Southern Hearing Excellence

FAQ - our services
Are children able to be seen at your clinic?

Yes, we can see children, however, only those aged 10 years and older.

For children aged under 10, please refer to Hearing Australia, who are also based in Albany. You can visit www.hearing.com.au for more information.
Are you a full Hearing Services Program provider? What services can be provided for me if I'm an eligible pensioner?

Yes, we are a full provider for the Hearing Services Program - meaning we provide fully subsidised appointments and hearing aid for eligible clients under the program. Not all providers do this. Home visits are also available for HSP clients.

Speak to us about what funding availability may be available for you. We will check your eligibility and can explain to you how it works.
Why should I come to your clinic over chain hearing clinics available to me? 

  • Longer, more comprehensive consultations with the same audiologist.

  • HSP (government clients) receive fully subsidised services with us.

  • With no KPI's or head office pressure to push certain brands, it allows us to prioritise our clients needs.

  • We only work with quality hearing aids, and our prices are usually more affordable than others. Especially on middle to higher end devices.

  • As locals, when you spend money with us, your money is re-invested back into our local community. 
If I wish to relocate to your clinic to receive ongoing-services for my current hearing aids, what fees are involved to do this?

For private clients already using hearing aids - we charge $179 for your first appointment. At this appointment, you will receive a full review in a one-hour appointment.

For HSP/DVA clients already using hearing aids - your fees are covered for by the program. Meaning all hearing / hearing aid-related services are subsidised.
I know health funds will cover the cost of hearing aids. But do they cover appointment costs too?

Most do not, but that being said, there are some health funds around that will cover the cost of hearing assessments, along with hearing aid repairs and reviews.

If I'm NOT on an Australian Government paid pension, can I receive a rebate on hearing aids or appointments through Medicare or my Commonwealth Card?

Unfortunately, no. Australia does not provide audiology billing through Medicare or concession cards. However, funding can be provided through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program or DVA, for eligible clients.

I regularly see another audiologist I'm mostly happy with, but want a second opinion on my hearing aids from an independent provider. Can I visit your clinic for this evaluation without any obligations?

Yes, absolutely. We can provide you with a second opinion in a discrete manner.
What type of hearing assessment should I book if I need a hearing test completed for my employer?

Please book our Standard hearing assessment.
What type of hearing assessment should I book if I'm considering the possibility of hearing aids?

Please book our Standard hearing assessment.
If I want to receive your audiology services at my home or aged-care facility, will this cost be covered for by the Hearing Services Program (HSP)?

Partially - yes! Eligible pensioners under the Hearing Services Program (HSP) are entitled to receive home service through HSP. However, due to the costs involved, we do charge an additional call out fee for this service. Please take a look at our page on home services page, or feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. 
Do you provide hearing assessments for driving licences purposes?

Yes, we do. We can provide a hearing assessment and report to your doctor detailing your eligibility to drive with/without hearing aids. 
I've noticed that others in Albany also promote themselves as locally-owned and independent. However, I thought you were the only one?

As of date, we stand as the sole locally-owned independent - scout's honor! The other clinic that claims to be "locally-owned and independent" is actually part of a chain and is operated by an out-of-town owner. These details can be confirmed easily online.
Are there any requirements for my home for audiology services?

If hearing testing or hearing aid set up takes place in at your home, it's important to have a moderately quiet environment within the home, for compliance and accurate results. However, normal, outside sorrounding environmental noises will not impacting hearing tests.
What qualifications does your audiologist have?

Our audiologist is an accredited audiologist under Audiology Australia and a licenced Medical Provider for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. He has also completed comprehensive ear wax management courses. He trained as an audiologist at the University in Western Australia and holds a Master's in Clinical Audiology, along with undergraduate degrees in Medical Science and Population Health. He has more than 8 year's experience in adult hearing rehabilitation and ear wax removal. 
What is your privacy policy?

Your personal information provided to us is always stored securely and confidentially on a cloud-based encrypted database, which adherts to ISO/IEC 27001 certified Information Security Management System (ISMS).

For private clients - your personal information is never shared with any third parties. For clients under the Hearing Services Program (HSP) - at times we may be required to share your personal information with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, performed in accordance with HSP compliance and regulations. 
What type of payments do you accept?

We can accept all major types of payment, including: eftpos, bitcoin, cash or bank transfer. If payment is made in bitcoin, payment is required prior to services delivered, due to clearance times.

Our audiologist will always attend your home-visit appointment with a mobile eftpos machine and provide a tax invoice.