taken out. We will do a hearing assessment, and we can let you know what to do next.
Ear nurse directory
Central Auckland
Lesley Tuck
155 Remuera Rd, Remuera
Adults $50 ACC & War Veterans – no surcharge
Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursdays
Ph: 09 529-5550 mb 0273 500 004
East and South Auckland
Debby Sandow
50 O’Halloran Road Howick 2014
Home visits available in Howick or Pakuranga
Debby can see children
Fee: $45.00
ACC & War Veterans – no surcharge
Ph 0274 427040
Carol Lazarus – Ear Nurse Specialist
Takanini – Mondays
26 Balgowan Terrace, Conifer Grove
Pakuranga/ Takanini – alt. Fridays 10 am to 4 pm
170 King Street / 26 Balgowan Terrace, Conifer Grove
Ph: 0800 111 565 or Mb 021 1658 556
South Auckland Ears – Ian Fitzgerald
Counties Medical building, 6 O’Shannessey Street
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings: 4 pm until 7.20pm
Saturday: 8.20 to 1.20pm
Fees: $50.00 adults, $45.00 seniors, $35.00 children.
Phone or text Ian on 021 540 535
North and West
Nurse Specialist Ear Clinic – Margaret Couillault
Health – I Care Medical Centre Building,
215 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley
Ph: 09 634 0893
Book online
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Professional Ear care – Barbara Middleton and Kahn Bury
Westcare Specialist Centre, 1 Moselle Avenue or off 131 Lincoln Road, HendersonClinic days:
Tuesdays 9 am to 4 pm with Barbara Vail Middleton CNS Otology
Fridays from 8.30 am to 4 pm with Kahn Bury, Ear Nurse Specialist.
Fees: First Visit – $55.00; Gold card holders – $50.00; Follow up – $50.00; Examination only – $45; Tertiary Students – $40.00; Children – $40; War Pension and ACC Hearing Aid clients are free as the costs are claimed through those departments or Associations; IHC Clients & special Olympians are free
Ph: 09 834 4446
Auckland Wide
Carol Lazarus – Ear Nurse Specialist
Please call for an appointment
Ph: 0800 111 565 or Mb 021 1658 556
Mon: Pukekohe/Takanini
Tues: Henderson/Henderson
Wed: Papakura/Takanini
Thurs: Manukau/Takanini
Fri: Pakuranga/Howick
These are alternating weeks, 9am-4:30pm
Auckland DHB Ear Clinics- (Children ONLY)
The ear nurse service is available (and free) to all children living in the Auckland District Health Board area. The area is bordered by Point Chevalier, Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, Otahuhu, Mt Wellington, Glen Innes, The Eastern Bays and The Gulf Islands.
There are two options to access this service.
- Ear Clinic Greenlane Clinical Centre (9am to 2:30pm)
- Mobile Ear Clinic – which visits some schools in the area.
Services provided by Mobile Ear Clinics are:
- Glue ear assessment and management
- Wax/foreign-body removal
- Grommets checks
- Treatment of discharging ear(s)
- NB: NO hearing tests are performed in the Mobile Ear Clinic.
To make an appointment:
Who Can Refer: General Practitioners, medical or educational personnel, parents/caregivers.
- Call: please phone Starship community (09) 639 0200
- Non-urgent: written referral to Central Referral Centre, Building 10, Ground Floor, Greenlane Clinical Centre
- Acute referral e.g. chronic suppurating otitis media: fax referral toAudiology, Greenlane Clinical Centre at (09) 630 9751
“Do I need hearing aids?”
Well… “Do you need hearing aids?” Hearing loss is common Many people wear hearing aids Have you noticed them? Hearing aids have changed significantly over the last few years and continue to change at a great rate. Like phones, computers… READ MORE
- Ear wax removal – Auckland Ear Nurses
- Quiet new hearing clinic
- Hearing aids – Your decision
- Getting Hearing Aids – The Process
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You may be able to get funding for hearing aids through ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). So how do you apply for ACC hearing aid funding?
You may qualify for ACC hearing aid funding if you:
- have had an accident in New Zealand that caused hearing loss in one or both ears
- have worked in a noisy environment in New Zealand and you believe that it caused your hearing loss.
