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]]>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
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 they have since contributed a smaller amount towards hearing devices and services. In July 2014, ACC again reviewed their funding, and here we outline the current ACC hearing loss regulations and how it will help those with hearing loss due to noise or accident.
A second device consultation – ACC covers 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, for example – the price; you have the flexibility to seek other options.
ACC covers the cost of repairs up to the maximum of $234.09 for each aid within a two year period, once the warranty has expired.
Ear moulds – ACC contributes to the cost of new ear moulds, if they are needed, throughout the hearing aid lifetime.
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.
Level 1 – $ 3157.90 (incl GST)
Level 2 – $3904.40 (incl GST)
Level 3 – $4953.05 (incl GST)
Level 1 – $ 1873.35 (incl GST)
Level 2 – $2247.10 (incl GST)
Level 3 – $2770.93 (incl GST)
ACC has increased the ongoing support of hearing aid wearers by increasing the amount they contribute to:
You will still need to contribute to the cost of your:
ACC will consider a new claim for hearing aid funding after six years. ACC will determine the amount of funding based on the nature of your hearing loss and whether they consider the cause was workplace noise or an accident. In most cases, you will be required to see an ear nose and throat specialist (ENT / ORL) to determine the cause of hearing loss.
Once accepted for new ACC hearing aid funding allocation, you will receive:
Applying for ACC funding:
Here is a link to the ACC website with more details.
Before 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 could get hearing aids that met their needs as well as excellent 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 people who work in noise (who had historically not protected their hearing), the cost became too high for ACC to maintain.
In early 2011 the ACC hearing loss policy was changed in a number of ways including:
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 environments. In 2014, they increased the funding allocation making hearing aids more affordable for clients.
ACC Noted:
“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.
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…
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]]>The post A hearing journey – Your path to hearing again appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>Your Hearing Journey – The path to hearing again
Every process begins with a decision. The key to success with hearing aids is: that you have decided for yourself that you are ready to get help with your hearing. Have
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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
Tinnitus – where is that sound coming from? Tinnitus is the name given to sound or noise heard in the head that does not
Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia Hearing loss is widespread, and it affects people
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Have you thought about how you would like your hearing aids? Like computers, tablets and phones, innovations in hearing aid technology is improving
5 Steps to hearing aids The first and hardest step for many is the first one, making an appointment for a hearing test. Research has shown it takes people
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
Battery sizes Size 10 batteries (yellow) Yellow labelled size 10 hearing aid batteries are used in the smallest hearing aids including Invisible in the canal (IIC), completely in the canal
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
How to apply for ACC funding for hearing aids You may be able to get funding for hearing aids through ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). So how do you apply for
If you had your hearing aids funded by ACC, your batteries are included as part of your ACC cover. In the past ACC hearing aid batteries were sent out automatically
NFD – Hearing Awareness Week 2018 (3 – 9 March) The National Foundation for the Deaf extended World Hearing Day 2018, into a week of awareness-raising to prevent noise-induced hearing loss
Happiness is having a scratch for every itch. Ogden Nash The most obvious way to manage itchy ears is to get to the itch and scratch it. However, like most
Putting your custom earplugs in your ears. Custom Sleep plugs Red is for the right ear and Blue is for the left ear. The removal cord sits at the bottom
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
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]]>The post Tips for the festive season – when you have a hearing loss appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>Christmas is a social time, a family time. It’s nice to sit back, relax and catch up with family and friends who we haven’t seen in a while. Sometimes it’s noisy, sometimes it’s hard to hear over the kids playing, or other conversations.
Often it is helpful to sit with a wall behind you and in the centre of the table. This gives a better chance of hearing more of the conversation and not being distracted by sounds from behind. Try not to be be shy about talking to family and friends about which might be a better seat for you.
Turn the TV off and the music down during dinner. Added noise causes something called the Lombard effect – when it is noisy people talk louder. This can significantly increase the overall noise level making it quite difficult to follow conversations. Others may not even notice if you turn it down before the meal. Hearing in noise is very challenging even for people with minimal hearing losses.
