Dr Vass Journal

Hearing aid sales are on the rise and multinational corporations are benefitting. Local Australian businesses are being forced into a competition they cannot win and hearing loss patients are fronting the cost. Despite the vastness of our resources and innovations in technology, Australia does not manufacture hearing aids.

‘It’s important to consider our impact on the environment’ Dr Vass Indeed, batteries keep our hearing aids going. Based on the average 10-hour usage, one battery should last a user between 7-10 days. After that, it needs to be replaced. This means the average hearing loss patient will go through around 70 batteries a year.

How does this make you feel? Last week, I was approached by a patient looking for a second opinion. The week prior she had been to a retail hearing aid store in her local shopping centre, hoping to get some advice regarding her hearing loss.

Q: If I feel I’m experiencing hearing loss, what should I do? Dr Vass: The first thing to do is to get a comprehensive assessment by an independent professional. Experience and qualifications vary widely, so ask about both before deciding on where to go.

On average, people wait 6.5 years before doing anything about their hearing loss. In that time their hearing not only deteriorates, but it also affects their quality of life and connections with others.

“We need to get back to being a service based, professional industry” – Dr William Vass Dr William Vass began working in the field of audiology in 1978 – in much different times. Technology was pretty basic compared to today’s digital world; counselling and patient care were more important than relying on technology.

This journal entry is a personal one for me to write and share, but I feel that attention must be brought to this difficult topic. My father, William Kyle Sr. served in the United States Army; he was a career soldier and a World War II veteran.

It’s now down to the consumer to do their homework. As further reports emerge regarding clients who have been grossly over-charged or sold hearing aids with technology beyond their needs, I am more concerned than ever for anyone in need of hearing services.

‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch as or a free hearing test.’ by Dr Vass A question that is common in my practice is “Do you offer free hearing tests?” and my answer is always “No,” and I never will.

It is a common misconception that those exhibiting any sign of hearing loss immediately require hearing aids. However, although they are greatly beneficial to those needing them, hearing aids may not be an immediate necessity.

Is the hearing aid industry taking patients for a ride? There is evidence the audiology industry is rife with predatory practices and kick backs yet

ACCC Puts Hearing Aid Industry on Notice Dr Vass’ response 3 March 2017 The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have just released its findings

Something I have learnt in my forty years as both a business owner and an audiologist, is the importance of stepping out of my practice