Sounds of Life’s Platinum Aftercare Package

 

 

 

Sounds of Life’s Platinum Aftercare Package

 

 

At Sounds of Life we recognise the importance of good aftercare.  All our hearing aids come standard with our free-of-charge “Platinum after-care package”. The package includes:

    • 36-month product warranty
    • Free annual hearing screening and hearing aid adjustment for three years
    • Free ongoing hearing aid clean and checks
    • Free hearing aid trial prior to purchase

 

Why hearing aid aftercare should not be an after-thought 

If you are a hearing aid wearer, it is likely that your hearing aids are playing a significant role in your daily life helping you to communicate.  Like all things we rely on, it is not only important to look after them, but to be confident that if something does go wrong, you will be immediately supported.  Due to the often-permanent nature of hearing loss, wearers of hearing aids are likely to require them for the rest of their lives and they will become important partners in life.

Ongoing support and maintenance of hearing aids are important to ensure:hearing aid care

  • They are adjusted and fine-tuned to compensate for changes in hearing. Often hearing deteriorates over time due to natural ageing.
  • They are adjusted and fine-tuned to adapt to changes in needs or circumstances. Often changes to the hearing aids will be required due to changes in lifestyle (e.g. you may have started listening to more music and require a music program in your hearing aid) or health (e.g. you may have an ear infection and require temporarily a different style of ear mould)
  • They are working optimally and reliably. Hearing aids are sensitive electronic devices that operate in quite a hostile environment (ear canal).  They require regular cleaning/care and sometimes repair.

When purchasing hearing aids, it is important to understand from your audiologist what levels of aftercare service is provided and the cost of this aftercare.  Key things to consider:

(1) Hearing aid warranty

The first thing to find out is the manufacturer’s warranty on the hearing aid itself.  At some point of time your hearing aids will require repair and if your hearing aids are out of warranty the costs could be significant.  It goes without saying the longer the manufacturer’s warranty the better.

(2) Ongoing support and service

It important to find out what aftercare service is provided and the cost of the service.  Important aftercare services include hearing tests, hearing aid adjustments, clean/check of hearing aids and the provision of consumables (batteries, earmoulds and tips/domes).

 

If you feel hearing loss is impacting your life contact Sounds of Life.

Contact us today on 1300 744 432 or via our contact form below:

 

    Your Name (required)

    Your Phone Number (required)

    Your Message

     

     

    About Sounds of Life

    Sounds of Life Audiology is a leading, independent hearing aid specialist.  We offer transparent and affordable hearing aid pricing on quality hearing aids (including virtually invisible hearing aid technology) from the world’s leading brands.

     

     

    What is the loudest sound ever recorded?

     

     

     

    What is the loudest sound ever recorded?

     

    The general consensus among scientists is that the loudest sound ever recorded on Earth was the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in 1883.

    How loud was the Krakatoa volcanic eruption?

    The sound level of the eruption was measured1 as 172 decibels approximately 150 kms from the eruption.

    To put this in perspective, operating a jackhammer exposes the user to approximately 120 decibels.  Every 10 decibels increase in sound level is perceived as roughly twice as loud. Therefore, standing next to jet engine at 140 decibels would be perceived at four times as loud as a jackhammer.  The eruption of Krakatoa was measured at 172 decibels!

    The amazing fact is that the measured 172 decibels was at a distance of 150 kilometres from the eruption.  We know it was much louder closer to the eruption as doubling the distance from the sound source, reduces sound volume by half.   Therefore, the 172 decibels measured at 150 kilometres would be equivalent to somewhere between 1/7 to 1/8 the sound level one kilometre from the explosion2.

    Fortunately such an extreme sound event like the eruption of Krakatoa is rare.  However we are constantly in danger of damaging our hearing from everyday sounds in our normal lives.  These sounds do not necessarily have to be extremely loud.  What is important is both the loudness and duration of the sound.  For example, exposure to sounds as low as 85 dB for a long duration can cause permanent hearing damage.  As the sound level increases the safe exposure time for the sound decreases.  For example, it is recommended for 100 dB sounds that a safe exposure over a 24 hour period is only 15 minutes.  The table below shows the wide range of sound levels the human ear can perceive and the recommended exposure time for the different levels.

     

    Source of Sound/Noise

    Approximate Sound
    Pressure in Pa

     

     

    dB SPL

     

    Human Judgement of Loudness relative to 60 dB

    Maximum Recommended Noise Dose (over 24 hours)

     
    Rocket Launch 2,000 >160 1024 X as loud as 60 dB (eardrums ruptured) No Safe Exposure
    Jet Engine (at 50 metres) 200 140 256 X as loud as 60 dB (threshold of pain) No Safe Exposure without ear protection
    Jackhammer (at 1 metre) 20 120 64 X as loud as 60dB 7 seconds
    Rock concert 2 >100 16 X as loud as 60dB 15 minutes
    Traffic on busy motorway .2 80 4 X as loud as 60dB 8 hours
    Normal Conversation .02 60   Safe
    Quiet Library .002 40 1/4 X as loud as 60dB Safe
    Leaves rustling .0002 20 1/16 X as loud as 60dB Safe
    Softest sound a human can hear .00002 0   Safe

     

     

    1 Scientists could calculate the loudness of Krakatoa in decibels from the spike in atmospheric pressure which was recorded by nearby weather stations.

    2 Sound intensity is limited to 194 decibels in the Earth’s atmosphere.  Above this level, sound is no longer just passing through the air, it’s actually pushing the air along with it, causing a pressurised burst called a “shock wave.”

