The first step towards better hearing is to admit when you start having difficulty hearing sounds and understanding speech. Then you need to make an appointment for a hearing evaluation. Almost all of us have difficulty hearing in certain situations and having your ears tested is a proactive way of keeping yourself healthy. Research has shown that on average it takes 5 to 7 years before someone with a hearing loss starts to seek help. Usually the family members and close friends notice the hearing loss first and will ask the person to have his / her ears tested, but are only met with resistance.
A hearing test is not invasive and only takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the types of tests that need to be done. The client usually only needs to indicate when certain sounds are heard and also repeat words back to the Audiologist as he / she reads them out to the client.
After the test is completed, the results are discussed with the client and the Audiologist will make recommendations accordingly. There is no waiting period for the results as it is immediately available and the client will have time to ask the Audiologist any questions regarding the results or the recommended treatment options.
Remember, medical aids usually pay for this test but we can also phone them beforehand to confirm benefits. We also have reduced private rates for pensioners. If you do need to have a hearing aid fitted, the medical aid will again be contacted to confirm benefits. For some medical aids the hearing aid benefits are separate from the day-to-day benefits and will not influence your doctor’s appointments or chronic medication. Feel free to contact us for more detail regarding medical aid payments and private rates.