ACC provides three levels of funding
The level of ACC hearing aid funding for each claimant is decided by assessing each individuals situation and attributing how much of the hearing loss is due to the accident or noise exposure.
ACC hearing aid funding for both ears (Binaural)
- Level 1 – $ 3157.90 (incl GST)
- Level 2 – $3904.40 (incl GST)
- Level 3 – $4953.05 (incl GST)
ACC hearing aid funding for one ear (Monaural)
- Level 1 – $ 1873.35 (incl GST)
- Level 2 – $ 2247.10 (incl GST)
- Level 3 – $ 2770.93 (incl GST)
How to apply for ACC hearing aid funding
- See you GP – Your GP will send the ACC45 form to ACC
The ACC hearing aid funding process starts with a visit to your GP. Your GP will need to apply to ACC on your behalf.
- Fill out and return forms to ACC
ACC will send you a pack with information and some forms to fill in and send back to them. They will ask about your accident or work history.
- Audiologist Assessment
ACC will send you a request to see an Audiologist for a full diagnostic hearing assessment. Please give us a call at Auckland Hearing; we will make you an appointment. We will do a full diagnostic hearing test and fill in the forms to send them back to ACC. ACC covers the cost of this hearing test.
- ENT specialist appointment
ACC will make you an appointment to see an ENT specialist. They will decide how much of your hearing loss is due to noise and how much is from other things, i.e. age. ACC covers the cost of this appointment.
- ACC Hearing aid funding
ACC will make their decision and send you a letter letting you know at which level of funding you have qualified.
- Hearing needs assessment
We will see you again at Auckland Hearing for a need assessment appointment to decide which hearing aids are best for you.
- Fully funded hearing aids
We can provide fully funded hearing aids at all funding levels, or you can top up to other hearing aids if you choose to.
More information
In 2014 funding was changed and improved for ACC claimants here are some more details about the current ACC funding system.
How to order your ACC funded hearing aids batteries
If you do not feel ACC is the right path for you, please check out the other hearing aid funding options in New Zealand.
Getting started with your ACC application
If you are not sure about whether you could be eligible for an ACC claim or would like more information, please make an appointment for a free hearing check and discuss your options and the way forward.
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“Perceived need*” is the main reason for the
slow uptake of hearing aids for some people.
*The perception that hearing loss is not severe enough
Why? – because people adjust
Gradually over time, the person with the hearing loss adjusts to not being able to hear, and the people around them change by speaking louder and directly to them. Eventually, as communication as it gets too hard, friends and family start choosing to share less. They stop telling jokes or sharing inconsequential news and discuss only significant matters.
Hearing loss is “invisible”. It is also sneaky…
Hearing loss is usually gradual: first, you have to concentrate harder to follow the conversation in a cafe, next socialising becomes tiring from all the extra effort you need to use to understand the banter; soon you mis-hear the directions and find yourself asking for repeats.
Eventually, people take one of two paths:
- To withdraw into your own world, keep to yourself or stop going out
- to become the life of the party because while you are talking, it doesn’t matter if you cannot hear… right?
What brought you to this page?
- Have you noticed that you have been missing the details more often?
- Are you struggling to follow along in a group conversation?
- Or – have other people suggested that you don’t always hear them?
Hearing loss affects people of all ages. There are many reasons for hearing loss including hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear pathology. Hearing loss does become more common as we age due.
Hearing loss is invisible
Hearing loss is painless
Hearing loss is gradual
Hearing loss is sneaky
In the beginning, hearing loss takes away…
- The beginning of the sentence,
- The little details,
- The punchline…
With time hearing loss may…
- … increase mental fatigue – as you concentrate harder just to follow along- leaving you feeling exhausted at the end of the day
- … begin to erode your confidence – as you are no longer sure about what was said
- … cause you to ask for repeats – when you miss the first word
- … lead you to feel embarrassed about missing the details or about having to ask for repeats too often
- … make you feel less interested in socialising, choosing to stay home as it is easier that way.
The gradual nature of hearing loss means that we adapt over time. We change our behaviour, we choose our environments and slowly our relationships change as everyone adapts to the change in our hearing.
Hearing loss is invisible and sneaky.
As it changes, we adjust.
Gradually it affects personality and relationships.
Hearing loss changes us over time.
