OUR SERVICES
HEARING TESTS
A hearing test determines your hearing levels and assesses whether your hearing is within the normal range.
HEARING AIDS
Diagnostic hearing tests and advice regarding management options are available at no charge for pensioners and veterans.
TINNITUS MANAGEMENT
Tinnitus is a condition where sounds are perceived in the ear/s or in the head, when there is no external sound source.
CUSTOM EAR PLUGS
We fit custom made ear plugs for musicians, swimming (including children with grommets), and for industrial noise.
HEARING TESTS
Diagnostic Hearing Tests
A comprehensive hearing test is performed to determine your hearing levels and to assess whether your hearing has any impairment. This includes assessments of the clarity of speech and middle ear tests. During this time your hearing test results will be explained and you will have the opportunity to have any questions answered. If the test result shows a hearing loss, a full range of options and next steps will be discussed. An adult hearing test typically takes no longer than one hour.
Diagnostic hearing tests are free for Pensioners, DVA Gold Card holders and DVA White Card Holders. Bulk-billing is available for those referred by GPs, ENT Specialists, Neurologists, or under a Team Care Arrangement or an Enhanced Care Program. If eligible, you may receive a rebate under Private Health Insurance Extras cover. Otherwise, diagnostic hearing tests attract a small out of pocket fee ($60)
Pensioner and Veteran Hearing Tests
Aviation Hearing Tests
Pre-employment Hearing Tests
Workcover Hearing Tests
HEARING AIDS
Hearing Aid Solutions Tailored to You
Getting started in the world of hearing aids can be difficult to navigate – there are a wide range of hearing aid styles, models and manufacturers and the choices can often be overwhelming. Alison Hennessy Audiology is here to help you on your journey to better hearing.
Our approach is to tailor a hearing aid solution that best meets your needs. At the initial appointment we will consider options to improve your hearing, and the pros and cons of different hearing aid styles and technology levels will be carefully discussed. You will be given a written quote to take away to decide if you want to proceed with the fitting. At your next visit the hearing aids will be expertly fitted using the latest technology. We will teach you how to use the hearing aids and guide you in their use. A review appointment in one to two weeks will be scheduled to monitor your progress with the hearing aids. Our approach is to find the best option for each individual client, and not a ‘one size fits all’ method.
14-Day Risk Free Trial
We have a wide range of demonstration hearing aids for those who are not sure about hearing aids. There is no cost associated with trying these. Trials of demonstration hearing aids are typically for two weeks.
Included in the Cost of Hearing Aids Fitting:
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All fitting, review, and repair appointments during the hearing aid warranty period (typically three years).
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Box of premium hearing aid batteries (60 cells).
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Initial supply of hearing aid consumables.
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Dri-aid jar and battery tester.
Loaner hearing aids if your devices need servicing or repair.
TINNITUS MANAGEMENT
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a physical condition, experienced as noises or ringing in a person’s ears or head, when no such external physical noise is present. Approximately 17 to 20 per cent of Australians suffer from some degree of tinnitus, varying from mild to severe.
Why does it happen?
Tinnitus can also occur after recent exposure to loud noise/music. Although this often goes away after a few hours, it is thought that this is a sign of potential damage to the auditory system. If this occurs, it is wise to seek hearing protection (eg earmuffs, musicians’ ear plugs, etc), or more effective hearing protection.
Whilst many people habituate to the tinnitus (ie they learn to ignore it), this does not occur for some people. It is thought that it is the emotional response (in the brain’s limbic system) to the tinnitus that causes a lot of the issues. For instance, if tinnitus provokes anxiety or fear/worry, it can be harder to ignore/habituate to.
What can be done to reduce Tinnitus?
Things you can do immediately:
- Reduce stress (you may have noticed that the tinnitus can seem louder when you are stressed or anxious)
- Relaxation/rest (being tired or fatigued can often result in ‘louder’ tinnitus)
- Limit caffeine/alcohol/nicotine intake
- Limit exposure to loud noise/music
See an audiologist:
Other things you can do:
- Distraction activities (read a book, watch TV, go for a walk, etc)
- Sound enrichment: play music, play ‘sounds of the sea’ or other soothing sounds which help make the tinnitus less noticeable. Keep the radio on when going to sleep (can use a pillow speaker and ‘sleep’ mode – to turn the radio off after 30 minutes, for example).
- Hearing aid/s. For those with even a very mild hearing loss (which may not be enough to cause hearing problems), using a hearing aid can be a very effective way of reducing awareness of the tinnitus. The Office of Hearing Services recognises this and allows the fitting of funded hearing aids to eligible people (eg Centrelink pensioners, DVA card holders, etc) even when there is minimal hearing loss, if the person has significant tinnitus and is motivated to use hearing aid/s.
- Hearing aid/s with ‘tinnitus’ programs. For some people, a special tinnitus setting in the hearing aid/s can be used to provide sound enrichment. Many hearing aids (at all price levels) now have tinnitus settings as options, and are able to be fine-tuned to provide the most effective alternate sounds.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This is used to separate the thoughts and emotional reactions from the perception of tinnitus, and has been shown to be effective in the management of tinnitus.
CUSTOM EAR PLUGS
FOR SWIMMERS, MUSICIANS & INDUSTRIAL
Specialised earplugs are available for specific uses – e.g. swimmers may benefit from earplugs with membranes allowing easier communication whereas musicians may benefit from earplugs which are more high-fidelity, or which can be used with in-line monitors.
