Seasons Greetings to all our clients
There have been some new developments this year in the field of audiology so let us update you.
Do you want the reliable performance from your hearing aid?
Hot and humid weather can cause issues with hearing aid performance. This is typically due to wax and moisture blocking microphones and speakers and corroding battery contacts.
The most effective remedy for these moisture-related problems is to
use a Drying Unit. This will also help prolong the life of your
valuable hearing aids.
A Drying Unit will not only remove moisture but will also sterilise
your hearing aid using a small UV lamp. Small and compact
they are ideal to take traveling.
Phone now and order your Drying Unit or call into any clinic and
purchase a unit on the spot. An ideal Christmas present!
Is it time to consider replacement hearing aids?
What’s new?
Technology advances are soaring ahead resulting in a better hearing experience for you. Features previously only found on premium products are now filtering down through the product range.
Hearing in background noise. Finally there are hearing aids on the market that are better than ever at enabling you to hear in noisy environments. This is the most common complaint that people with a hearing loss face. The new models of hearing aid are small, discreet and ready to be programmed to your hearing loss for a trial.
Smartphone compatible hearing aids . If you have an iPhone or an Android cell phone you will be able to hear your phone calls directly into your hearing aids. It’s all hands-free. Not only can you hear your callers voice but your phone can operate as a remote enabling you to change the volume and tone (pitch) of your hearing aids. If you have an iPhone or iPad you will also be able to stream your music, podcasts and all media directly into your hearing aids.
Rechargeable hearing aids. Get eco-friendly and go rechargeable. No more disposing of batteries in the household rubbish. All brands of hearing aids on the market have rechargeable options. Just ask your audiologist.
Hearing Aid Battery Recycling. Many of you have asked about the recycling
of your hearing aid batteries. Unfortunately Hearing Consultants has stopped its
collection of batteries.
The only business that collects hearing aid batteries in NZ is Upcycle Ltd in Onehunga. They collect hearing aid batteries and send them to Korea via Japan.
Hearing Consultants
do not feel this is a good and ethical practice
of waste disposal. We strongly advocate that NZ should be responsible for recycling its own e-waste. At the moment the only means to dispose of your batteries is in your household waste.
Hearables. Have you heard of Wearables? The FitBit, the Galaxy watch, the Garmin watch and the Apple watch? Now there are Hearables. Some say it’s an alternative to a hearing aid.
Hearables are Bluetooth ear buds that are programmable to match your hearing loss using an app on your Smartphone. You can stream phone calls and use your app to change the pitch and loudness of your hearing. There are also noise-reduction options and for making the microphones more directional and focus your hearing to the front. Hearing Consultants currently have a demo pair of the Nuheara IQ buds ready for trial. Give us a call and book a time to learn more about the Hearable option.
There are a wide range of products so phone or email us to make a time with our Audiologists to discuss moving into the future.
Do you need your ear wax removed?
Let our experienced Registered Nurse remove your ear wax using gentle micro-suction.
Using an operating microscope the entire length of the ear canal can be viewed and the removal of ear wax can be performed using a very small suction wand.
Hearing Aid Insurance
Just phone 0800432725 or email info@hearingconsultants.co.nz
- If you lose or damage your hearing aids, you may be directed by your insurer or one of their agents to a different clinic to have your hearing aids replaced or repaired. However, hearing aids are medical devices and therefore the Health and Disability Code of Consumer Rights protects your right to make informed choices and to express a preference as to who will provide your audiology services and have that preference met where practicable.
- If you are coerced or harassed by a hearing aid company or clinic which you have not chosen to go to then you may make a complaint to the Disability Commissioner https://www.hdc.org.nz/. If you are misled you may also make a complaint to the Commerce Commission under the Fair Trading Act https://comcom.govt.nz/make-a-complaint
- You should ask your insurance company BEFORE your hearing aids are lost, what exactly your policy entitles you to. Ask them to explain in writing how they will handle claims and in particular whether they will require you to use a particular supplier.
- If your insurer chooses to replace your hearing aid, under most policies the replacement must be of the same quality and standard. You should check, before accepting a replacement, whether it is of the same quality of standard as the lost or damaged one. If necessary go to your supplying audiologist and they will be able to advise you.
- You have the right to contact your preferred audiology clinic FIRST to get help with any insurance claim for lost or damaged hearing aids.
