Why independent hearing care is better

For the more discerning person considering hearing aids, below we reveal some inside-information into how the Australian hearing aid industry works, empowering you make a more informed choice on your hearing aid purchase. 

What am I actually getting when I purchase hearing ais from budget-providers, such as multidisciplinary healthcare providers (MHP)?

When individuals evaluate budget hearing aid providers (MDH), the first aspect that catches their attention is their pricing. However, as with many choices in life, this "value" often includes some discreet pitfalls.


The reason MDH's are able to provide cheap pricing on hearing aids comes down to how they operate - focusing on volume-based services along with lower-quality hearing aids. These hearing aids are procured in bulk though volume-purchasing agreements (VPA) from hearing aid manufacturers. However, because of the significant buying power they hold, the VPA's terms are generally not very favourable for manufacturers, with the MDH's leveraging as much as they can from the contracts. This means, only the hearing aid manufacture able to produce devices on the cheaper side, are the ones willing to supply them. For the end-consumer, this creates two issues - a transparency issue and a quality issue. The transparency issue relates to what the consumer perceives to get vs what they actually get, while the quality issue relates to devices which are more prone to faults and repairs. This may be obvious for many people, but what's largely unknown is these devices are actually often sold using previous-generation hearing aid technology, yet not markted as such. This means consumers, unware, are often not even getting like-for-like products. The tactics used to hide include "white labeling", which make it difficult to determine exact model of device received. 


With all that said, we like to be fully transparent, and therefore, we need to mention the positives MDH's hold. With their extensive network of clinics throughout the whole of Australia, it facilitates an easy transition when relocating homes or when requiring devices to be serviced on holiday or work trips. Additionally, due to their capability to offer lower-end hearing aid brands at great prices, they also represent a good choice for individuals who are less focused on quality and performance.

What am I actually getting when I purchase hearing aids from chain-hearing clinic owed by manufacturers?

As the Australian audiology sector has evolved, vertical integration, mainly through hearing aid company-ownership, now dominates the industry. While not applicable to all, many employ cheeky sales tactics, and because they are owned by the products they sell, often upsell or overcharge of products sold.

Examples of some of the practices these clinics engage in are "bait pricing" and "opaque pricing" (luring people in before revealing pricing and then offering discounts). By withholding prices, this creates an opportunity to facilitate a sale with flexible pricing, enhancing the perception of value, whether it actually is or not! This raises ethical questions, because if these "sales" allow them to still turn a healthy profit, what does that say for their ethics when the sales are not in place? Furthermore, as someone who has worked for these companies before, the so called "sales" are often not even sales at all, they are simply marketed to the clients in such a way. Examples of this include how management often permit clinicians to offer up to 30% discounts (at all times). Often, the public would be told "we have a sale on" when in reality, it's just this. This allows for higher sale prices to be made off wealthier clients, while still securing sales from less wealthier clients. 

In discussion on the positives of the chain clinics, you can generally trust them to provide you with a premium/quality hearing aid. Quality is rarely an issue with them, and they generally have high standards in clinical services provided. Additionally, they provide a network of clinics Australia wide, making servicing of devices easy when away from home. 

Hearing aid prices

  • Prices below are for a pair of hearing aids with charger included with no additional fees. 

  • Free, no-obligation hearing aid trials are available in our technology levels of Tribe, Excellence and Aristo.

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Aftercare services

We include 3 months of unlimited free appointments and associated costs - ensuring you are thoroughly satisfied.

Try Before You Buy

See what hearing aids can do to improve your life with our no-obligation 7 day trials. Nothing to lose. 

Money back guarantee

After your trial is over, you still have 5 weeks to return the hearing aids for a full refund.

3 - 5 year warranty coverage

In case of fault or break down, all our hearing aids are fully covered for 3-5 years from your date of purchase. 

Hearing aids: full terms of service information

Pricing information and cost of the recharge upgrade:

  • Hearing aids (devices) advertised are for standard dome-coupled hearing aid sales only. 

  • Our hearing aids can be provided as two options, in relation to power source: 1) disposable battery; 2) rechargeable battery. We do not charge more for rechargeables for selected devices (excludes custom devices, standard technology devices or promotional devices). 

  • If the selected device does not include the recharge upgrade, this can be provided for $450 (total for two devices) on top of standard pricing. Please note that most technology levels we sell only come in recharge option.

  • Custom hearing aids (in-the-ear style) are available in our technology levles of Standard, Tribe and Excellence, quoted in disposable battery. Recharge upgrade is available on selected models.

