There is no such thing as a ‘free hearing test’.
Typically, hearing aids have been ‘bundled’ as a one-off cost. This buries the cost of the device in the overall rehabilitation process, denying evidence of the service element. There are many steps to the fitting of hearing aids, as outlined below. Each step has a cost so if the hearing test is offered free, that cost goes into the bundled price (or the test is so short as to be worth nothing).
We charge for the initial hearing test given the time taken, the expertise in analysing and explaining the results and the upkeep cost for equipment and office space. By charging, we can give a patient an unbiased recommendation. Hearing tests referred from a doctor attract a Medicare rebate and Veterans or Pensioners may have their costs covered.
Hearing aid services are normally bundled as per the steps below. Refitting and replacement devices may not need this degree of service and potentially, we could unbundle, allowing the patient to choose their follow-up services.
A full hearing assessment and fitting with hearing aids involves these steps:
This schedule can be adjusted to suit the individual as suggested at the beginning. However, sticking to these appointments gives both you and your audiologist the greatest opportunity to achieve a successful rehabilitation course, with or without hearing aids.
Note, a recent study reviewed the patient’s feelings about the hearing aid journey, which typically takes 7 years from noticing a hearing issue to doing something about it. It found that patients were more likely to take things seriously if there was a charge for the services provided. Please discuss your needs so that we can tailor our services to those you need.