Try and avoid conversations across large distances. If you need to talk, move closer, or ask that you continue later, when you can sit closer together.
Wearing your hearing aids keeps your brain and hearing system active. People who only wear their hearing aids “when they need them” tend to be the same people who are unsuccessful with hearing aids. This is because their brain never has time to adjust to hearing various sounds. If you only wear your hearing aids in noisy group situations your brain will probably find the sound over whelming – a bit like running a marathon with out doing any training.
Wearing hearing aids all the time, creates a new normal – normal to hear sounds (rather than normal to miss sounds). Your brain works out which sounds are important and which sounds are not important.
When you first get hearing aids you become very aware of all the sounds around you. The more you wear the aids the more your brain adapts, it will decide “that” sound is not important and it will no longer jump into your attention and you will no longer notice it. This process happens very quickly with the current hearing aids as they work so well.
So if your hearing aids are “in the draw” start wearing them in the few weeks coming up to Christmas. If you are not happy with the way your hearing aids are working for you, make an appointment to come in and we will set up correctly for you, so you can wear them all the time.
Remote microphones allows you to hear a person who is further away. The person you are talking to can clip on a microphone or you can placed it at the other end of the table. The microphone picks up the conversation and transmits it directly to your hearing aids. This has the effect of bringing the sound directly into your ears, removing the effect of distance.
Most hearing aids can now connect directly to an iPhone (with connecting to Android phones just around the corner). This connectivity allows your iPhone to be used as a remote microphone. You can put your phone near the person you want to listen too and hear them easily. There are many technologies available now that connect up with your hearing aids. They connect to your phone, TV, computer and sound system.
You may not hear everything that everyone says – and that’s okay. Enjoy talking to the people near you and seek out the others and talk to them later. Could you suggest you all rotate seats for dessert?
It can be hard to keep it all in perspective during Christmas festivities, especially if you feel like you are missing out on some of the fun. Try to laugh a little and be grateful for the wonderful friends and family around you. You may not hear every word they say but you can partake in all of the good feeling around the table. Enjoy the moment.
Auckland Hearing is an independent hearing aid and audiology clinic set up by Maree O’Sullivan. Maree has worked in Audiology for 20 years and started Auckland Hearing so she could focus on the needs of each client (rather than corporate profits).
We provide a full range of hearing services and work with all of the hearing aid brands that are approved by the Ministry of Health. This means we can fit the hearing aids that best suit your needs. Check out some information about hearing aid prices here
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]]>The post What is that ringing in my ears? appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>Tinnitus is the name given to sound or noise heard in the head that does not come from an external source. Tinnitus comes from the Latin word tinnire which means “to ring”, but not everybody will hear their tinnitus as a ringing sound. Some people describe a buzzing, hissing, humming, or chirping sound, while others may even hear it as music! Tinnitus can range in volume and pitch and can be heard in one or both ears or in the head. Some people describe more that one sound and the sound can come and go or vary in intensity.
Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease, and there are various underlying causes. Common causes are hearing loss or earwax build-up; tinnitus can also be due to head injuries or can even originate in the jaw or neck.
The most common type of tinnitus is Subjective Tinnitus. This is awareness of sound in the head or ears in the absence of any corresponding external sound. Objective Tinnitus – is when sounds are generated from within the body and can be heard by an external examiner. These sound may be generated by blood flow or muscle movement, or the opening and closing of the eustation tube, they are also known as Somatosounds.
Most people will experience tinnitus at some time in their lives, in fact, it has been said that nearly everyone hears tinnitus if they are in an anechoic chamber (very quiet room). If the tinnitus lasts for less than 5 minutes and shows no particular pattern, then it may not be significant clinically. Think of it as a one-off twitch in your eyes.
Tinnitus may seem like it is coming from your ears, but it usually originates in the brain. Tinnitus can be influenced by attention, emotions, and stress.