What's included with your purchase and payment terms:

  • All hearing aid sales include the following as standard: (2x) hearing aids and (1x) charger unit (when sold in recharge). There is no GST on hearing aid purchases.

  • On top of the devices provided, we also include the following services: (1x) hearing aid fitting appointment; (2x) follow-up care appointments; unlimited in-clinic bookings of appointments for a period of 90-days post fitting date. Consumables included with devices are: (8x) domes and (2x) packet filters. For sales of disposable battery-operated hearing aids, we include 6 months of batteries with your purchase at no extra cost.

  • All prices listed are for delivery of services at our clinic. However, when requested, this can alternatively be delivered as client's homes (fitting and follow up appointments).  Home-service fittings will occur additional costs.

  • All devices provided on trial are done so on a 7-day period, starting from fitting date. Full payment or the return of devices (in their fully operational condition) is required by the end of this period. Due to the manufacturer's payment terms, we regret that we are unable to offer any extensions on trial periods. A maximum of (2x) trails is allowed by our clinic.

  • After payment for devices is made, devices can still be returned for full refund up to 42-days post fitting date. Extensions on this return period can be provided on compassionate grounds, however please note, this can only be provided if arranged in advance with us. If a request for an extension on returns is not made to us prior to the 42-day cut-off, full payment is final.

Manufacturer warranty terms:

  • The warranty period on all devices sold in the technology levels of Standard, Standard Plus or Tribe include a 3-year warranty. For Excellence and Aristo devices, a 4-year warranty is included.

  • Please note, warranty periods listed do not apply to HSP or DVA clients, due to Dept Health regulations. Please speak to us for HSP warranty information.

  • Hearing aid speaker units include an 12-month warranty. 

  • Hearing aid custom ear moulds include an 18-month warranty.

  • The warranty on all hearing aid-related items is a manufacturer warranty between yourself and the hearing aid vendor, managed by our clinic. If devices need to be sent for manufacturer warranty repair, the cause of malfunctions is not determined by us.

  • Please be aware that manufacturer warranties for both devices and hearing aid speaker units excludes physical damage to devices or exposure to chlorinated/salt water. 

  • If a fault does arise from a manufacturer defect while devices are within the warranty periods, we will provide loan devices to clients at no additional cost. Please note, loan devices may differ from the devices purchased. Loan fees may apply when the devices have not been purchased from our clinic

Our Hearing aid technology levels - model and manufacturer specifications:

  • All hearing aids sold pertain exclusively to select models sourced from our partnered manufacturers -Phonak, Oticon, Widex and GN ReSound.

  • Should clients request hearing aid models not included in this range, we are able to accommodate these requests, provided the devices are sourced from our partnered manufacturers. Please be advised that price adjustments may occur.

  • If you require more detailed information on the hearing aids we sell, such as a written quote explaining how our technology levels relate to the manufacturers levels, please feel free to give us a call or book in to see us.

Custom earmould prices:

  • Devices prices shown are for standard dome-coupled hearing aid sales. However, in situations involving moderate to severe hearing loss, hearing aid mould/s may be necessary to ensure sufficient amplification for the user. In such cases, varying additional fees will apply. For all new hearing aid sales, we waive our standard mould-fitting fee. 

Other terms of service:

  • If hearing assessment results indicate only (1x) hearing device is required for clients, we can provide a 38% discount on our standard price structure for all devices advertised.

  • Phone streaming functionality is a standard feature on all behind-the-ear / receiver-in-the-ear devices we sell, with the exception of custom (CIC/IIC) devices. Please keep in mind that phone call streaming compatibility cannot be guaranteed for all mobile phone models. We will thoroughly discuss this aspect during your fitting appointment to ensure compatibility with your selected devices.

  • If additional appointments for ongoing maintenance, counseling, or device programming are necessary beyond the 90-days post fitting date, our standard clinic appointment fees will be applicable for private clients (unless under an Aftercare Plan). While not mandatory, we do highly recommend yearly review appointments to ensure optimal functionality of hearing devices. At these appointments, a full hearing assessment is performed, devices receive a software/firmware update, and devices are re-configured to clients changes in hearing.


Supporting our Great Southern community

Book Your Appointment Online

Choose the type of appointment require (shown in the boxes) to enter our booking system. If preferred, appointments can also be made over the phone.

Clinic hours of service:

  • Albany: TUE, WED, THUR 9:00am - 5:00pm

  • Albany: SAT 9:30am - 1:00pm

  • Denmark: FRI 9:00am - 4:00pm

For booking cancellations, we require a minimum of 12 hours notice.