Maree O’Sullivan
Effects of hearing loss on you
Having hearing loss does not usually mean that you stop hearing all sounds equally; the hearing loss pattern will depend on the cause of the hearing loss. In many cases, hearing loss begins in the high pitches leaving the hearing for low tones in the normal range. Words will start to sound dull or become less clear, resulting in a reduced understanding of speech, especially in difficult listening situations. For example, in a group of people, hearing while the TV or radio are on in the background or trying to understand conversation in a large echoey room. Although for some types of hearing loss (conductive) people hear well in noisy environments, where people are speaking loudly but cannot understand quiet speech.
The way you respond to reducing hearing clarity will depend on your personality, the degree and shape of your hearing loss and how long your hearing has been deteriorating. Most people with hearing loss find it tiring to follow the conversation, as their brain has to work harder to fill in all the sound gaps that they miss –
“…now was that See or Tea? Must be Tea – that makes more sense.”
This is called auditory fatigue.
Often people find the tiredness from auditory fatigue gets worse at the end of the day. It can be harder to keep up with fast conversation, especially in a group or if people are facing away.
Many people tell me that they have felt embarrassed by their hearing loss at some point, either because they have misunderstood someone or they felt embarrassed asking for repeats. Some people find it easier to step back from the intense concentration they need to use to stay in the conversation and slip into their own thoughts. Others will talk more, as when you are talking you do not need to hear. Unfortunately, both of these options lead to a change in relationships over time.
Impact of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss impact varies between individuals and is influenced by many factors including degree and cause of hearing disorders, length of untreated hearing loss and personality. We know hearing disorders leads to social isolation, personality change and in some people increases the chance of anxiety and depression. Studies have also found a strong link between hearing disorders and the development of dementia. This US article outlines the effects of untreated hearing disorder in adults.
It takes up to 10 years to seek help with hearing loss
So why do we wait to do something about Hearing disorders?
- Hearing loss is invisible
- Hearing loss is gradual
- People are great at adapting to their situation and change in hearing
- Family members help to compensate
- There is a history of stigma around hearing aids
- There is a history of poor technology in hearing aids
- We “just get on with it…”
- Change is hard! … and takes motivation
- We don’t understand what is involved in getting and using hearing aids…
- What is the process of getting hearing aids?
- What is the cost of hearing aids?
- What is the right hearing solution for me?
- Do I need to wear them all the time?
- How do I look after hearing aids?
Do you think you may have hearing loss?
Are you ready to take the first step?
The first step is to have a full hearing assessment. This will assess your hearing level as well as pinpoint where in the ear the hearing loss originates. Hearing loss may be described as:
- Conductive – where there is a blockage stopping the sound from reaching the cochlear (outer or middle ear)
- Sensorineural – where the cochlear is not able to detect all the sounds
- Retrocochlear – where sound cannot be processed by the brain due to a blockage along the hearing pathway.
- An auditory processing disorder (APD) – where the brain cannot process the sound it detects.
The discussion after the hearing assessment will give you knowledge and understanding about your hearing and how it affects your life at the moment. If you are ready and interested, we will talk to you about the options we have for helping you with your hearing and what is involved. We will discuss the hearing aid funding options available for you. We will even fit you with some hearing aids, and you can go next door to the cafe for a cup of coffee while you try them out. From here, it is up to you to decide your next step.
Hearing aids are the most common and effective way to help people with hearing loss (after excluding medical reasons). However, before trialling hearing aids, it is important that you are ready in yourself, to go through the hearing aid process. It must be your decision, not someone else’s…
So… what was it that brought you to this page?
I hope this article helped you gain a greater understanding of hearing loss and its effects. Maybe the subject could be rephrased. Rather than the question being “Do I need hearing aids?” Perhaps, the question could be “Would I like to communicate easily with the people that matter to me?”
-
Do you want to converse easily? -
Do you want hearing aids?
“Do I need hearing aids?”
Well… “Do you need hearing aids?” Do you want to be part of the conversation?
Hearing loss is common. Many people wear hearing aids. Have you noticed them?
The post Do I have hearing loss? Do I need hearing aids? appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
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This graph shows the results from a study by the National Foundation of the Deaf called Social and economic costs of hearing loss in New Zealand (published in December 2016).