Tinnitus can be heard by at least 98% of people in a quiet room. People with no detectable hearing loss may experience tinnitus; although it is most common when some temporary or permanent hearing loss is present. About 20% of the population report experiencing tinnitus on occasion with around 1% experiencing significant annoyance from their tinnitus.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Awareness of tinnitus often follows a change in the function of the regions of the brain associated with attention or emotion, or it may occur after a change in the hearing system. Here are some common causes of tinnitus:
Some details of how tinnitus occurs are still unclear, but we do know why it occurs when there is a hearing loss. Current research suggests the phantom sound is not generated in the ear but from neurons and the brain. Your brain has a memory of what things should sound like (called auditory memory).
When the brain notices a reduced or degraded input of sound due to hearing loss, it tells the nerves that send the signal from the ear to the brain to work a bit harder. It is believed that this generates the phantom sound.
If a person focuses on their tinnitus and thinks of it in a negative way, then a strong emotional association can occur. This may make the tinnitus more debilitating. So focusing and worrying about the tinnitus makes it more likely it is to become an overwhelming problem.
In the past, some tinnitus sufferers have been told “there is nothing you can do”, or you just have to live with it”, that is not true. There are strategies to help you manage your tinnitus and reduce the level of intrusiveness.
Tinnitus is a common symptom that can occur with and without hearing loss. The best way to manage tinnitus is to give it a very low priority, attending to it as little as possible. When you first notice tinnitus, it is worth seeing your Audiologist to get a better understanding of your tinnitus and to rule out any underlying causes that may need a further referral. If you have hearing loss, hearing aids may help to restore the internal volume in your brain and reduce the tinnitus. Otherwise, reducing stress and calming your autonomic nervous system with medication as well as avoiding very quiet environments may help you live in harmony with your tinnitus.
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,
Your Hearing Journey - The path to hearing again Hearing loss, hearing aids & making your decision Hearing loss, getting and then wearing hearing aids has been described as
Christmas is a social time, a family time. It’s nice to sit back, relax and catch up with family and friends who we haven’t seen in a while. Sometimes it’s noisy, sometimes it’s hard to hear over the
Tinnitus – where is that sound coming from? Tinnitus is the name given to sound or noise heard in the head that does not come from an external source.
Are your hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise? Acoustic feedback in current hearing aids The whistling noise hearing aids may make is called acoustic feedback (often
Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia Hearing loss is widespread, and it affects people of all ages. There are
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]]>The post Why are my hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise? appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>Are your hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise?
The whistling noise hearing aids may make is called acoustic feedback (often known as feedback). Feedback can sound like a squeal, buzzing, ringing, or a whistle. This sound may be annoying to you, or others around you.
Acoustic feedback or whistling was a common problem in hearing aids until fairly recently. Current hearing aids rarely have issues with acoustic feedback. A lot of innovation has gone into developing programs that manage feedback in hearing aids.
There are just a few special occasions where feedback may become an issue.
Feedback occurs when sound enters the hearing aid microphone, gets amplified and comes out of the receiver (loudspeaker) into your ear. If the sound leaks out of your ear and back in the microphone it creates the feedback loop – reamplifying the same sound and causes acoustic feedback – a whistling sound.
It is unlikely that your hearing aids will whistle when they are first fitted for you. Your Audiologist will check there is no feedback in your hearing aids, many hearing aids have feedback tests and calibrations as part of the setup process. All hearing aids have systems that are designed to remove feedback, many using active feedback cancellation.
Sometimes hearing aids start to whistle over time. Here the reasons that feedback may occur:
By Car: Auckland Hearing at 66 Michaels Ave is a 2 minute drive (1.6 Kms) off the motorway. Exit the motorway at the Ellerslie Panmure Highway, Michaels Ave is on the left.
Parking: There is plenty of parking on the road directly outside the clinic.
Buses: There are bus stops on Marua Rd and Ellerslie- Panmure Highway, then about a 10-minute walk.
Access: The clinic is accessible on road level and has no stairs. There is wheelchair access.
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]]>Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia
Hearing loss is widespread, and it affects 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 correlates to increased memory loss and dementia.
Prevalence of hearing loss in New Zealand
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, the 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 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 adjusts 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).