     

    About Sounds of Life

    Sounds of Life audiology is a member of Audiology Australia and Independent Audiologist Australia. We adhere strictly to Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.   We pride ourselves on:

    • Being fully independent – We are not owned or operated by a hearing aid manufacturer or large chain.
    • Ethical Practices – We are focused on providing the highest level of care and do not pay commissions.

    We also follow the Australian Government Hearing Services’ protocol for hearing services.

     

    If you feel hearing loss is impacting your life contact Sounds of Life.

    Contact us today on 1300 744 432 or via our contact form below:

     

      Your Name (required)

      Your Phone Number (required)

      Your Message

       

       

       

       

       

      Five Myths About Hearing Aids

      hearing aid myths

       

      We answer 5 common myths about hearing aids

      myths about hearing aidsFor many people with significant hearing loss, hearing aids offer tremendous benefits, significantly improving quality of Life.

      Due to a lot of misinformation out there being communicated by unscrupulous hearing clinics pushing hearing aid sales, we at Sounds of Life Audiology Clinic would like to bust some of the myths about hearing aids.

       

       

      Myth 1 – You have a hearing loss therefore you need a hearing aid.

      Truth – Not necessarily

      Hearing loss is common as we age.  In fact, it is estimated that 50% of people aged over 60 have hearing loss.  However, having some degree of hearing loss does not necessarily mean you are suitable or that you will benefit from hearing aids.   Unfortunately, some hearing clinics recommend hearing aids to individuals who do not need them.

      If your hearing loss is very mild, it is unlikely that a hearing aid will be beneficial.  As the name suggests a hearing aid is an “aid” and does not fully restore your hearing.   You should consider investigating getting a hearing aid when you are having frequent difficulties hearing conversations.  During a hearing evaluation your audiologist should conduct speech testing which will provide a good indication of the need for hearing aids.

      Some types of hearing loss are caused by medically treatable conditions.   A qualified audiologist can conduct a comprehensive hearing test to identify the cause of your hearing loss. For medically treatable conditions, a further referral to an ENT should take precedence over hearing aid options.

       

      Myth 2  – Hearing aids will prevent my hearing getting worse.

      Truth – Sadly, no

      Properly fitted hearing aids will not cause a decline in hearing, however they will also not prevent further hearing decline.  It is common as we age for our hearing to slowly get worse.  Unfortunately, some hearing clinics like to push the myth that hearing aids will prevent further hearing loss decline to scare people into purchasing hearing aids before they really need them.  Hearing aids will not prevent your hearing declining however they can be adjusted or fine-tuned to account for current hearing loss levels to ensure the continual stimulation of the auditory pathway to keep your speech discrimination ability intact.

      It is very important for all people, whether normal hearing or hearing-impaired, to protect their hearing in noisy situations to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.   

       

      Myth 3 – My hearing aids do not improve my hearing; therefore, I need new hearing aids. 

      Truth – Not necessarily

      If your hearing aids are not helping you, the first thing that an audiologist should do is check whether your hearing aids are faulty.   If they are faulty and under five years of age, it is highly likely they can be repaired*.   If your hearing aids are over five years of age, parts and electronic components of the hearing aids may no longer be available for repairs.

      If your hearing aids are not faulty, they may need to be reprogrammed to account for changes in your hearing or your needs.  Most hearing aids are digital with a high degree of programming flexibility.  This means that even if your hearing has deteriorated, there is a good possibility (at least for minor changes in hearing) that your hearing aid could be reprogrammed to account for the decline.

      A professional audiologist can reprogram your hearing aids using real ear measurements (insertion gain) to ensure they are being programmed to provide the exact amount of amplification at the ear drum.

      *most manufacturers in Australia will guarantee availability of repair parts for at least five years from purchase 

       

      Myth 4 – I need the top-of-the-range hearing aids to be able to hear 

      Truth – Not necessarily

      It is no secret that unfortunately many hearing clinics like to push more profitable high-end and premium hearing aids.  Although this technology can offer significant benefits for wearers with demanding or challenging listening needs, they will not necessarily be value for money for all individuals.

      If you have significant hearing loss, you are likely to gain significant benefit from even entry-level digital technology.  If you live a very quiet lifestyle with basic needs (e.g. you just want a hearing aid for watching television or talking to the family) and you don’t need specific technology (e.g. Bluetooth wireless connectivity), the additional benefit from premium technology may not be worth the expenditure.

      It is certainly worth asking the clinic whether they offer any no-gap high-technology hearing aid options.  Some clinics like Sounds of Life will offer a range of no-gap high-technology options for eligible pensioners and private health members.

       

      Myth 5 – Your hearing loss cannot be helped.

      Truth – Not necessarily

      In the past, hearing technology was not at the level to address some specific types of hearing loss including unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear) and very high frequency hearing loss.  Due to modern advances in hearing aid technology there are now solutions for the vast majority of significant hearing loss.  Even if in the past you have been told by your doctor that your hearing loss cannot be helped it is worth getting an updated opinion from a qualified audiologist.

       

      About Sounds of Life

      Sounds of Life audiology is a member of Audiology Australia and Independent Audiologist Australia. We adhere strictly to Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.   We pride ourselves on:

      • Being fully independent – We are not owned or operated by a hearing aid manufacturer or large chain.
      • Ethical Practices – We are focused on providing the highest level of care and do not pay commissions.

      We also follow the Australian Government Hearing Services’ protocol for hearing services.

       

      If you feel hearing loss is impacting your life contact Sounds of Life.

      Contact us today on 1300 744 432 or via our contact form below:

       

        Your Name (required)

        Your Phone Number (required)

        Your Message