Hearing Loss

About Hearing Loss
It is estimated that one in six New Zealanders suffer from some degree of hearing loss. By 2050 this is predicted to increase to one in four. Some causes of hearing loss include damage to the inner ear, a buildup of earwax, infections and a ruptured eardrum.  
Click here to read more about hearing loss causes and risk factors, or contact us on 835 7790.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Noise induced hearing loss occurs when your ears are exposed to unsafe sound levels over a period of time. It doesn't hurt and it can take many years before you detect a problem. Unfortunately noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible. It usually affects both ears and can make it hard to understand speech. 
Click here for more information on the ACC website, or contact us on 835 7790.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the name given to noises in the ears and/or head that are unrelated to any outside sound - often described as a ringing in the ears. It is not a disease but a problem in the auditory (hearing) pathway or the central nervous system of the brain. Tinnitus affects about 15–20% of New Zealanders - of these about 1% experience it to a disturbing degree. Click here  or contact us on 835 7790 for more information.
Find an Audiologist
Audiologists are health care professionals trained to diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss. Audiologists fit hearing aids and help you adjust to the hearing aid gradually with a programme of rehabilitation.

Click here for a list of Audiologists in the Napier area, or contact us on 835 7790.
Questions for the Audiologist
If you have been diagnosed with a hearing loss, you may be considering a hearing aid.

Asking the right questions will help you understand your condition better, and enable you to make the right choice for your lifestyle and needs.

Click here for a list questions for you to consider asking your Audiologist.

Find an Ear Nurse
Wax build up can significantly reduce the sounds you are hearing, and the performance of your hearing aids. Specially trained ear nurses can remove the wax using a microscope and a gentle micro-suctioning vacuum.

Click here for a list of ear nurses in the Napier area.
Parents of Young Children
Hearing loss in children can cause developmental delay and learning problems if left undetected.

If you are concerned about your child's hearing contact the Napier Vision Hearing Technician on 834 1815 (ext 4238) to arrange a time to screen their hearing.

Newborn children are screened through Hastings Hospital - call the Audiology Department on 878 8109 (ext 6905) for more information. 

If your child is over 16 years, contact us on 835 7790 to arrange a hearing test.
Funding Information
Hearing aids are expensive, but there is funding available to help you with the cost. Audiologists can access funding through ACC, Environment Support Services, Government Subsidies, Work and Income NZ and War Pensions.

Click here to read about funding options on the NZ Audiological Society website, or contact us at the Hearing Centre for more information.

Some people are eligible for a Hearing Aid Battery Subsidy through WINZ. We can provide you with an estimate form - contact us for more information.

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