In 2013, Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD conducted a study on the topic of hearing loss and cognitive decline. The study observed 1,984 adults over six years. They tracked the progression of their hearing loss and cognitive function. He found there is little doubt that hearing loss is a factor affecting the loss of mental acuity in older adults.
The study found that people with more severe hearing loss had a higher 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 a conversation means we have fewer resources for other things like memory and maintaining balance.
Hearing loss, memory loss and dementia
“Communicating when you have a hearing loss, takes up a 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.
How hearing loss may effect hearing
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 before they seek treatment for hearing loss; even though the sooner hearing loss is detected and treatment begins, the more hearing ability (auditory brain function) can be maintained.
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, meaning that we can not assume that wearing hearing aids reduces cognitive decline. Reduced cognitive decline that is measured may 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 brain by exposing it to sound every day, they hear better and can be more involved in the world around them.
Auckland Hearing Team
Auckland Hearing is an independent hearing aid and audiology clinic set up by Maree O’Sullivan. Maree has worked in Audiology for nearly 25 years and started Auckland Hearing so she could focus on the needs of each client (rather than corporate profits).
We provide a full range of hearing services and work with all of the Ministry of Health approved hearing aid brands in New Zealand. This means we can fit the hearing aids that best suit your needs.
The post Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia? appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>The post Your Audiologist and your Success with Hearing Aids appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>Hearing Aid Success – Your Audiologist Matters
Hearing aids are a form of technology, similar to your TV or your smartphone. However, when it comes to maximising the benefit of hearing aid technology, just choosing hearing aids off the shelf (or buying off the internet) is unlikely to solve your hearing challenges satisfactorily. An important part of the process is your hearing aid consultation appointment, when we will help lead you to the technology that will best suit your hearing needs.
A successful hearing aid fitting leads to excellent long term hearing outcomes, including hearing well in the environments you are in every day, wearing the hearing aids all (or most of) the time which leads to the maintenance of auditory and cognitive function. Choosing hearing aids or other technology to best suit your lifestyle and listening needs is the first part of the process. The next vital part of the process is making sure the sound is right and that you can maximise the use of your new hearing aids.
Reading about other peoples experience on the internet, while interesting to learn about, may not be reflective of your potential experience; as the person writing the reviews will have different hearing levels, reasons (causes) for their hearing loss and circumstances.
There are multiple factors involved in choosing hearing aids and fitting them well. We need to start with an accurate hearing assessment (and referral for any medical factors that need to be managed, where required). Hearing aids need to have the right amount of power to compensate for your hearing loss and need to be fitted to your ears with comfortable moulds or domes. Hearing aids must be programmed to have the right level of sound output to compensate for your hearing loss, and they must be adjusted for your unique ear acoustics. You will also need to go through a time of adaption while you adjust to the hearing sounds you may not have heard for many years.
When getting hearing aids for the first time, most people go through a process of accepting and coming to terms with their hearing loss; Audiologists are trained to help in this process. New hearing aid wearers often need help to understand the many reasons for wearing their hearing aids as much as possible and the benefit they will receive from doing this. This process is different for each person.
When choosing hearing aids, technology level is important. It is important to match your lifestyle to the technology level in your hearing aids. There is no point in getting hearing aids that will not meet your everyday listening needs.
In our technology-driven world, it is easy to believe that just getting the right hearing aids is all that is needed to help you hear better. However, getting hearing aids is more of a combination of getting a new smartphone and having a medical procedure; for example, getting a knee replacement.
Buying a smartphone
Having hearing aids fitted
Having a knee replacement
When you buy your smartphone there is a consumer or sales focus: Choosing your smartphone is mainly about the product.
You choose the platform you like to work with (i.e. Android / iPhone) and the level of technology. A salesperson might help you select the technology to suit you best. The salesperson may help you set your new phone up in the shop, or you take it home and set it up yourself. The main differentiating factor between a smartphone that works well and one that is not as good, is the product that you chose to buy. These products are designed to plug and play. Just start using them.
If you have a knee replacement (medical model): There are various types of knee replacements available. However, we do not get into a discussion about which knee replacement we will get.