Hearing loss is usually gradual. In the beginning, hearing loss takes away the beginning of the sentence, the little details and the punchline. With time hearing loss may increase mental fatigue – as you concentrate harder just to follow along. It can begin to erode your confidence – as you are no longer sure about what was said and it can lead you to feel embarrassed about missing the details or about having to ask for repeats too often.
The gradual nature of hearing loss means that we adapt over time. We change our behaviour, we choose our environments and slowly our relationships change as everyone adapts to a change in our hearing. Often hearing loss leads people to socialise less, which can lead to less overall activity. Hearing loss is also linked to memory loss and dementia (or cognitive decline).
Hearing loss is invisible and sneaky.
As hearing changes, we adjust.
Gradually it effects personality and relationships.
Hearing loss changes us over time.
Maree O’Sullivan (Audiologist)
Hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia
In 2013, Frank R. Lin, MD, Ph.D conducted a study on the topic of hearing loss and cognitive decline. The study observed 1,984 adults over the course of six years, tracking the progression of their hearing loss in relation to their cognitive function. He found that there is little doubt that hearing loss is a factor affecting loss of mental acuity in older adults.
The study found that the people with more severe hearing loss, had a greater likelihood of developing a cognitive disorder, and an increased decline in mental function. Even subjects with mild hearing loss were found more likely to experience cognitive difficulties like memory loss and dementia, it is also linked to increased falls.
The exact link between hearing loss and cognitive decline is not yet fully understood and current studies are focusing on this question. It is possible that is due to increased “cognitive load”, where the brain is overwhelmed with demands on its limited resources. Concentrating hard to follow the conversation means we have fewer resources for other things like memory and maintaining balance.
“Communicating when you have a hearing loss, takes up lot of brain power. It’s a bit like a computer that runs slower when there is a large program running in the background.” says Maree O’Sullivan, Audiologist from Auckland Hearing.
There is evidence that the part of the brain that was used by the hearing system gets reallocated and is used by the visual system in people with hearing loss. “Declines in hearing abilities may also accelerate grey matter atrophy and increase the listening effort necessary to comprehend speech. Hearing aids may not only improve hearing but preserve the brain,” said Dr. Lin.
Hearing aids may help reduce memory loss and cognitive decline
As evidence continues to mount that hearing loss is a contributing factor in the development of memory loss and dementia, it is imperative to consider the profound consequences of ignoring hearing loss. People with hearing loss on average wait ten years from when they are first diagnosed before they seek treatment; even though the sooner hearing loss is detected and treatment begins, the more hearing ability can be preserved. “Considering early diagnosis and medical intervention of hearing loss slows the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, it is more important than ever for patients to get their hearing loss treated sooner rather than later,” said Maree O’Sullivan – Audiologist at Auckland Hearing.
Research has shown that people that wear hearing aids do not show the same cognitive decline as those who don’t. However, although there is a definite co-relation, Dr Frank Lin and his team are not prepared to assume causation. This means that we can not assume that wearing hearing aids reduces cognitive decline. This is because the reduced cognitive decline measured may, in fact, be due to other factors, for example, education levels or socioeconomic factors that may lead some people to get hearing aids and others to choose not to. A very large study is currently underway by Frank Lin and his team to clarify whether wearing hearing aids protect from memory loss and dementia when taking into account other factors.
At Auckland Hearing we see positive change in our clients after they get hearing aids, anecdotal evidence that hearing aids keep you active. We often measure improvement in our client’s ability to understand speech (using speech perception testing), once people with hearing loss start wearing their hearing aids all day every day. Human brains have plasticity which means they are continually adapting. Once people retrain their brains by exposing them to sound every day they hear better, interact more and are more full part of their world.
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In my experience, most people like milk with their tea. Some people enjoy sugar in their coffee. Sometimes I prefer herbal tea. Have you thought about how you would like your hearing aids?
Like computers, tablets and phones, hearing aid technology is improving quickly. Hearing aids have more and more functions and features which fit into tiny packages that sit in or behind your ear. Current hearing aids do more than compensate for hearing loss with amplification. They are small computers that measure your sound environment then modify the way they amplify to maximize your hearing clarity.
When getting hearing aids we need to consider the technology level and functionality that will best compensate for your hearing loss; as well as the other features and additional technology you might find useful to make life easier.
