Question 1 / 10

Do you want a Bluetooth capable hearing aid?

A Bluetooth capable hearing aid allows you to connect to a mobile phone for hands-free calls, stream podcasts or Youtube videos, and listen to music directly through your hearing aids. Bluetooth hearing aids are available across all major brands. Prices range from $1500 to $6000 a pair (before sales) depending on the software level you choose within the hearing aid range of a specific brand.

Bluetooth hearing aids are available across all of the latest software levels for major hearing aid brands.

Question 2 / 10

Do you want a rechargeable hearing aid?

Rechargeable hearing aids from EarDeals use the latest lithium-ion batteries available on the market. They are small, light and fast charging. You can charge them for shorter periods or 3 hours for a full day of use. Lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids last a long time.

The alternative option is replaceable batteries that require you to replace them every 2-5 days depending on the battery type and how many calls and streaming of audio you do. Replaceable batteries will affect the size of the hearing aid. Only the smallest replaceable battery size is smaller than lithium-ion replaceable battery options.

If you choose a lithium-ion replaceable battery option, some bigger brands let you choose a special charger, too. This charger case has its own lithium-ion battery. When you place the hearing aids inside the case, they will be charged by the case's battery. You do not need to have the case plugged into the wall to charge the hearing aids. Most charger cases will charge a pair of hearing aids to full charge three or four times before the case needs to be charged again.

Rechargeable hearing aids may be easier to use if you have dexterity issues. Rechargeable hearing aids are available in all of the latest software levels for all major hearing aid brands.

At EarDeals we do not charge extra for rechargeable options. The price listed is the full price including fitting, adjustment and servicing. Note that EarDeals also doesn’t charge you extra for rechargeable hearing aid cases, whereas many hearing aid retailers charge more than $400 extra for rechargeable hearing aids.

Question 3 / 10

Are you a pensioner or DVA cardholder?

Did you know? If you are a pensioner or DVA cardholder you may be eligible for fully funded government hearing aids and services! Applying to access these services and determining your eligibility only takes five minutes.

If you prefer to purchase a device above the technology level offered by the government-funded devices, you can use a government voucher to reduce part of the final cost of your hearing aid of choice. This is the best option if you are a pensioner and you want a higher-level device.

Government-funded devices are a fantastic start to addressing hearing loss. Many brands have started to offer new features such as hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth and some have rechargeable options. These are features that were formerly only available on the private market. Government-funded devices are just as small as privately purchased devices. You can and should, of course, make this choice together with your EarDeals Audiologist.

Question 4 / 10

Do you want a Telecoil hearing aid?

A telecoil or t-coil is a small coil of copper wire inside the hearing aid. Its function is to automatically pick up the radio waves of public service announcement systems and then play the audio directly through the hearing aid. This is a form of technology designed to add a form of connectivity for those wearing hearing aids.

Telecoil functionality is available across major brands, in some cases, it’s also available with Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable capabilities. The telecoil is a wire that does take up space. These hearing aids are therefore slightly larger than the standard Bluetooth or rechargeable hearing aids. Telecoil connectivity is often found where public service announcements are important. Such places include transportation hubs like airports, stations and public transport. You will also find telecoil connectivity in churches, museums, art galleries and movie theatres.

Question 5 / 10

Do you want to see Phonak Branded Hearing Aids?

The brand Phonak is owned by a Swiss company called Sonova. It is active across 100 countries around the world. Started in 1947, the company has grown to become the largest manufacturer of hearing instruments for all levels of hearing loss. Phonak caters for many market-leading wireless communication devices. Phonak has been fortunate to be the first in new technology advancements for many hearing aid launches.

Question 6 / 10

Do you want to see Unitron Branded Hearing Aids?

Unitron is also owned by Sonova. Unitron was founded in 1964 and has long been considered a market worthy brand in hearing technology - more specifically in the northern parts of the USA and in Canada. Unitron currently operates within 70 countries globally.

Over the past decade, Unitron has carved out a significant global share of the hearing aid market. The brand is often retailed cheaper than its sister brand Phonak, providing hearing aid wearers with first-class technology at a more affordable price. Unitron appears to be favoured by Sonova, receiving the latest advancements in hearing aid technology before anyone else.

Question 7 / 10

Do you want to see Signia Branded Hearing Aids?

Signia is a spin-off brand created by Siemens in 2015. Although the brand Siemens has since ceased licencing its name to Sivantos, the owner of the Signia brand, many Australian hearing aid wearers still affectionately refer to Signia as Siemens. The brand still has a notable presence in Australia across many types of quality hearing technologies.

In 2018, Sivantos and the brand Widex announced an $8 billion merger, creating the third-largest hearing conglomerate in the world. Signia is a forward-thinking company and continues to be a key player in new hearing aid technology. Signa is responsible for many major innovations in hearing aid technology focused around wearable devices with powerful hearing aid capabilities.

This approach has provided the brand with unique hearing care solutions that are more youthful in design and more flexible to lifestyle variants around the world.

Question 8 / 10

Do you want to see ReSound Branded Hearing Aids?

ReSound is a provider of hearing aids and related hearing technologies. The ReSound brand can be found in over 100 countries across the globe and is headquartered in Denmark. Founded in 1943, ReSound has become a global player in advanced hearing technology and to date, holds many accolades and firsts in the industry.

The ReSound brand is synonymous with patient-centric technology, particularly user-friendly smartphone applications that are well regarded in the industry. ReSound is a company that forms strong third party alliances with key technology partners and in 2013, ReSound partnered with Apple to develop the first hearing aids made for use with iPhones.

Question 9 / 10

Are you price-sensitive?

Note: If you are price-sensitive, the main consideration you need to make is that hearing aids come in different technology levels.

Each hearing aid is offered in three to four levels of technology, depending on the brand. The higher you go in technology level, the higher the price. The higher the technology level, the better the performance of the hearing aid and the greater support for those living with hearing loss.

If you live a very active lifestyle and hearing in noisy environments is paramount to work and socialising, a higher level of technology may be recommended. The higher you go in level and price, the better the hearing aid will perform in noisy environments. It also affects how well the hearing aid adjusts to hearing environment changes.

If you are someone who lives alone and the socialising you do is limited to quieter environments such as, a cup of tea in the back yard with no wind and one-on-one conversations with a friend, a lower-level device may be more appropriate.

Our free hearing aid brokers are available to discuss this with you on 1300 010 064 should you have any questions.

Question 10 / 10

Hearing Loss

How would you rate the severity of your hearing loss?