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Interesting new hearing clinic in Canberra
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Ken
Mar 26, 2012, 8:57:58 PM3/26/12
to
The following site (http://hearingandspeech.com.au/ ) is about a new
clinic in Canberra, Australia which may represent the way ahead for
this sort of service (and I have absolutely no personal stake in
it!).
First of all it distinguishes clearly between hearing assessment and
hearing aid fitting. Secondly it is staffed by audiologists. Thirdly
it operates on a fee-for-service basis.
I would like to know more about how this operates once the decision to
buy hearing aids has been made - I wonder whether they then 'bundle'
the audiology with the cost of the hearing aids rather than charge
separately for the audiological services and the hardware. But they
are certainly ahead of the pack in building a number of repeat visits
into the hearing aid deal. The welcome mat is soon withdrawn by
hearing aid dispensers because, generally, follow-up visits do not
attract an additional charge.
There is also some interesting comment on the site about buying
hearing aids on line.
clinic in Canberra, Australia which may represent the way ahead for
this sort of service (and I have absolutely no personal stake in
it!).
First of all it distinguishes clearly between hearing assessment and
hearing aid fitting. Secondly it is staffed by audiologists. Thirdly
it operates on a fee-for-service basis.
I would like to know more about how this operates once the decision to
buy hearing aids has been made - I wonder whether they then 'bundle'
the audiology with the cost of the hearing aids rather than charge
separately for the audiological services and the hardware. But they
are certainly ahead of the pack in building a number of repeat visits
into the hearing aid deal. The welcome mat is soon withdrawn by
hearing aid dispensers because, generally, follow-up visits do not
attract an additional charge.
There is also some interesting comment on the site about buying
hearing aids on line.
Message has been deleted
Ken
Mar 27, 2012, 6:48:09 PM3/27/12
to
On Mar 27, 12:56 pm, d'Wooluf <b...@xyz.com> wrote:
> On Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:57:58 -0700 (PDT), Ken
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> <i...@kerrisonsorchard.com.au> wrote:
> >The following site (http://hearingandspeech.com.au/) is about a new
> I couldn't see anything about pricing on their site. I'd say
> everything's still pretty much 'bundled', but they place limits on
> return visits to keep their costs down. I found their comments on free
> hearing tests and online purchase of hearing aids self-serving. I
> would say that though 'cause I bought mine online.
>
> http://www.hearingplus.com.au/is a link I've posted before. They do
> unbundle somewhat, but as you're required to purchase at least one
> year's support with your aids, that's debatable.
>
> --
> John
One thing - it turns out they have been around for years. I only
became aware of them because they must use Google Adwords and their
site was displayed next to the listings for this group. I will find
out how they handle selling hearing aids and report back. As far as
buying on-line is concerned, being able to get a professional hearing
assessment first, which is a service they offer, must increase the
prospects of a successful outcome. As I have often said, I think you
need an audiologist in the loop. But on-line seems to work for
experienced hearing-aid users.
> On Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:57:58 -0700 (PDT), Ken
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> <i...@kerrisonsorchard.com.au> wrote:
> >The following site (http://hearingandspeech.com.au/) is about a new
> everything's still pretty much 'bundled', but they place limits on
> return visits to keep their costs down. I found their comments on free
> hearing tests and online purchase of hearing aids self-serving. I
> would say that though 'cause I bought mine online.
>
> http://www.hearingplus.com.au/is a link I've posted before. They do
> unbundle somewhat, but as you're required to purchase at least one
> year's support with your aids, that's debatable.
>
> --
> John
One thing - it turns out they have been around for years. I only
became aware of them because they must use Google Adwords and their
site was displayed next to the listings for this group. I will find
out how they handle selling hearing aids and report back. As far as
buying on-line is concerned, being able to get a professional hearing
assessment first, which is a service they offer, must increase the
prospects of a successful outcome. As I have often said, I think you
need an audiologist in the loop. But on-line seems to work for
experienced hearing-aid users.
Ken
Apr 5, 2012, 9:24:32 PM4/5/12
to
> > unbundle somewhat, but as you're required to purchase at least one
> > year's support with your aids, that's debatable.
>
> > --
> > John
>
> One thing - it turns out they have been around for years. I only
> became aware of them because they must use Google Adwords and their
> site was displayed next to the listings for this group. I will find
> out how they handle selling hearing aids and report back. As far as
> buying on-line is concerned, being able to get a professional hearing
> assessment first, which is a service they offer, must increase the
> prospects of a successful outcome. As I have often said, I think you
> need an audiologist in the loop. But on-line seems to work for
> experienced hearing-aid users.
Further information on this clinic. Apparently, like many dispensers
> > year's support with your aids, that's debatable.
