If you are a low-income Health Care Card holder, you may be eligible for free hearing aids South Australia. Canberra Audiology runs a program that provides these for people in financial hardship.
The best option is to choose a clinic that offers an obligation-free trial and a generous satisfaction guarantee. A good one will also provide an annual maintenance agreement for a fee.
Occupational Deafness
Occupational deafness, also known as industrial deafness, is a condition that can result from exposure to noise or vibrations within the workplace. It can affect one or both ears and is usually permanent. It can be caused by equipment that produces sound above a certain decibel level or from a single loud event, such as shooting a firearm.
Those who work in specific jobs are at a higher risk of developing OHL, including those working in the automotive industry, construction, and mining. Other initiatives can also be at risk, including landscaping, dry cleaning, pyrotechnics and entertainment and recreation. These jobs may expose workers to dangerous chemicals such as solvents like trichloroethylene, heavy metals, and other compounds or asphyxiants such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen cyanide.
Hearing loss from workplace exposure can cause various symptoms, including problems with speech and comprehension and tinnitus, which is an annoying buzzing, rushing, or ringing in the ears. It can have a devastating and drastic impact on your quality of life. Studies have shown that those with severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia.
Industrial Deafness Claims
In some industries and occupations, workers are exposed to loud noise throughout their working day. Over time, this can cause industrial deafness. You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve developed hearing loss due to your work. This compensation may include access to a hearing assessment and hearing aids South Australia.
If you have been working in a noisy workplace and have noticed difficulty hearing the TV or having conversations with family members at home, it could indicate that you’re experiencing some early signs of industrial deafness. If so, arranging an ear assessment as soon as possible is essential.
SIRA-approved ENT specialist.
If you believe you have suffered industrial deafness due to your work, you must talk to a solicitor as soon as possible. They will be able to help you understand your options and work with you to find out more about how you can get the support you need. This will often include compensation for general damages, which is money to cover the suffering you have endured and any impact on your life due to your injury.
Workers Compensation Claims
A workers’ compensation claim can cover various medical expenses, including hearing aids. If your workplace exposes you to loud noise or chemicals that damage your inner ear, you may be entitled to lump sum compensation and modern hearing aids (Section 58 and 22 of the Return to Work Act 2014).
Our team has extensive experience assessing hearing loss for workers’ comp claims. We’ll discuss your symptoms and lifestyle, then recommend a course of action to restore your hearing. This might involve surgery, a tinnitus management program, a combination of therapies, and hearing aids South Australia.
Many Australians are eligible for free or subsidised hearing aids. The government’s Hearing Services Program covers the cost of a standard hearing aid with limited features, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme includes hearing aids in its package. Amplifon is an accredited service provider under both programs, and we can help you determine your eligibility.
Free or Subsidised Hearing Assessments
Several government programs can assist you if you have permanent or severe hearing loss. These include the Australian Government’s Office of Hearing Services (accessed through your DHB), which provides eligible people with a full audiological assessment, a choice of fully subsidised hearing aids, and ongoing follow-up and adjustment services.
In addition to these programs, many private clinics provide a free trial period of up to 90 days, which is a great way to try out different styles of hearing aids to see which best suits you. Most will also offer a generous satisfaction guarantee, which is a great peace of mind.