There are too many details about the knee replacement parts that we do not understand the importance of. The surgeon chooses the best implant for our situation taking into account our anatomy and how we will need to use the implant and we have surgery to put it into our body. The surgeon explains what to expect on the day of the surgery, how long it will take to recover and how to adjust to using your new knee. The decisions made by the surgeon and their skill level at the surgery is key to our success with our new knee.
Once you have decided to you are ready to hear better, we work with you to decide which hearing technology will best suit your needs. There are many brands of technology and within each brand there are many models and styles of hearing aids and other technology they can connect with.
At Auckland Hearing, we are an independent clinic. We are not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer or owned by a multinational company that dictates the technology that we need to fit for our clients. This gives us a unique opportunity to assess each brand and model of technology and choose the best solution for each person we see.
The technology/consumer side is where you are involved in the decisions: When choosing hearing aids we will ask you many questions about your priorities and specific areas where you would like to hear better. At this point, we will create specific goals for your hearing improvement and also clarify realistic expectations that we can achieve for your hearing levels.
The higher the technology level you choose the better the hearing aids will work in more complex listening situations. The technology level is linked to the cost of the hearing aids and your Audiologist will work with you to help you choose hearing aids that meet your listening needs at the budget you are comfortable with.
You will be involved in choosing the hearing aids features that you think will be most important for you:
Would you like you to use your phone as a remote control?
Would you like to stream phone calls, music and movies from your phone directly to your hearing aids?
Would you like your hearing aids to be rechargeable? So you do not need to change the batteries.
Are sound quality and hearing aid performance in complex listening environments your priority?
What size and style of hearing aids would you like?
Is ease of use important to you? Would you like to put your hearing aids in and leave them to do their job?
Do you like full control, to be able to control the sound in different listening environments?
Do you need remote programming – so you do not need to come into the clinic for all your appointments?
Bringing it all together for better long term hearing outcomes.
Your Audiologist is your hearing partner, working at your side to help you choose a product that suits you best. However – it is even more important that your Audiologist is skilled in Audiology. We need to make sure we have the right level of power in your hearing aids and the sound is adjusted to your specific ear resonances (using real ear measures). We need the to be sure the hearing aids are comfortable for you to wear all day every day and that you know how to get the best out of the technology you have chosen.
There are many areas of the hearing aid fitting process that may not be so obvious but are critical to your success with hearing aids. We accurately assess your hearing and help you understand the reason for your hearing loss. We will refer you on to a medical specialist when needed for further assessment of management and assess funding that may be available to help your hearing. We first lead you to the right products for your hearing levels and listening needs or help you to understand any limitations that may arise due to your hearing loss or the technology chosen.
We help you understand and accept your hearing loss and make sure you are ready to move forward to getting hearing aids or other hearing management. We do a lot of counselling about the adjustment to hearing aids and the effects of hearing sounds that you have not been aware for a while. We prepare you for the change that will happen when you can hear again and start gently with the sound, turning it up gradually with time so you have time to adjust. We manage the fit of the hearing aids to your ears, so the hearing aids are comfortable and are holding in sound, or letting out low-frequency sound, whichever will best suit your hearing levels.
Real-ear measures allow us to precisely fit your hearing aids to your individual ear acoustics and make sure there are no loud peaks or areas of under amplification which often occur if hearing aids are only fitted to the hearing test and not matched to your ears.
We help you practice putting the hearing aids in, which can strangely be one of the most challenging parts of getting new hearing aids (until putting the hearing aids in becomes second nature). We connect up your hearing aids to your smartphone or other connected technology so you can better manage the sound you are hearing.
We look after your hearing for the long term. All of your appoinments for at least six months, are are included as part of the fitting. This is to be sure we have really met your hearing needs.
Before your warranty expires, we send your aids off for a warranty repair to check they are working as they should be and can provide you with loan hearing aids, while your hearing aids are away. We help with long term hearing aid maintenance and get in contact every two years to retest your hearing and adjust your hearing aids. We keep up with any changes in your hearing and make sure your hearing aids continue to meet your hearing needs as precisely as possible.