>
> > --
> > John
>
> One thing - it turns out they have been around for years. I only
> became aware of them because they must use Google Adwords and their
> site was displayed next to the listings for this group. I will find
> out how they handle selling hearing aids and report back. As far as
> buying on-line is concerned, being able to get a professional hearing
> assessment first, which is a service they offer, must increase the
> prospects of a successful outcome. As I have often said, I think you
> need an audiologist in the loop. But on-line seems to work for
> experienced hearing-aid users.
and audiological clinics, I am told that they charge for hearing aids
on a 'bundled' basis - the fee for the hearing aids (set by the
manufacturer) includes fitting, adjusting and follow-up. Thus the
'cost' of the hearing aids is inflated because it includes the cost of
the audiological and other clinical services, as well as the hearing
aid hardware.
So they are stuck in the pattern which is almost universal in the
hearing aid industry. Years ago I was able to quote, in this group, an
email from the Sales Manager of Phonak, where he referred to
audiologists as his 'dealers' - no doubt how the HA industry perceives
them - not the medical professionals diagnosing hearing problems
(which they are) but people selling hearing aids, like Ford dealers
making their living from selling cars.
One good feature of this clinic is that I understand they schedule at
least three follow up sessions after fitting. One problem with
bundling is that both dispenser and patient are inhibited from follow-
up visits because both parties are aware that they are free. Imagine a
surgeon not charging for post-surgery follow-up visits. But specifying
a minimum number of follow-up sessions (and chasing the client if he/
she forgets) is a move in the right direction.
Alison Keen - Blamey & Saunders Hearing
Apr 10, 2012, 7:58:56 AM4/10/12
to
On Apr 6, 11:24 am, Ken <i...@kerrisonsorchard.com.au> wrote:
> On Mar 28, 8:48 am, Ken <i...@kerrisonsorchard.com.au> wrote:
> > On Mar 27, 12:56 pm, d'Wooluf <b...@xyz.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:57:58 -0700 (PDT), Ken
>
> > > <i...@kerrisonsorchard.com.au> wrote:
> > > >The following site (http://hearingandspeech.com.au/) is about a new
> > > >clinic in Canberra, Australia ...
> On Mar 28, 8:48 am, Ken <i...@kerrisonsorchard.com.au> wrote:
> > On Mar 27, 12:56 pm, d'Wooluf <b...@xyz.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:57:58 -0700 (PDT), Ken
>
> > > <i...@kerrisonsorchard.com.au> wrote:
> > > >The following site (http://hearingandspeech.com.au/) is about a new
> > > >First of all it distinguishes clearly between hearing assessment and
> > > >hearing aid fitting. Secondly it is staffed by audiologists. Thirdly
> > > >it operates on a fee-for-service basis. (...) The welcome mat is soon withdrawn by
> > > >hearing aid fitting. Secondly it is staffed by audiologists. Thirdly
> > > >hearing aid dispensers because, generally, follow-up visits do not
> > > >attract an additional charge.
> > > >There is also some interesting comment on the site about buying
> > > >hearing aids on line.
> > >http://www.hearingplus.com.au/isalink I've posted before. They do
> > > >attract an additional charge.
> > > >There is also some interesting comment on the site about buying
> > > >hearing aids on line.
> > > unbundle somewhat, but as you're required to purchase at least one
> > > year's support with your aids, that's debatable.
>
> > > --
> > > John
>
> > One thing - it turns out they have been around for years. ... As far as
> > > year's support with your aids, that's debatable.
>
> > > --
> > > John
>
> > buying on-line is concerned, being able to get a professional hearing
> > assessment first, which is a service they offer, must increase the
> > prospects of a successful outcome. As I have often said, I think you
> > need an audiologist in the loop. But on-line seems to work for
> > experienced hearing-aid users.
>
> Further information on this clinic. Apparently, like many dispensers
> and audiological clinics, I am told that they charge for hearing aids
> on a 'bundled' basis - Thus the 'cost' of the hearing aids is inflated ...
> > assessment first, which is a service they offer, must increase the
> > prospects of a successful outcome. As I have often said, I think you
> > need an audiologist in the loop. But on-line seems to work for
> > experienced hearing-aid users.
>
> Further information on this clinic. Apparently, like many dispensers
> and audiological clinics, I am told that they charge for hearing aids
> So they are stuck in the pattern which is almost universal in the
> hearing aid industry.
> hearing aid industry.
> One good feature of this clinic is that I understand they schedule at
> least three follow up sessions after fitting. One problem with
> bundling is that both dispenser and patient are inhibited from follow-
> up visits because both parties are aware that they are free. ...
> least three follow up sessions after fitting. One problem with
> bundling is that both dispenser and patient are inhibited from follow-
There's a clinic in Melbourne that charges for their hearing aids
separately
to appointments etc. Their prices (for appointments, hearing aids etc)
are
all on their website (unlike certain manufacturers).
The URL is www.blameysaunders.com.au
They sell their hearing aids online - generally they ask for your
audiogram
to pre-adjust them. They have audiologists who do hearing tests too if
you
are close by or don't trust anyone to give you the results without a
major
hard-sell. Or for more technical people they have software that lets
you do
the minor tweaks yourself.
