Hearing Aids
At Bishopdale Hearing, we provide comprehensive hearing tests and device consultations
to help you with your hearing difficulties and find the ideal hearing aids for your lifestyle.
No matter what your needs are, our team can help. Our audiologist will provide you with
individualised care and independent advice to improve your hearing health and help you
stay connected with the world around you.
As an independent audiology clinic, we are able to fit all manufacturers and styles, plus we
have no commercial interest in any particular devices - we will only recommend what is
best for you as an individual. After selecting the right hearing devices, we fit them according
to your individual ear canal shape, size and hearing loss using Real-Ear-Measurements.
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Choosing the Right Hearing Aids for Your Needs
Hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all, and with so many options to choose from, we understand the process of selecting hearing devices can seem daunting. We're here to make it easier for you, guiding you every step of the way. We make sure the hearing devices are suitable for you not only now, but at least six years into the future.
At Bishopdale Hearing, all hearing aids come with a two-month trial period to ensure they are exactly right for your needs. Our one-of-a-kind WOOF Packages (yes, I love dogs) help ensure you continue to get the most out of your hearing aids. WOOF packages are number four on our list below.
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During your initial consultation, we guide you through the following options to help you find the best solution for your hearing loss:
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1. Hearing Aid Style
There are many different styles of hearing devices. Some are behind-the-ear, some are in-the-ear, some are small and require good dexterity to manage, while others are larger and easier to clean.
Each style has its own unique benefits, and some styles are more suited to certain hearing losses or ear shapes than others. Most hearing aids come in a rechargeable option, meaning you likely won't have to contend with disposable batteries any longer.
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To decide which style of hearing aid is best suited for you, we look at:
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Your hearing loss
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Your ear anatomy
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Earwax production and ear health
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Your dexterity (for managing small parts)
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2. Technology Level and Cost
The technology level of your hearing aids influences features such as sound quality and background noise reduction. These levels do not change what the devices look like, but higher the technology level, the better the quality of hearing in challenging environments. Are you often in background noise, or is your lifestyle fairly quiet? Once we get to know you, we can work out which features best suit your requirements.
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There are five main levels of hearing technology:
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As you may suspect, the technology level above is what determines the cost of the hearing devices. When choosing hearing aids, we take care to consider both your budget and funding eligibility to ensure you receive transparent pricing options that meet your needs.
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In general, if you are only eligible for the standard Ministry of Health subsidy, hearing aids can range from $800 - $7500 for a pair of devices. If you are eligible to apply for ACC or Veterans’ Affairs funding, this can give you between $3000 - $5000 towards a pair of hearing devices, meaning that at least the basic technology level is fully funded.
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3. Hearing Device Manufacturer
There are eight leading hearing aid manufacturers that audiologists use globally. Most of them have sites in New Zealand, meaning orders and repairs have a fairly quick turn-around.
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Some manufacturers are better for certain people than others. This might be determined by the way a device operates, the features it has, or something as simple as how easy it is to clean or recharge.
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Whichever qualities and features you need, we have access to all available devices and will only recommend the aids that are truly best for you.
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Our WOOF Packages
Hearing aids require maintenance and upkeep to continue working properly (just like a car!). At Bishopdale Hearing, we understand everyone has individual needs when it comes to servicing their devices. While some people are confident they can easily clean and service their hearing aids at home, others may prefer to have regular professional help.
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That's why we created our Warrant of Otological Fitness (WOOF) Packages. We keep our hearing aid prices fair, and our packages give you complete control over which maintenance services you receive. Think of this like an extended warranty.
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All four of our WOOF Packages include a comprehensive and customised device fitting, real-ear measurements, and a 60-day trial period, no matter which hearing aids you have purchased.
Great Dane Package
(+$1000)
This package includes:
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Appointments over the expected lifespan of the devices (six years)
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Servicing/repairs over the six years
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One new set of ear-moulds during the six years
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Extended warranty (+1 year) on any hearing aid accessories
*The expected lifespan of hearing aids is approximately six years, which is also when funding renewal occurs.
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The average cost of device repairs, consumables, and appointments (including ear wax removal) can total up to $1500 over six years. This makes the Great Dane Package a great investment on top of the standard package and eliminates any additional maintenance costs that may occur during this time.
Golden Retriever Package
(+$500)
This package includes:
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Appointments within three years of hearing device fitting
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Servicing/repairs within three years of device fitting
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One new set of ear-moulds within three years of device fitting
Over the span of three years, the cost of hearing aid repairs, consumables, and appointments can total up to $700. This means the Golden Retriever Package has the potential to save you around $200.
Springer Spaniel Package
(included in the cost of any
hearing devices)
This package includes:
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Appointments within 12 months of your hearing device fitting
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Servicing/repairs within 12 months of your hearing device fitting
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The Springer Spaniel Package is our standard WOOF Package and is automatically included in the cost of your hearing aids. This covers appointments, maintenance and repairs required within the first year.
Chihuahua Package
(entry devices only)
This package includes:
Appointments and servicing within your hearing device trial period (2 months). It is only available for hearing aids from our entry-level device range and is automatically included in their purchase price.
This ensures we can make our entry range as cost-effective as possible ($778/pair after the Ministry of Health subsidy). Any appointments, consumables, or repairs needed after the 2-month trial period are not included unless they are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.