FAQ | Quantum Hearing

Our principal audiologist is a university degree-qualified audiologist, and an accredited member of the Audiological Society of Australia, and Independent Audiologists Australia.

What products and services does Quantum Hearing provide?

At Quantum Hearing our principal audiologist conducts free screenings for hearing loss, full audiological hearing assessments, hearing aid fitting and management, and hearing aid servicing and repair. Our audiologist also takes ear impressions to create unique moulds for a range of form-fitting, custom-made, individually crafted ear plugs (industrial, sleep, musician, swimming, phone ear-piece, headphones, noise-cancelling etc).

Quantum Hearing also offers a range of hearing aid batteries, which may be purchased in-store or online via our website, and a range of audiologist recommended assistive listening devices, designed to enhance your lifestyle and your home.

Whereabouts is Quantum Hearing located?

Our clinic is located at Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre, 190 Jells Road Wheelers Hill. We are Shop 27.

Is car parking available at Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre?

Yes, the centre offers free car parking facilities.

Is Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre accessible by public transport?

Yes, Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre is serviced by the 754 bus operating between Glen Waverley Station and Rowville, and the 804 bus operating between Dandenong and Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Can anyone make an appointment to see your audiologist?

Our audiologist specialises in hearing services for adults 26 years of age and older.

Does your audiologist make home visits?

Yes, home visits can be arranged for local residents with mobility issues, call us on 8510 0535 to book a call-out.

Does your audiologist visit residents in local care facilities?

Yes, Quantum Hearing is located close to Weary Dunlop Retirement Village, Lifeview The Willows Residential Care and Cumberland View Retirement Village, call us on 8510 0535 to arrange a call-out.

What is an accredited audiologist?

An accredited audiologist is a member of the Audiological Society of Australia and is bound by their strict code of ethics.

Only university degree-qualified audiologists may join the Audiological Society of Australia.

What is the Commonwealth Office of Hearing Services?

The Australian government provides subsidies for hearing services to eligible Australians through the Commonwealth Office of Hearing Services. Contact us for more information.

Are there any rebates available for hearing services?

Some patients may be eligible for rebates on hearing services. To find out more ask us, or contact:

Commonwealth Office of Hearing Services
Veterans’ Affairs
Your Private Health Insurance Provider
WorkSafe Victoria
Disability Employment Services

What is an independent audiologist?

An independent audiologist is a member of Independent Audiologists Australia, and is a clinic that is independently owned by an audiologist, not by a corporate group, chain store or hearing aid manufacturer.

HEARING ASSESSMENT

Why do I need a full hearing assessment?

1 in 6 Australians are affected by hearing loss.

More than half of all Australians over 60 years of age, and almost three quarters of all Australians over 70 years of age, are experiencing hearing loss.

A full hearing assessment is a positive first step for people noticing changes with their hearing or their ears, and for people whose friends and family have noticed a change in how you are hearing.

It may be that you’re working in a noisy environment, have had exposure to loud sounds or music, or have noticed changes in how you hear / how your ears feel.

Why should I have a full hearing assessment?

A full hearing assessment will provide a baseline of your hearing, allow for changes in your hearing to be monitored, and initiate a conversation with your audiologist on available preventative protective devices, hearing devices for amplification and assistive listening, and identify where medical intervention may be necessary.

How often should I get my hearing assessed?

You should have your hearing assessed by an accredited audiologist annually. This allows us to monitor your hearing levels and ensure that there are no changes that need to be addressed. Where changes to your hearing are identified, our audiologist can adjust your hearing aids to adapt to changes in your hearing levels and ensure your hearing devices are performing at their optimal capacity for your needs.

Do I need to tell my insurance provider the results of my hearing assessment?

Your insurance provider may require your audiologist’s contact information. Should your insurer require your results we will contact you for your consent.

Do I need to see my GP before coming in for a hearing assessment?

