FAQ

Signs of Hearing Loss

While a history of hearing loss in your family or exposure to high noise levels may cause hearing loss, the easiest way to identify hearing loss is to notice how your hearing affects your daily life. You are probably the best judge of whether your hearing has declined.

You should have your hearing checked if you have experienced more than a couple of these signs of hearing loss:
• Tired or stressed from trying to hear
• Believe that everybody mumbles
• Find it easier to understand others when you are looking directly at their faces
• Frequently ask others to repeat themselves
• Increase television or radio volume to a point that others complain
• Have difficulty understanding speech in noisy places like cars, restaurants and theatres
• Fail to understand doctor’s instructions about medications
• Make inappropriate responses because you didn’t understand the question
• Miss essential sounds like doorbells, alarm clocks or smoke alarms
• Have trouble hearing on the telephone
• Turn one ear towards the speaker to hear better

Did you know for many people, hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, and the onset is so gradual they aren’t aware that their hearing is deteriorating? Hearing loss can also be caused by ear infections, genetic medical conditions, illness, traumatic injury or prolonged exposure to noise.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors including:

• Genetic factors
• Prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Medical conditions including measles and meningitis
• Ototoxic medications including some antibiotics
• Cancer treatments including chemotherapy
• Meniere's Disease
• Ear infections
• Trauma and head injury
• The normal ageing process (presbycusis)

I Have a Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not just a problem that affects the elderly. It can occur at any age, and in most circumstances it is easily addressed by the use of hearing aids. If your hearing loss is affecting your quality of life, no matter what your age, then hearing aids can be a way to take control of the situation, reconnect with communication and start enjoying life again.

Do I Need A Referral?

You do not need a referral to have your hearing tested. However, if you are an Australian Government pensioner or DVA veteran and wish to take advantage of the Hearing Services Program [HSP] subsidised hearing rehabilitation services you will need an approved voucher. We can complete your application through the HSP portal directly.

Risk FREE Hearing Aid Trials

ACTIV-EARS Audiology is one of the few providers to offer a FREE 30 day trial of hearing aids prior to purchase. ACTIV-EARS Audiology offers you peace of mind and ensures your hearing aids best suits your lifestyle and hearing needs. Call Us 07 3354 2200.

ACTIV-EARS Audiology is accredited to provide free hearing evaluation services to pensioners and war veterans (DVA cardholders) under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. ACTIV-EARS Audiology provides hearing aids and assistive technologies for pensioners and war veterans.

How to apply for this program:
We will add you to the Hearing Services Program [HSP] and print your voucher, so you can attain FREE services.

Eligibility criteria for hearing services from the federal government can be found on the Office of Hearing Services website.
The website is http://www.hearingservices.gov.au/wps/portal/hso/site/eligibility/programhelp/eligibility/

Are Audiological Services covered by my private health cover?

Whether audiological services are covered by your Private Health Cover Provider is largely dependent on the type of fund and your individual level of cover. Some Private Health Cover Providers contribute towards the costs associated with hearing assessments and also the costs associated with the purchase of hearing instruments, and some funds only cover the costs associated with the purchase of hearing instruments.

Tax refund on my hearing aids?

You may be eligible to claim part of the cost of your hearing or hearing device/s back through your annual tax return. Individuals should consult their accountant or other financial adviser to determine eligibility for a rebate on hearing devices as the threshold for medical expenses changes every year.

Returns Policy

To ensure your peace of mind ACTIV-EARS Audiology offers a 30 day satisfaction guarantee for hearing aid fittings. Should you not be completely satisfied your hearing aids may be swapped or returned (minus a restocking fee) for up to 30 days after fitting.