Getting the right hearing aids for you
Good core hearing aid functionality is key to success. Choosing the correct level of amplification, fitting to your ear and technology level for your hearing needs must be guided carefully by your Audiologist. Follow this link for more details about how we go about assessing your listening needs.
Once we have decided on the right hearing aid technology for you, we can consider the added features that are available. These can help with ease of use, connectivity and better hearing in specific listening environments. These features are available at most technology levels. Once we have decided on the right hearing aids for you we can decide if you would like any additional technology to go along with them.
How would you like your hearing aids?
Hearing aid style and cosmetics
Finding the most discrete hearing aids is a priority for many new hearing aid users. Cosmetics, of course, has to be balanced with comfort, reliability and and sound quality.
Receiver in the canal (RIC)
The most commonly fitted style of hearing aids in recent times is the Receiver In the Canal (RIC), also known as the Receiver In The Ear (RITE) / (RIE). These hearing aids have a relatively small hearing aid that sits behind the ear, the receiver (loud speaker) sits in the ear.
An advantage of these hearing aids is that the receiver can be changed to a more powerful one if there is a change in hearing or replaced if they breakdown (at a significantly lower repair cost). These can be fitted with universal fit domes or custom moulds. There are many behind the ear styles available with various tubing options.
In the canal hearing aids (IICs, CICs and ITEs)
Some people prefer not the have anything sitting behind their ear. There are various size options depending on client priorities including Invisible in the Canal (IIC) hearing aids, Completely in the Canal (CICs) and In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids. Most brands have these hearing aid styles available. They have historically come with trade offs in comfort and reliability (as you may have an electronic device deep inside your ear); however these issues improved dramatically over the past few years. There are many in the ear styles available.
Control your hearing aids with an app
In an ideal world hearing aids measure the sound environment, highlight the sound you want to hear and bring it to you with increased clarity. In most cases hearing aids do this well. However, sometimes you may want to adjust the hearing aid sound for the environment you are in. You may want to hear the person who is speaking from behind you, like in a car; you may want to appreciate the nuances of music or you may want to hear well in a particularly reverberant (echoy) room.
In these cases you may want to change the way the hearing aids are working; adjust the volume, or focus on sound for a particular direction. This is where a remote control app may come in handy. Apps usually give you the option to change your hearing aid volume, program setting and in some cases pitch and adjust how the hearing aids respond in noise.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries in hearing aids have been available for a number of years. Within the last year we have seen a surge of new rechargeable hearing aids from more manufacturers with improved battery life. The 3 main reasons to choose rechargeable hearing aids:
- Simplicity – Just pick up your hearing aids and put them on in the morning and at night put them back in the charger. No need to open battery doors to turn them off or having batteries run out unexpectedly.
- The environment – many people are aware of the waste they create when they dispose of used hearing aid batteries every week or two. We do not have a hearing aid battery recycling system in New Zealand, so they go into landfill.
- Less cost and hassle– although the battery charger costs a little more at the beginning there is an overall cost saving when choosing rechargeable hearing aids. There is also the added convenience of not having to think about buying batteries.
Connect directly to your phone
For those of us who rely on phone conversation, having our phone connect directly into our hearing aids makes the voices so much clearer and easier to hear. Direct to iPhone hearing aids a have been around for a few years and now available from many of the manufacturers. Users of direct to iPhone hearing aids can listen directly to phone calls as well as other audio produced by an iPhone or iPad.
Another built in advantage of the direct to iPhone technology is that your phone can be used as a remote microphone. Just put your iPhone at the other end of the table, or give it to the person with the quiet voice and the sound that reaches the iPhone microphone will be sent directly to your hearing aids.
Recently a direct to any phone hearing aid was launched by Phonak. This hearing allows direct connection to any phone with bluetooth 4.2 which includes android (and most older models). If you have an older phone, find out if your phone will work here with the Audéo B-Direct phone compatibility tool.
Use your phone hands free
These are the first hearing aids to allow true hands free talking. The phone can be sitting up to 5 metres away. You will hear it ring in your hearing aids and can answer it by pressing the button on the hearing aid. When you speak your voice is picked up by the hearing aids and sent back to phone. No need to pick up your phone at all, they are truly hands free.
