Hearing technology ranges from medical grade devices, like hearing aids or implantable devices (like a cochlear implant or middle ear implant), to consumer electronic devices, like Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. It's important to understand these differences, as certain laws and regulations apply to how these devices operate and who can sell them.​

 

When I lecturer at the University of Western Australia, I use this image to help the students understand the market of hearing technologies and level of service that is available (current as at, 2024). I hope you find benefit from it.​​​​It's important to remember that hearing devices are one part of the rehabilitation journey, an integral part of the equation to helping you hear better. Additionally, your level of motivation to use them on a daily basis and how the hearing devices (hearing aids or implantable devices) are programmed is another. Working with an audiologist at HCC will help you reach your goals.

 

 

The biggest factors to successful use of hearing technologies is your level or motivation plus your support network, and this is where HCC audiologists come in. We provide the time and space to support you and your network to achieve your communication goals.​​​​​​​​​

 

Hearing aids

 

Hearing aids are medical grade devices that comply with strict regulations around how they are made and what their marketing intent can claim. In Australia, hearing aids must comply with the Therapy and Goods Administration (TGA) and the businesses that make them, must also comply (how they operate and where these medical grade products are made). Whilst hearing aids can have certain features like Bluetooth connectivity, the manner in which they are programmed is different from how earbuds that claim to do the same are programmed. Hearing aids can only be sold by registered professionals. You will not find a hearing aid in a consumer electronic store, for example, like JB-Hi Fi or Office works. As hearing aids are available from registered professionals, it's important to understand the professional service portion (aural rehabilitation, counselling etc) that is needed to get the best benefit from hearing aids.​

 

Cost of hearing aids (price to you) If you are a private client, the prices for hearing aids are listed below.

 

If you hold an Australian Pension card you may be eligible to access the Hearing Services Program (HSP). This program covers the costs of services and devices you may need. You can check your eligibility online here or give me a call and I can check your eligibility for you. Being a HSP eligible person means the government will provide a subsidy for your devices and your audiological services. The contribution you make is minimal.​ Please note, you can also contribute to a better set of hearing aids (level of technology) if you feel you require more technology then the fully subsidized ones.

 

Headphones or earbuds (like Apple Airpod Pro's)

Consumer grade products like Bluetooth headphones or earbuds aren't required to comply by TGA law. These products are limited in how they perform and what they can do compared to hearing aids.

 

It's important to be aware of the marketing claims by the companies who make these products, and understand the differences between the claims made by a marketing team compared to the support and education you receive from an audiologist.​ Please note, the law in the USA and likely, Australia, will change in how some products in this area are managed. In the USA, the Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aid act has been enacted meaning there is now an emerging market that blends consumer grade technologies with some speech enhancement features. Brands like Apple Airpod Pro's and others, are moving into this category of OTC devices. Australia is following.

 

Implantable devices (like the cochlear implant)

The cochlear implant, middle ear implant and brainstem implant are medical grade devices.  Similar to hearing aids, this category of device complies with strict TGA law. Implantable devices require a service portion, usually consisting of a surgical portion (by an ENT, Neurologist etc) and an audiological or allied health portion to support you. The surgeon will perform the implant and the allied health professional will support your rehabilitation. ​​