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AUDIOLOGY

We love looking after your hearing

At OPSM we have a team of qualified audiologists who specialize in comprehensive hearing care - from hearing assessments, hearing aid prescriptions, hearing aid fittings and ongoing support. Our team is dedicated to helping you hear clearly and live fully, with hearing solutions tailored to your listening and lifestyle needs. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes in your hearing or looking for the latest technology, we’re here to support you at every step on your hearing journey.

Early detection is best

Many Australians have untreated hearing loss which can have serious consequences. Don’t delay, booking a hearing test today.

Loving your ears

There’s a lot you can do to maintain your hearing health.

It is recommended to do a hearing check every 1-3 years from the age of 40. If you are over 50 years of age or exposed to loud noise in the workplace (construction workers, musicians) a hearing check every year is recommended. Early detection of hearing loss can lead to better long-term outcomes.
Use ear plugs or hearing protection in loud environments (such construction sites, concerts). Give your ears quiet time after exposure to loud noise.
Don’t use cotton swabs or sharp objects to clean your ears as this can damage the eardrum or push wax deeper.

Looking for health

You should never miss life’s precious moments, so it’s important to detect hearing problems early to give yourself the best chance of improved hearing. If you recognize any of the following early signs of hearing loss or know a close family member or friend who displays the following signs, please book a hearing test or visit an OPSM store for our free hearing screening.

Signs of early hearing loss in adults

  • Turning the volume of the TV up to louder than what others find comfortable.
  • Difficulty hearing and following conversation in noisy environments including restaurants and large group settings.
  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves, especially if it happens to different people.
  • Muffled hearing or sounds seeming less clear - voices might sound like mumbling.
  • Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds like birds chirping, doorbells or children’s voices.
  • Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) is a common early sign of hearing damage. Tinnitus refers to a ringing and/or buzzing sound in the ear which only you can hear.
  • Avoiding social situations due to difficulty understanding speech or embarrassment.
  • Misinterpreting words in a conversation and providing off-topic responses.

Risk factors of untreated hearing loss in adults

Adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop increases in mental strain as the brain works harder to process sound. The lack of auditory stimulation over time may also lead to weakened auditory processing regions over time.
Studies indicate that there is a link between age related hearing loss and an increased risk in cognitive decline and dementia1.

1. See for example: Lin F et al, 2013, Hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults. JAMA Intern Med.173,4; 293-299.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation where people might withdraw from conversations or social events, fearing fatigue or embarrassment from straining to hear. This reduced social engagement is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
Increase on the risk of depression, anxiety, frustration and irritability. Many individuals may also develop anxiety due to a fear of mishearing or misunderstanding others.
Hearing contributes to spatial awareness. Loss of hearing, especially in older adults, is linked to balance problems and higher risk of falls.
Communication breakdowns may lead to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict with family, friends or colleagues.

Your Hearing journey with us

Whether you’re experiencing early signs of hearing loss or are an experienced hearing aid user we’ve made it easy for you to choose the right appointment to suit your needs. It is recommended that you have a hearing test every year to ensure you are monitoring any changes in your hearing health and your hearing aids are adjusted optimally to your current hearing levels.

Full Hearing Assessment

  • A full diagnostic hearing assessment completed by a qualified clinician audiologistto identify the type and severity of your hearing.
  • A trial of our latest hearing aid technology during the appointment to allow you to experience enhanced hearing.
  • Funding options available for concession/DVA card holders.

Hearing Solutions

Following a full diagnostic hearing assessment and consultation, if required, our clinician will work with you to determine the best hearing solution to suit your listening needs and lifestyle. Explore our options of hearing devices below.

  • Sits behind the ear with the receiver (speaker) placed inside the ear canal
  • Small and discreet
  • Comes in a rechargeable option
  • Comes in the option to connect to smart phone via direct Bluetooth connectivity (dependant on the phone)
  • Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Sits behind the ear with a tube that directs sounds into an earmold/dome inside the ear canal
  • Slightly larger than RIC/RITE
  • Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss
  • Custom moulded to sit in the outer ear
  • Comes in rechargeable option
  • Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Custom moulded devices that fit partially or completely in the ear canal for a discreet fit
  • Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss

    • FAQs

    The first step is to book a hearing screening in one of our OPSM stores.
    Everyone’s hearing and listening needs are different. The cost of hearing devices varies depending on the technology, features and style. Following a full hearing assessment, the audiologist will help guide you on the most appropriate hearing aid for your hearing loss, listening needs and lifestyle.
    To book a full hearing assessment with our qualified clinician, please click here.

    You are eligible for the voucher scheme if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident or live on Norfolk Island, are aged 21 years or older, and are one of the following:

    Depending on your level of cover, you may be eligible for a health fund rebate. The amount your health fund may contribute will be subject to your particular level of health cover, available limits, health fund limits, waiting periods and fund rules.
    Please contact your health fund provider to find out whether you are eligible for a health fund rebate for hearing aids or we can check your cover in store.
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