Connect directly to media – Tv, computer, sound systems
Being able to connect your hearing aids directly to your TV, sound system or tablet means you will hear the sound a lot clearer the first time. Following the dialogue in movies and TV is so much easier. In most cases (other than direct to iPhone hearing aids) we need to add an intermediate device that sends the signal from your preferred audio device to your hearing aids.
Remote microphone technology
One of the biggest challenges for people with significant hearing loss, is hearing across distance. Speech understanding can be difficult over more than a few meters, even the best hearing aid technology. Follow this link and scroll down for a video demonstration of how remote microphone technology might help you.
Remote programming
There are many reasons that getting into the clinic to see your audiologist can be a challenge. Maybe you live a long way from the clinic, are not able to get to appointments during work hours or are home bound, for medical or transport reasons. If this describes you then we have a solution – Telecare audiology is now a reality.
Tele-audiology means that some of the hearing aid fitting process can be done from the comfort of your home or office. Once we have done a thorough hearing assessment and have fitted the hearing aids in the clinic we can do further follow ups from a distance. All you need is a smart phone and your hearing aids can be adjusted over the internet. Making the process of getting hearing aids easier than before.
So – how would you like your hearing aids?
Connectable?
Rechargeable?
Remote microphones?
Significant research and development in hearing aid technology means new hearing aids are being launched almost continually. As you can see there are many options to be considered when choosing hearing aids. It is important to consider how you would like your hearing aids to work for you. Our needs assessment will help steer you in the right direction to get the hearing aids that suit your lifestyle and listening needs best. Finding out about your preferences is an important part of choosing the right hearing aids for you.
At Auckland Hearing we keep up to date with new developments from all the manufacturers product lines. This is so we can choose the most up to date hearing aids that are best suited to your needs.
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As hearing loss increases in severity it makes conversation more difficult and stops us connecting with our friends and family. Some people need a simple solution that helps them hear their TV, listen to music and family and friends. The Set 900 by Sennheiser will help you hear music, family and the TV again.
Introducing the Set 900 by Sennheiser
This headset offers crystal clear audio in a lightweight, comfortable design. There are 3 setting to optimise speech understanding on the device and a large volume control that allows you to conveniently adjust volume without hassle.
The Set 900 by Sennheiser is simple to use, just place to your ears like a stethoscope and listen. Once you are finished place it back in the charging cradle to keep the battery charged.
This is deal for those wanting an easy way to keep communicating with family and friends but where manual dexterity or poor vision is getting in the way.
Three listening options
- Use the Set 900 by Sennheiser to follow the conversation with family and friends.
- Connect directly to the TV or music. By connecting the transmitter to your TV or sound system you can send the sound directly to the Set 900 receiver.
- At the theatre – your will get amplified stereo sound when you are out and about and in rooms equipped with infra-red technology (like the theatre).
Use immediately
To get started with your Set 900 by Sennheiser you just need to charge it then use it. No need for a hearing test or to travel to the clinic.
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]]>5 (100%) 2 votes
ACC covers the cost of accidents in New Zealand
ACC provides “comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New Zealand. This means you can apply for our help, no matter how you got injured, or whose fault it was” – ACC website – May 2014
ACC has been covering the cost of hearing habilitation for people who have hearing loss due to workplace noise or other accidents since the scheme began in 1974. Until 2011, ACC covered all costs associated with noise induced hearing loss. The system was changed and have contributed a smaller amount towards hearing devices and services, since then. In July 2014, ACC again reviewed their funding and here we outline the changes to the ACC hearing loss regulations and how it will help those with hearing loss due to noise or accident.
What’s new?
- A second opinion – ACC
will fund a consultation with another clinic before trialling your hearing aids - Increased ACC hearing aid payments
- A new flat fitting fee
- New funding for ear moulds
- Introduction of multiple repairs
- Better access to services for children.
ACC Hearing Loss Changes
More choice
Second device consultation – ACC will cover the cost of a second appointment with another hearing clinic or Audiologist to assess your needs and the best solution for you. This means that if you are not comfortable with your first recommendation for any reason, ie price you have the flexibility to seek other options.
More funding
More funding also gives you more options as you will have a greater range of hearing aids to choose from.
