Audio Logic

1. Is hearing loss affecting your life?

Maybe you have experienced a loss of hearing over the years and you're considering hearing aids. Or, maybe family members have noticed your hearing isn't what it used to be. Or, maybe you're just curious.

If you are struggling to understand, even if it is only in certain noisy situations, it's time to have your hearing tested. The good news: Most hearing loss can be effectively managed with hearing devices.

2. How is my hearing tested?

It starts with a diagnostic hearing assessment by the Audiologist to determine if your loss may be helped with hearing devices. The results will be discussed with you following the assessment. If you are a pensioner or DVA cardholder you may be eligible for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program and the diagnostic hearing assessment will be free.

3. What happens after the test?

The Audiologist will discuss the various options with you and together a hearing device will be selected based on your hearing loss, communication needs, lifestyle and personal preferences and the Audiologist will help you through the entire process from assessment and hearing aid fitting to follow-up visits. At the fitting appointment, the Audiologist conducts a real-ear test to measure the match between your hearing loss and the response of your hearing aid. This not only ensures a better fit - but improved satisfaction with hearing aid performance.

AudioLogic Hearing Services offer FREE hearing tests and FREE hearing devices to eligible pensioners and war veterans/DVA cardholders as part of the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.*

In October 2005, the Office of Hearing Services in Canberra announced that as part of the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, people would now have access to a higher level of hearing aid technology. Now available to all eligible persons are FREE fully digital hearing devices with directional microphones.

Directional microphones enable the background noise to be reduced increasing listening comfort and improving speech understanding. This feature is ideal for noisy situations such as dining at restaurants, attending social gatherings or visits to the shopping centre.

If you are a pensioner or DVA cardholder and you have not had your hearing tested or perhaps you have already been identified with a hearing loss but have not proceeded with hearing devices, call AudioLogic Hearing Services on 9754 4162 to make an appointment with an Audiologist to discuss your situation further.

The Audiologist will help you complete your application form for your free hearing services voucher. Click on the link below for more information on applying for hearing services through this program:

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-hear-applic.htm

* Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

WorkCover

Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to industrial noise through the workplace and is called industrial deafness. Noise-induced hearing loss is an irreversible condition that can have a significant impact on your life.

If you have worked in a noisy environment (eg. Factory, building, industry, etc) you may have a hearing loss. AudioLogic Hearing Services is registered with WorkCover to provide FREE hearing tests and FREE digital hearing aids to successful WorkCover claimants.

To find out further information, please contact our clinic to arrange a consultation with the Audiologist.

Private Health Fund Rebates

Private health insurance may contribute towards the cost of the hearing aid fitting, the amount dependent on your level of cover. Please contact your fund for further details. A tax receipt for payment of the hearing aid/s will be issued to you and this can be taken to your private health insurer to claim a rebate.

Tax Offset

In addition, you may be able to claim a medical expense tax offset for hearing aids. For the current year, the tax offset is 20% on net medical expenses over $2000. You can claim a tax offset of 20% (that is, 20 cents in the dollar) of your net medical expenses over $2000. There is no upper limit on the amount you can claim. Medical expenses include payments for hearing aids. Further information may be obtained from your financial advisor or accountant, alternatively call the Tax Office on 13 28 61 or go to

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content/00218527.htm