Great Audiology will make a significant difference to your hearing success
When it comes to getting hearing aids, remember that choosing the hearing aid technology is important but even the best technology will not meet your hearing needs unless it is fitted correctly for you.
Come and see your skilful Audiologist
(Maree O’Sullivan) at Auckland Hearing
for your best hearing outcomes.
By Car: Auckland Hearing at 66 Michaels Ave is a 2 minute drive (1.6 Kms) off the motorway. Exit the motorway at the Ellerslie Panmure Highway, Michaels Ave is on the left.
Parking: There is plenty of parking on the road directly outside the clinic.
Buses: There are bus stops on Marua Rd and Ellerslie- Panmure Highway, then about a 10-minute walk.
Access: The clinic is accessible on road level and has no stairs. There is wheelchair access.
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]]>The post Hearing Aid Technology and Innovation appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>
Like computers, tablets and phones, innovations in 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 maximise your hearing clarity.
When getting hearing aids, we need to consider the technology level and functionality that will best compensate for your hearing loss. There are also other features and additional connectable technology you might find useful to make life easier.
Excellent 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 determine the technology level to go along with them.
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, at times, you may wish to adjust the hearing aid sound for the environment you are in. You may want to appreciate the nuances of music, hear the person who is speaking from behind you, like in a car; or understand better in a particularly reverberant (echoey) room.
In these cases, you may want to change the way the hearing aids are working; adjust the volume or focus on sound in a particular direction. These are the situations 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 in hearing aids have been available for several years. Within the last year, we have seen a surge of new rechargeable hearing aids from more manufacturers with improved battery life. The three main reasons to choose rechargeable hearing aids:
New hearing aids from Starkey and Oticon can now work as a fitness tracker, measuring the steps you do each day. Some hearing aids have inbuilt systems to keep you active both physically and cognitively. Features released in 2019 in by Starkey are:
Hearing aids self check lets you know if you hearing aids are working as expected. When the hearing aids are new, we run a check in the office. Then at anytime this test can be rerun with the results compared to the initial test. The hearing aids will let you know if they are working as expected or if they are not working correctly which part of the hearing aids needs to be repaired. The microphone, amplifier or receiver (loud speaker). This allows for accurate trouble shooting and keeping your hearing aids working as expected at all time.
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. Another built-in advantage of the connectivity is that you can use your phone 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. The sound that reaches the iPhone microphone (or a connected remote microphone) and will be sent directly to your hearing aids.
For some people 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 homebound, 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 delivered 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 (using real ear measures), we can do further follow-ups from a distance. All you need is a smartphone, and your hearing aids can be adjusted over the internet. Being able to customize your hearing aids from the comfort of your home makes the process of getting hearing aids more manageable than before.
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, sound quality and functionality (hearing well in more complex situations). Some of the smaller hearing aids, look great and may be able to compensate well for your hearing loss, but may not work as well as other styles in difficult listening situations.
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 (loudspeaker) that sits in the ear.
These hearing aids are discreet, comfortable. and easy to wear. If there is a change in hearing levels, the receiver can be changed easily to a more powerful loudspeaker, in the clinic. Or if the receiver breaks down, it can be replaced in the clinic with less hassle (at a significantly lower repair cost). Receiver in the canal hearing aids can be worn with universal fit domes or custom moulds.
There are also many behind the ear styles available with various tubing options for those with more significant hearing loss or other specialise hearing needs.
Some people prefer not the have anything sitting behind their ear. There are various size options available to match your 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.
ITE hearing aids have historically come with trade-offs in comfort and reliability. Having an electronic device deep inside your ear means more problems with moisture and wax; these issues improved dramatically over the past few years. There are many in the ear styles available.
In my experience, most people like milk with their tea. Some people enjoy sugar in their coffee. Sometimes I prefer herbal tea.
Significant research and development in hearing aid technology means new hearing aids are being released almost continually. As you can see, there are many options to be considered when choosing hearing aids. It is essential 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 integral part of choosing the best hearing aids for you.