- Increased payments for hearing aids means there are now hearing aids that can be fitted at no extra cost to the ACC claimant “Free”. Or the top up amount will be a lot lower than with the previous funding criteria and giving the option of more sophisticated hearing aids.
- ACC have set a minimum fitting fee – this means that even if only a small portion of your hearing loss is attributed to noise (or accident) your fitting fee is covered by ACC.
Better follow up
ACC will cover the cost of more repairs up the the maximum of $234.09 for each aid within a 2 year period.
Ear moulds – ACC will contribute to the cost of new ear moulds, if they are needed, over the course of the hearing aid life time (must be more than 1 year after the aids were first fitted.)
History of ACC and Hearing support
Prior to January 2011 ACC covered the full cost of hearing aids and accessories, batteries, repairs, as well as annual hearing assessments and hearing aid adjustments. This meant that ACC claimants got first class service. ACC claimants had the ability to use hearing aids that met their needs as well as exceptional follow up and maintenance all covered by ACC.
Unfortunately as the ACC claimants increased in numbers. Due to better technology and more hearing loss among tradesmen (who had historically not protected their hearing), the cost became too great for ACC to maintain.
In early 2011 the ACC hearing loss policy was changed in a number of ways including:
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- Increasing the level of hearing loss required to meet ACC funding criteria – to 6% hearing loss
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- Reducing the funding towards hearing aids
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- Reducing hearing related services like regular hearing assessment and hearing aids adjustment
- Reducing what ACC would contribute to ongoing repairs and maintenance.
This resulted in a significant saving for ACC. ACC expenditure on hearing devices and services fell from $59 million per annum in 2010 to $16 million per annum in 2013.
It also resulted in many ACC claimants being unable to afford the hearing aids that would best meet their needs. Some previous hearing aids wearers had to either go without hearing aids or get very basic hearing aids, increasing the effect of their hearing disability and their ability to function in their normal listening environment.
“The Ministry and ACC are concerned that people are not accessing the services and devices available to help them manage their hearing loss. People who suffer from injury-related hearing loss must be able to access the hearing services and devices they are entitled to in order for them to fully participate in employment, education, their community, and enjoy an improved quality of life. Hearing loss often leads to social isolation and depression.
The Ministry’s and ACC’s main objective is that services must be affordable and easy to access. In this case, more people need to be accessing the hearing loss services and devices they are entitled to so that people suffering from injury-related hearing loss can fully participate in society. Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) – prepared by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (the Ministry).
The new ACC hearing aid changes are worth celebrating as it will allow more people to get the hearing care they need.
What do these changes mean to me?
I am a current ACC claimant and hearing aid wearer
ACC have increased their on going support of hearing aid wearers by:
- Contributing more to repair costs of your ACC hearing aids
- Contributing to the cost of new ear moulds, if required
- Continuing to supply batteries free of charge
You will still need to contribute to the cost of your:
- Annual hearing review and hearing aid adjustment ($85)
- New ear moulds
- Repairs – if they are over the over $234.09 per aid over 2 years.
I am a current ACC hearing aid claimant and I need new hearing aids
A new ACC hearing aid funding claim ACC will be considered after 6 years. The level of cover will be determined by the amount of your hearing loss that is attributed to workplace noise or an accident. If you are still working in noise you may be required to see and ear nose and throat specialist (ENT / ORL) to determine any further hearing loss due to noise.
If you are accepted for new ACC hearing aid funding and your hearing aids are finalised after the 1st of July 2014 you will get the new higher funding allocation that includes:
- the new flat fitting fee
- increased funding for hearing devices
- ACC will continue to pay for hearing aid batteries
Under the new ACC system
- Some hearing aids are available at no added cost to you. If you would like higher level hearing aids you will need to contribute to the cost.
The steps to funding for new ACC hearing aids by a current claimant
- A hearing reassessment by your Audiologist is sent to ACC.
- ACC will ask you to go for a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist (ENT or ORL) who will decide how much of your hearing loss is likely to be due to noise or accident.
- You will come to your audiologist for a device consultation, who will give their recommendations for the best hearing devices for you.
- You may choose to have another assessment and consultation by another Audiologist and get a second opinion. ACC will cover the cost of this.
- Once you have decided on right the solution for you, the hearing aids will be ordered and the fitting process can begin.
