Advertising feature
Client communication is a key priority at Cleveland hearing clinic A Better Ear to ensure the best possible overall outcome.
Through conversation, concerns such as cost, lifestyle, hearing improvement, understanding and long term benefits can be thoroughly addressed.
When Cleveland pensioner David first attended A Better Ear, he had already been to see his regular hearing clinic but felt that something about its recommendations to upgrade his hearing aids didn't sit right.
Owner and senior audiologist Penelope Woods said one of the biggest concerns David had was cost.
"He pointed out that given his quiet lifestyle there could be little justification for high end hearing aids," Penelope said.
"He knew he was eligible for fully subsidised hearing aids on the Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) but was unsure if he needed the more expensive device being offered by the other clinic."
David had a significant hearing loss in both ears but only wore one hearing aid because that's all he thought he needed.
He explained to Penelope that he found one enough, but adjusting the volume via the little wheel on the back of the hearing aid was very difficult.
"Through conversation, I found that David was interested and motivated to understand the facts of his loss and the reasons for my recommendations," Penelope said.
She performed a full audiological assessment and discussed the results of David's hearing loss and what courses of action were recommended.
They agreed upon a pair of Unitron T Insera 500 custom hearing aids with a remote control for ease of volume control.
"The T Insera 500 is what's referred to as 'free to client', meaning they are available with no gap payment on the HSP. They are a high quality aid that performs very well in simple environments - perfect for David."
With hearing loss on both sides, David came to understand that two hearing aids would help him identify sound locations in his environment as well as stimulating both the left and right auditory nerves keeping his brain and hearing anatomy active and healthy.
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"I see David every few weeks because he walks past the clinic on his way to the Donald Simpson Centre, often dropping in with a question or observation about his aided hearing," Penelope said.
By allowing the consultation to be led by what David wanted, balanced with what was best for his rehabilitation and letting the circumstances dictate the best hearing aid, his trust in audiology has been renewed.
Penelope and her husband Damien opened A Better Ear in February, offering a transparent pricing structure, with every service itemised so the patient understood what they are paying for.
They also help patients get access to their full entitlements from Medicare and the HSP. Visit: abetterear.com.au.
