Am I eligible for free hearing services?

See this page to determine your eligibility www.health.gov.au

Can I claim my hearing test through Medicare?

No.

To see if you are eligible for government assistance click on the above link.

Health Fund Rebates

This is dependent on your health cover and provider.

Please contact your Private health fund for more information.

What is an Office of Hearing Services Voucher?

Eligible persons will be issued with an Office of Hearing Services Voucher.

Once you have received your voucher you simply need to ring for an appointment.

How do I apply?

Application forms can be collected from our office or you can ring the office and we will post one out.

This application need to be filled out and signed by your GP.  It should then be posted to the Office of Hearing Services.

Once processed (this could take about 6 weeks) you will be sent an Office of Hearing Services Voucher and you may then ring and make an appointment.

Does it take long to get used to a hearing aid?

This varies from person to person you may find that you adjust within weeks or it may be some months, but we will be there for you at every step of the way encouraging and supporting you.  Everyone’s experience with hearing aids is different.

There are a lot of unsuccessful people out there that are ready to tell you exactly that. We would suggest that you enter your journey to better communication with an open mind. Each individual has a different perception and experience. Their bad experience may have come down to lack of contact and communication with their provider.

What are the Signs of hearing loss?

  • TV up louder than usual
  • Problems hearing in noisy/group environments – bowls, meetings, restaurants etc.
  • Friends/Family members having to repeat themselves.
  • Difficulty hearing on the telephone
  • People appear to be mumbling

Hearing aid repair and batteries

Many repairs can be handled by our technicians on site however there are occasions where hearing aids need to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair.

Batteries can also be collected/purchased from our office.

Clients through the Office of Hearing Services with current maintenance have their repairs and batteries covered by their maintenance payment.

What is tinnitus? Is there any treatment?

Tinnitus is a common condition that refers to a range of sounds or ‘head noises’ such as ringing, hissing, buzzing or clicking.

There is no cure for tinnitus, but with appropriate support the condition can be successfully managed so that it has little or no impact on a person’s life.

For more information visit the Tinnitus Association Victoria

What is an audiogram?

The results of your hearing test are shown on a graph called an audiogram. This graph shows which types of sounds you can and can’t hear. Hearing aids  are prescribed based on the results of your audiogram.

For more information see visit the Healthline website

Where do I find information on cochlear implants?

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.

To find out more visit the Cochlear Website (Australia)

Assistive Listening Devices

Types – How can they help

Assistive Listening devices are an alternative to hearing instruments when there is reduced dexterity or cognitive ability to be able to manage a hearing aid.

Custom Ear Plugs

Ideal Hearing can provide an ear plug that is moulded to your own ears.

These may be used for musicians plugs, a form of hearing protection, communications plugs, music players and swimmers.

Types and Models of Hearing Aids

There are many types and styles of hearing aids. Being privately owned Ideal Hearing are able to access a variety of manufacturers to suit your needs.

Styles of aids consist of

  • In-the-ear (ITE)
  • Behind-the-ear (BTE)
  • Completely-in-the-canal (CIC).

There are also the varying models (depending on the manufacturers) smaller BTE’s with these also having the option of smaller ear pieces (hearing loss specific).

For more information please see list of manufacturers

How do I make an appointment?

Sent a message us via our contact page and we will contact you to arrange an appointment or call us on (03) 5144 2311.

Health Payments