I have worked in a noisy environments and would like to apply for ACC funding.
Applying for ACC funding:
- Visit your GP and ask if they could fill in a ACC claim form (ACC45) for hearing loss.
- ACC will send you some forms about your hearing loss and work history to fill out and return within 14 days.
- ACC will ask you to go to an Audiologist for a full hearing assessment.
- ACC may ask you to see an ear, nose and throat specialist who will assess the cause of you hearing loss and the amount of contribution they believe is due to noise or accident.
- Once your claim has been accepted you will come for a device consultation by your Audiologist, who will give their recommendations for the right hearing devices for you.
- You may choose to have another assessment and consultation by another Audiologist and get a second opinion. ACC will cover the cost of this.
- Once you have decided on the right solution for you the hearing aids will be ordered and the fitting process can begin.
- More details here
Here is a link to the ACC website with more details.
How Auckland Hearing can work with you
Auckland Hearing is a small independent clinic. This means that our overheads are low and therefore our pricing is very competitive. If you are looking for great service as well as competitive pricing while getting your new ACC hearing aids you are welcome to come along for a second opinion and pricing comparison.
Follow this link to see more details of our hearing aid fitting process…
Getting Hearing Aids – The Process
Hearing aids are fitted on a 60 day trial Once you have decided to trial hearing aids, the process usually takes about 6 weeks from the time the hearing aids are ordered. The 60 day trial system allows you to be sure you are getting benefits of owning the… READ MORE
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Cochlear dead regions
Earlier this year, I went to a talk by Brian Moore at The University of Auckland School of population health about testing for cochlear dead regions using the TENs test. I remember learning about this a number of years ago but it was great to hear it again and by the researcher himself.
In summary, dead regions are where there are no longer inner hair cell or innervation in some frequencies. The cochlear is tonotopic- high frequencies are found in the basal part of the cochlear (the beginning) and low frequencies at the far end (the apex).
Cochlear dead regions can occur in:
– the high frequencies (most common)
– low frequencies (more likely to be congenital)
– there can be a “dead hole” in the middle (very uncommon)
– a “surviving island” (very poor hearing)
or “patchy” – possible auditory neuropathy (very poor hearing)
Cochlear dead regions and hearing aids
Providing amplification (with hearing aids) in the frequency range where there is a dead region does not add any benefit. In some cases it can make hearing worse as it causes distortion across other regions where hearing is good. This is why we often reduce amplification or take it away in the frequencies where people have severe or profound hearing loss.
Cochlear dead regions
Something to keep in mind…
Frequency transposition hearing aids take sound from one pitch (dead region) and move it to another (hearing region). Hearing aids from most brands, have this type of solution in one form or another.
The most interesting take away from the evening was, that the research done by Brian Moore and his colleagues has shown that using frequency transposition hearing aids does not increase speech understanding. It is great to keep this research in mind moving forward as these frequency transposition features are often automatically switched on for certain hearing losses.
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To test hearing accurately, a hearing clinic must meet criteria for very low noise levels. Noise, especially low-frequency noise (like trucks) may affect our ability to hear very quiet sounds and therefore affect the outcome of our hearing assessment.
Hearing clinics must pass a noise test that is carried out by independent experts. Sound levels are measured with a very sensitive sound level meter to establish that the clinic meets the criteria to be able to assess hearing accurately.
In April 2014, we began renovating our new Auckland Hearing clinic. We painted, carpeted and got new signage, so you can easily spot us as you drive along Michaels Ave.
By early May 2014, we were up and running. Our lovely new and quiet rooms passed the noise testing assessment, we are able to see all government funded clients, including ACC.
Here is a short movie of our new hearing clinic rooms:
Our little block of shops
Auckland Hearing clinic is in the middle 5 five shops. The shop on the far left is currently being renovated into a lovely new organic cafe. Once it is up and running, it will be a great place to have a break before or after an appointment.
Auckland Hearing clinic offers:
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The best value hearing tests and hearing aids in Auckland
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Independent advice on the best solution for your situations
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Brand new state of the art testing equipment and client management systems
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A commitment to understand and help you manage your hearing loss.
Hearing loss – Me?
I wonder: What brought you to this page?
Have you noticed that you have been missing the details more often?
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