AMPLIFY YOUR ENJOYMENT OF LIFE

Transcription

1 AMPLIFY YOUR ENJOYMENT OF LIFE RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTICS

2 We all live in a world where hearing plays a vital part in our enjoyment of life. And when our ability to hear is reduced it can lead to a whole range of difficulties in communication - both for ourselves and for those around us. Precision Hearing is dedicated to helping overcome the difficulties associated with hearing loss. We have over forty years experience and work closely with GPs and ENT specialists to offer the very latest in Audiology technology and rehabilitation services. With Precision Hearing you are in safe hands.

3 WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS? As hearing loss is usually gradual, it is often recognised first by family, friends and work colleagues. The sooner you detect a hearing problem the easier the adjustment to treatment will be, so it pays to look out for these warning signals: People you speak to sometimes seem to mumble You need to turn up the volume on your speakers You ask others to repeat themselves You feel that you can hear but cannot understand You find it hard to follow group conversations or hear conversations in the presence of other noises Some voices and sounds are more difficult to differentiate

4 A FULL RANGE OF EVALUATION AND REHABILITATION SERVICES Vestibular Assessment Including Video Nystagmography and Vestibular Evoked Potentials Evoked Responses Including Electrocochleography, Auditory Brainstem Responses, Middle and Late Response Otoacoustic Emission Testing Establishing outer hair cell function Hearing Aids Assessments, fittings and servicing Bone Fitted Hearing Aids (BAHA) Assessment and fitting Cochlear Implant Assessments, rehabilitation and mapping Customised Hearing Protection Including musician earplugs Swimming Earplugs For the prevention of swimmers ear Tinnitus Assessment Defining the pitch and loudness level - as well as advice on management and coping mechanisms

5 The benefits of hearing aids Hearing aids have been around for a number of years, and as technology has advanced they have become increasingly effective, comfortable and visually discreet. Although hearing aids may not restore hearing completely they can make a substantial difference to the quality of sounds received.

6 WHAT CAUSES HEARING LOSS? There are many reasons for reduced hearing and the cause and degree of hearing loss will determine the most suitable treatment. These are some of the most common causes: Wax build-up/impaction Age Injury to the ear or head Hereditary factors Noise exposure Ototoxic medications Meniere s disease Immune disorders Otosclerosis BPPV Viral labyrinthitis Acoustic neuroma Glue ear, outer and middle ear infections Diabetes

7 HOW WE HEAR Outer ear Middle ear Inner ear Ear drum Auditory ossicles Eustachian tube Auditory canal Archway of the organ Concha of balance Cochlea Auditory nerve 1 The outer ear captures sound vibrations and directs these down the ear canal. 2 The eardrum receives these vibrations and passes sound into the middle ear. 3 Bones located in the middle ear transmit sounds to the inner ear. 4 These sounds are received by the cochlea, which transmits signals to the auditory nerve. 5 The auditory nerve transmits signal to the brain, which recognises and differentiates between sounds.

8 TYPES OF HEARING AIDS Completely in the Canal (CIC) CIC units fit into the actual ear canal. This makes them popular for their visual appeal, but they may not be sufficient for people with severe hearing loss. Receiver in the Ear (RITE) These units are extremely lightweight and are almost invisible. All electronics are housed within a casing outside the wearer s ear, and a thin tube carries a wire and speaker close to the ear drum. Most models can connect to a TV, mobile phone, MP3 player or other devices such as a computer.

9 In the Ear (ITE) ITEs sit within the outer ear. They are suitable for people with a higher degree of hearing loss and can include the benefits of volume control and a programming button. Behind the Ear (BTE) These models contain electronics that are housed within a unit that sits behind the ear, with sound directed via a discreet tube to an earpiece in the canal. Certain BTEs can connect to TV sets, mobile phones, MP3 players and other compatible devices. Units include the benefits of volume control and a programming button.

10 WHAT PATIENTS AND PROFESSIONALS SAY I wanted to write and let you know how grateful I am for the 10 years of care that you have shown me... I have always found your team to be professional and thorough with my treatment - your staff are not only helpful, but patient and understanding of my needs. Yael Priestman I have been a client of Precision Hearing for many years. During this time I have had exceptional care. In the early nineties I brought a 95 year old friend who also had nothing but praise for the service she received - she has since died but I know she appreciates the kindness shown her. Caroline Crilly I am an extremely grateful and a very happy recipient of the manifold benefits of the outstanding Hearing Aid Program. I am also very fortunate that my hearing aid needs are professionally and competently handled by Precision Hearing - and I unhesitatingly recommend their services. Eric W Reed Precision Hearing is staffed by experienced, highly qualified Audiologists. We are closely associated with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists for ongoing research and education. Our aim is to enhance the communicative abilities and the quality of life for our hearing impaired clients. Professor Paul Fagan

11 GOVERNMENT and private health cover BENEFITS As part of the Australian Office of Hearing Services Program, many people are entitled to receive fully subsidised testing and hearing aids as well as ongoing service and care. These groups include: Pension Concession Cardholders Gold or White Repatriation Cardholders Aborigines or Torres Strait Islanders over 50 Members of the Australian Defence Force lf hearing loss is suffered because of a workrelated incident such as an accident, or even prolonged exposure to noise, you may be entitled to benefits. In addition, all Australian private health insurers offer rebates on hearing aids, so please check the benefits offered by your fund. And if you d like to find out more about your circumstance, one of our consultants will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Just call us on (02)

12 OUR CLINIC LOCATIONS Darlinghurst Near St. Vincent s Hospital St. Leonards Across from Royal North Shore Hospital Kogarah Opposite St. George Hospital Bondi Junction Near Waverly Library For all bookings and enquiries, please call: (02) Fax (02) precision_hear@optusnet.com.au