To have your audiological assessment subsidised by the Commonwealth Office of Hearing Services, you will be required to have a medical certification completed by your GP, along with a current Pensioner Concession Card. If you are self-funded, you will not be required to see your GP for a referral for your initial test.

What is the difference between a screening & a hearing assessment?

A screening is a quick free test to identify whether you have a hearing loss or if you have no hearing loss, in comparison to the normative range. A hearing assessment measures the type and degree of any hearing loss, and determines the source of any loss, whether it be in your outer, middle or inner ear.

I'm concerned my family member is experiencing hearing loss, but they're not interested in having an assessment. What should I do?

Encouraging them to come into our clinic and allowing us to undertake a hearing assessment and address their hearing concerns is a positive first step. We believe it’s crucial for people to understanding what’s happening with their hearing and we approach the needs of each patient at their pace, with individual care, and the latest information. Patients are welcome to bring along a support person to their hearing assessment.

Our principal audiologist stays up to date with all current developments in audiology, and is also qualified to make recommendations on a range of assistive listening devices that may improve a patient’s lifestyle and home.

What should I bring to a hearing assessment?

If one has a Pensioner Concession Card they should bring this along with their GP signed medical certification form.

How long will a hearing assessment take?

A full test takes approximately 60 minutes, with time for our audiologist to fully discuss the results with you, and address any of your questions.

May I bring a friend, relative or carer to my hearing assessment?

Yes, patients are welcome to bring along a support person to their hearing assessment.

May I keep a copy of my hearing assessment?

Yes, you will be provided with a copy of your results upon request.

What is involved in a hearing assessment?

Our audiologist will ask you questions about your hearing
Our audiologist will conduct a series of tests to determine your hearing levels, including: Otoscopy (viewing your ear canal and ear drum); Pure Tone Audiometry (beep responses); Speech Audiometry (word responses); and if necessary Tympanometry (middle ear function test)
Our audiologist will discuss the results of your hearing tests with you
Our audiologist will make recommendations to you based on the results of your hearing test, this may include advising on preventative protective measures, hearing amplification with hearing aids, assistive listening devices for your home, or referring you to another health professional.

EAR PLUGS

I had an ear impression taken for a pair of swimmers plugs & I now need a pair of musician plugs. Can this be arranged over the phone?

Yes, however any new plugs must be ordered within 6 months, as your individual ear impression taken by our audiologist is only kept for 6 months.

How do disposable earplugs compare to a pair custom-fit by an audiologist?

Disposable ear plugs are one size fits all. This results in an uncomfortable and loose fit that’s easily removed, increasing the risk of a noise induced loss. Custom-fit plugs are comfortable and attenuate more sound.

My partner snores & I have trouble sleeping. Would ear plugs make a difference?

Sleep plugs will definitely make a difference. They reduce sound by up to 40dB and are also comfortable to sleep in. Disposable plugs can be uncomfortable to sleep with, and have a tendency to work their way out of the ear overnight.

HEARING AIDS

What should I do if I run out of batteries for my hearing aid?

Before you’re on your last battery, contact Quantum Hearing by phone, email, order online or come into our clinic for your hearing aid batteries. We provide only high quality hearing aid batteries.

I'm concerned my hearing aid is not functioning as well as it did when it was first fitted. What should I do?

There are many possible reasons. It may be due to the age of the hearing aid, it may need servicing, it may need to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair, or your hearing may have changed. Contact us and our audiologist can discuss it with you.

Should I be wearing my hearing aid all the time, or only when I go out?

The best way to acclimatise to hearing aids is to wear them as much as you can. Wearing them only when you go out makes acclimatising more difficult, as you’ll be focusing more on new noises around you rather than on the voices you want to hear.

Can I wear my hearing aid in the shower?

Your hearing aids do have a moisture protection coating, but it’s an electronic device and we recommend against wearing them in the shower.

I find using the telephone difficult with my hearing aid, what should I do?

