It is now some 9 months since my first visit to Hearing Sense on Unley Road. Prior to this visit, and over some 15 or 20 years, I have had several hearing tests including the latest one done 5 years ago by an ENT specialist (who had been recommended by my GP). Eventually and despite being aware of the numerous issues (relating to the adoption/rejection of hearing aids) faced by friends, family and colleagues of my age (mid 70s) – and of course, sustained ‘encouragement’ from my wife, I eventually went to Hearing Sense, which was one of the ‘independent companies’ recommended to me by my ENT.
After the initial sessions and the hearing aid fitting with Pavel, I went through a 3 or 4 month acclimatisation period to now – when I am very settled in their use. The key factors relevant to this process have, for me, been:
- The initial thorough and interactive sessions with Pavel, which involved hearing tests, hearing aid options and selection and then progressively building the hearing aids up to full power.
- The follow up sessions with Pavel to check progress, to discuss features such as adjustments for background noise/meetings/restaurants/TV use/wind noise and smart phone apps etc.
- The support provided by Pavel to obtain health fund payments and the interest free monthly payment offer.
- Pavel’s advice to try and keep the hearing aid management process simple – such as being aware of the various adjustment options but try and keep things simple and use the sophistication of the units themselves to cover most circumstances.
- The ‘at call’ front office service – this has been excellent on the several times I have used it.
- The ongoing warranty and life of unit support provided by Pavel and the front office at Hearing Sense.
Current Status – my hearing aids are now very much part of my normal life, as described below:
- I typically wear them all the time and do not make any adjustments, whether bike riding, playing golf, in noisy coffee shops or restaurants, watching TV or visiting the theatre.
- The rechargeable batteries are excellent and at the end of each day they have only dropped to 40 or 50% charge.
- I immediately realise how effective the hearing aids are when I take them off and all surrounding noise is noticeably quieter.
- I can now hear the washing machine alarm and electric jug alarm – sounds I did not hear in the past.
- I sometimes even need to turn the TV/sound system down!
- I don’t need to ask people to repeat themselves anywhere near as often – and I can hear more bird noises!
In conclusion, I look forward to my current level of satisfaction with my hearing aids and my relationship with Hearing Sense continuing.