At Auckland Hearing, we keep up to date with new developments from all the manufacturer’s product lines. This is so we can choose the most up to date hearing aids that are best suited to your needs.
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,
Your Hearing Journey - The path to hearing again Hearing loss, hearing aids & making your decision Hearing loss, getting and then wearing hearing aids has been described as
Christmas is a social time, a family time. It’s nice to sit back, relax and catch up with family and friends who we haven’t seen in a while. Sometimes it’s noisy, sometimes it’s hard to hear over the
Tinnitus – where is that sound coming from? Tinnitus is the name given to sound or noise heard in the head that does not come from an external source.
Are your hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise? Acoustic feedback in current hearing aids The whistling noise hearing aids may make is called acoustic feedback (often
Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia Hearing loss is widespread, and it affects people of all ages. There are
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]]>The post How to apply for ACC Hearing Aid Funding appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
]]>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:
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.
How to apply for ACC hearing aid funding
The ACC hearing aid funding process starts with a visit to your GP. Your GP will need to apply to ACC on your behalf.
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.
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.
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 will make their decision and send you a letter letting you know at which level of funding you have qualified.
We will see you again at Auckland Hearing for a need assessment appointment to decide which hearing aids are best for you.
We can provide fully funded hearing aids at all funding levels, or you can top up to other hearing aids if you choose to.
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.
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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]]>The post What could be causing your itchy ears? And what to do about it. appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
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The most obvious way to manage itchy ears is to get to the itch and scratch it. However, like most itches, scratching will likely make it worse, not better.
The skin in your ear canal is very thin and sensitive, which makes it prone to injury and dryness and the itch in your ear canal is often hard to reach. I have heard of people using all sorts of tools to get to the itch which not only makes the itch worse, it makes it potentially dangerous (for example think: a pointy object in ear next to a quickly opening door – YES it happens).
So what could be causing the annoying itch? And what is the best way to manage it for the long-term?
In most cases, ear canals do a good job at self-cleaning. Wax is designed to work its way out of your ear (often in a spiral pattern) from the eardrum to the ear canal entrance; where you can clean it away with a tissue or cloth. On its journey toward the ear canal entrance, the wax picks up dead skin cells and any other foreign particles and removes them from your ear canal. A clever system to clean this mostly inaccessible orifice. For some people with particularly narrow or bendy ear canals, wax gets trapped on its way out of the ear canal. This can feel itchy and of course, over time it can block your hearing. The best way to manage this it to see an ear nurse who will use a microscope to look down your canal while they suck out the wax build up, of course, they can check for other possible causes of skin irritation or infection.
A common cause of itchy ears is an inflammation of the lining of the ear canal due to an allergic reaction. The reaction could be caused by shampoos or soaps, overused earplugs or deeper fitting earphones.
Has there been a recent change in the products you use? The sensitive ear canal skin can be more prone to skin irritations and inflammation than other skin areas like your head or face. Does the itch reduce when you stop using the new product?
Fungal or bacterial infection of the external auditory canal (otitis externa) is another cause of itch in the ear canal.
Infections of the ear canals occur when there is constant humidity where an infection can grow. This can happen for people who wear occluding earplugs or hearing aids or swim often and is more common in people with diabetes. If you suspect an infection see your GP (for drops) or an Ear nurse specialist who will clear and manage the infection.
Itching ears may be a side effect of a systemic skin condition affecting the rest of the body, such as psoriasis or eczema. If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, it can also affect your ear canals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
We now know that ear wax (cerumen) is good for our ear canals and performs an important job keeping our canals clean and lubricated. However, some people view ear wax as the enemy and do their best to remove it at all costs. Using earbuds, metal objects or cleaning agents to regularly clean your ears removes the protective barrier over your sensitive ear canal skin and can cause itch and irritation.
You will need to build up the normal protective wax to break the itch cycle.
Your ears are likely to be itchy until it starts returning to its normal cleansing function and building up some normal wax. It may take some time for it to settle down.
The post What could be causing your itchy ears? And what to do about it. appeared first on Auckland Hearing.
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