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Audiologist Campbell Stevens says there has been continuing negative publicity about how many hearing clinics operate, including a report by Radio National, an investigation by the ACCC and a segment on the ABC TV program, The Checkout.
ACCC Commissioner Sarah Court is concerned about incentive-based sales and commissions that motivate clinicians to sell hearing aids that are unnecessary or more expensive than a consumer needs. This can lead to consumer harm where trusted advice is being given to patients, many of whom may be vulnerable or disadvantaged.
“Many hearing clinics are owned by manufacturers or large multinational corporations," says Campbell. "Others undermine our profession using unqualified staff to perform hearing tests and hearing aid fittings. Many use free hearing screens to get your details and then hound you to purchase expensive devices. Others use unsolicited telephone calls touting for business and have hidden arrangements with doctors and pharmacies. Some clinics have moved to stamp out commission-based sales, but the ACCC is still concerned about deceptive advertising, commissions and pressure sales tactics. The industry has not changed its ways sufficiently despite being put on notice over 12 months ago.”
Ballarat Hearing Clinic only employs university trained audiologists who are all members of Audiology Australia. This means its audiologists are bound by a code of ethics, do not accept commissions and have no vested interest to pressure sell overpriced devices.
Ballarat Hearing Clinic tests people of all ages, including newborns and children and recommend all children have their hearing tested before starting school or during the primary years. They test children at the Ballarat Base Hospital with an administration fee of just $20.
Many people are unaware that pensioners and veterans can have free hearing testing and if needed free hearing aids under the Hearing Services Program run by the Federal Government. Under this scheme Ballarat Hearing Clinic fit hearing aids that are better than the standard devices offered elsewhere at no cost. Their top of the range products are much cheaper than other clinics too, often saving clients thousands of dollars.
The technology in hearing devices has improved significantly in the past couple of years. Some pair directly to mobile phones and television working as wireless headphones. They can be rechargeable, removing the need for fiddly battery changes. Others are so small they are invisible, while some are very easy to manage and adapt automatically to different listening situations. Most hearing aids are now very complex mini computers that are smart and able to get speech out of background noise much better than they used to. If hearing aids are needed, a good audiologist will help select devices that are right for you and offer a trial period to make sure they are suitable before a final decision is made.
For more information about Ballarat Hearing Clinic you can visit their website or call on 5333 2999.