What's your take on their offerings?
[disclaimer: I wear hearing aids, but I discovered these guys when I
got a
job with them. I think I'd buy their hearing aids even if I got sacked
though,
they are awesome]
Message has been deleted
Alison Keen - Blamey & Saunders Hearing
Apr 15, 2012, 8:33:28 PM4/15/12
to
On Apr 11, 4:33 pm, d'Wooluf <b...@xyz.com> wrote:
>
> I've posted here about them here a few times and once or twice at
> http://hearingaidforums.com/. Also suggested them to one or two
> people that I've met and I've had a call back from one of those
> people (a happy customer) thanking me for the information.
>
> I had an email conversation with Daniel, suggesting to him that the 2
> week evaluation is inadequate. We agreed to disagree on that one.
>
> I'm finding that the performance of mine is not what it was, or maybe
> my expectations have changed. Time to change the wax guard maybe. But
> still very happy. I haven't bothered with the self-programming yet.
> Have you considered setting up an on-line forum specifically for your
> customers?
>
> Any information you're able to share about ongoing development would
> be interesting. Unfortunately there aren't many people left on Usenet
> to read what you might have to say, but hey...
>
> --
> John
We have considered having another online forum just for our
customers, but aren't sure it would be particularly useful - we
currently respond to questions via email, twitter, phone, and
there's room for discussion on our website under related blog
posts. The vast majority of questions and comments we get
are specifically related to individual hearing loss, and many
people prefer not to discuss their hearing needs in public forums.
If you're finding you aren't as happy with the way your hearing aids
are working, have a crack at the self-programming - depending on
what they are or aren't doing, you may find you get even better
results
when they're adjusted to suit the way you want them.
As for development, we're always working diligently on making sure
our customers get the best we can produce. :)
--
Alison
> On Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:58:56 -0700 (PDT), "Alison Keen - Blamey &
> Saunders Hearing" <alison.k...@blameysaunders.com.au> wrote:
> >There's a clinic in Melbourne that charges for their hearing aids separately
> >to appointments etc. Their prices (for appointments, hearing aids etc) are
> >all on their website (unlike certain manufacturers).
>
> >The URL is www.blameysaunders.com.au
>
> >They sell their hearing aids online - generally they ask for your audiogram
> >to pre-adjust them. They have audiologists who do hearing tests too if you
> >are close by or don't trust anyone to give you the results without a major
> >hard-sell. Or for more technical people they have software that lets you do
> >the minor tweaks yourself.
>
> >What's your take on their offerings?
>
> >[disclaimer: I wear hearing aids, but I discovered these guys when I got a
> >job with them. I think I'd buy their hearing aids even if I got sacked though,
> >they are awesome]
>
> Hi Alison.
> Saunders Hearing" <alison.k...@blameysaunders.com.au> wrote:
> >There's a clinic in Melbourne that charges for their hearing aids separately
> >to appointments etc. Their prices (for appointments, hearing aids etc) are
> >all on their website (unlike certain manufacturers).
>
> >The URL is www.blameysaunders.com.au
>
> >They sell their hearing aids online - generally they ask for your audiogram
> >to pre-adjust them. They have audiologists who do hearing tests too if you
> >are close by or don't trust anyone to give you the results without a major
> >hard-sell. Or for more technical people they have software that lets you do
> >the minor tweaks yourself.
>
> >What's your take on their offerings?
>
> >[disclaimer: I wear hearing aids, but I discovered these guys when I got a
> >job with them. I think I'd buy their hearing aids even if I got sacked though,
> >they are awesome]
>
>
> I've posted here about them here a few times and once or twice at
> http://hearingaidforums.com/. Also suggested them to one or two
> people that I've met and I've had a call back from one of those
> people (a happy customer) thanking me for the information.
>
> I had an email conversation with Daniel, suggesting to him that the 2
> week evaluation is inadequate. We agreed to disagree on that one.
>
> I'm finding that the performance of mine is not what it was, or maybe
> my expectations have changed. Time to change the wax guard maybe. But
> still very happy. I haven't bothered with the self-programming yet.
> Have you considered setting up an on-line forum specifically for your
> customers?
>
> Any information you're able to share about ongoing development would
> be interesting. Unfortunately there aren't many people left on Usenet
> to read what you might have to say, but hey...
>
> --
> John
We have considered having another online forum just for our
customers, but aren't sure it would be particularly useful - we
currently respond to questions via email, twitter, phone, and
there's room for discussion on our website under related blog
posts. The vast majority of questions and comments we get
are specifically related to individual hearing loss, and many
people prefer not to discuss their hearing needs in public forums.
If you're finding you aren't as happy with the way your hearing aids
are working, have a crack at the self-programming - depending on
what they are or aren't doing, you may find you get even better
results
when they're adjusted to suit the way you want them.
As for development, we're always working diligently on making sure
our customers get the best we can produce. :)
--
Alison
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