Your options for overcoming this will depend on your hearing aid. Generally, holding the handset higher up towards the microphones on your hearing aid will assist. Alternatively, if your hearing aid has a telecoil function, you may use this to transmit sound directly. There are also other assistive listening devices available that can connect to your mobile phone and hearing aid via Bluetooth. Contact us for more information.

Is it a problem if I wear my hearing aid in the rain?

Avoid using your hearing aid in the rain. Your hearing aid will have a moisture coating, but ideally your hearing aid should be worn in dry environments.

I accidentally sprayed hairspray on my hearing aid, will it be damaged?

Yes, this can cause a blockage to your hearing aid microphones. Give your hearing aid a quick wipe over before it dries if possible. However if it’s too late, use a moist towel to wipe over it. Contact us if it stops working.

How often should I get my hearing aid serviced?

An annual service is ideal to ensure ear wax and dirt are properly cleared from the hearing aid, and also to allow for the tubes and domes to be checked by our audiologist in case they have become cracked and there is sound leakage.

Will my hearing aid overheat from use?

Current hearing aids have not been known to overheat from normal use.

Can I wear my hearing aid in the sun?

Yes, you may wear hearing aids in the sun. However, our audiologist would recommend against leaving them in the sun, to avoid excessive heat exposure.

Can I wear my hearing aid on a plane?

Yes, you can wear your hearing aid on the plane. When you get on the plane you can set them to “plane mode”. This setting is different between each model of hearing aid and manufacturer. Contact us for more information.

Can I take spare hearing aid batteries on the plane?

Please contact the airline you are travelling with for the most up to date information on their aviation guidelines for travelling with batteries.

Will I be able to buy hearing aid batteries overseas?

Yes, hearing aid battery sizes are universal. Ensure you are aware of the correct battery size for your hearing aid. For convenience though we recommend you pre-purchase a sufficient quantity of batteries in advance of your trip.

What is the difference between being assessed for a hearing aid by a qualified accredited audiologist & a hearing aid reseller?

A degree-qualified accredited audiologist is one who has undergone a rigorous university Master’s degree in audiology and is clinically trained in all types of hearing losses.

A hearing aid reseller has no audiological background or clinical experience in providing hearing aids.

I've recently been fitted for a hearing aid, but I find it uncomfortable to wear for too long. What should I do?

Come back and see your audiologist. We may need to re-shell the mould of the hearing aid or change the tips for a more comfortable fit.

Can I send hearing aid batteries in the mail?

Yes, packaged hearing aid batteries can be sent in the mail within Australia.

We recommend a hearing assessment be undertaken annually to ensure your audiologist has an accurate record of your hearing levels.

Our audiologist recommends that you undergo a new hearing assessment before proceeding, to ensure your new hearing aid will most accurately address your current hearing needs.

I originally bought my hearing aid from another clinic. Are you able to service it?

Yes, we are experienced with all the major manufacturers, and we’re more than happy to service your hearing aid.

If your hearing aid requires a complex repair that we cannot undertake at the clinic, we will liaise with the manufacturer and arrange for it to be repaired.

How long should a hearing aid last?

With normal use and proper maintenance, hearing aids should last for many years.

However, technology is constantly changing and improving, and on average the latest hearing aid will be outdated within four years.

Can I purchase a second-hand hearing aid?

We do not supply second hand hearing aids, and for hygiene reasons our audiologist does not recommend using second-hand hearing aids.

Quantum Hearing does offer a range of hearing aids to suit different budgets, and our audiologist will discuss this with you to ensure all your needs are considered when making a hearing aid recommendation.

I need a hearing aid, but I can only afford something basic, what should I do?

Our audiologist is primarily concerned with ensuring your needs are addressed. Discussing your hearing needs and cost expectations with our audiologist will ensure the most appropriate hearing aid is recommended for you, within your budget range.

Anchor 48