Dr Stuart Down - Blackburn North, Melbourne

As a client of Ear & Hearing Australia since 2004, I have been constantly provided with the highest level of care and attention to detail. Whilst "managing" without hearing aids  in my life to that point, advice from friends and family at a time I knew my hearing was declining resulted in my seeking professional advice from Moh Dadafarin at Ear & Hearing in Kew.

Whilst adjusting to my first pair of hearing aids presented significant challenges, the benefits were immediately apparent. Hearing the phone, the television and engaging in group conversations became so much easier. Simple pleasures in life previously denied to me, such as hearing the birds in the trees, were now a reality.

The patience and education provided to me over the years by Moh Dadafarin, and more recently Samantha Tai, has been exemplary. Their understanding and willingness to attend  to emergency repairs or any query - great or small, has very much facilitated both my ability  to work as a doctor, and my recent transition to upgraded hearing aids.

I recently travelled to Sydney to accept the Libby Harricks Achievement Award for 2009. This  award is sponsored by Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) Australia, and is presented  to someone whom has "been able to effectively manage a hearing loss and achieve success despite their handicap...(someone whom)...has significant public and personal achievement through self-determination and hard work".

This award would not have been possible without the unwavering support from my parents, from the disability liaison services in place at primary through to tertiary education level, and from the professionalism  and care provided by all at Ear & Hearing Australia.

Ms June Weston - Parkdale, Melbourne

 It was partly due to my 5 yr old great nephew - Finnegan. Finn and his 2 older sisters were engrossed in being creative with the huge assortment of ‘art things' from my teacher's box of tricks. Finn approached me politely and gently in the kitchen "Aunty June, are you a little deaf?" "Yes Darling, why?" I replied. "Well, when I talk ordinary, you don't answer." "IF I TALK LIKE THIS IS THAT BETTER?" Finn's reality suddenly had to become mine.

My Subsequent search of the internet for general and specific information about deafness took place a few weeks later. How enlightening!  One site in particular gave the teacher within a satisfactory and understandable explanation of causes and effect of hearing loss and the current range of technologies available to overcome this physical defect.

Logic determined my actions. At 68, having been in education for 49 years, I could not help but wonder - how many difficult kids had responded in negative ways that I had possibly missed (the little demons) and how many of the majority of precious young people did I give a limited or nonsensical response to their communication?

I chose to be assessed by Ear & Hearing Australia as I appreciated the information I received form their website. I received an extensive and professional hearing assessment followed by a sensitive but clinical analysis of my specific needs. We discussed in detail the various attributes of a wide range of hearing devices, choosing one that incorporated the best level of technology.

I readily accepted the inevitable and received my "state of the art" hearing aids the following week. and much of the appointment was spent "tuning me in again" to the world.

I have since kept a diary of each days funny, alarming, unknown, forgotten, common, raucous, puzzling and exciting sounds that my aged brain has to crank up from the depths of my youth.

A million thanks to Ear & Hearing Australia for what seems to be, at the moment, a very noisy reality, that I'm sure will welcome as each day passes.

Ms Julie Klein - Kew East, Melbourne

In February 2008 I finally got over my reluctance and spoke with Moh Dadafarin, at Ear Hearing Australia, about my poor hearing. I had known for about five years known that I needed hearing aids but put it off in the hope that the problem would go away.

Moh tested my hearing, explained about the loss of hearing and that even though the damage could not be rectified it could be helped with the latest in computerised hearing aid technology. At the time I was sceptical about the ability of the aids to improve my hearing overly much after 45 years of missing out but was at the desperate stage of not hearing 75% of most conversations and reduced to nodding my head although I had
no idea what people were actually saying.

After putting in the aids the difference was instantaneous. I could hear people talking to me, noises I had never heard before (computers humming, air conditioning working) and even discovered the sound of wildlife around Kew Junction. I do not know how to say it any other way but "it changed my life" - people are no longer abrupt with me because they get fed up with me not understanding them, family no longer badger me and best of all the world is a better place now.

Mr & Mrs Coco - Kew, Melbourne

My husband and I had increasing difficulty understanding each other, let alone the grandchildren. We couldn't hear sounds like the clock ticking or the birds chirping. At family gatherings, we almost stopped talking because we couldn't hear the different conversations.
 
We went to see Moh at Ear & Hearing Australia, who was friendly and helpful and we were impressed with his patience and understanding of our problems.

The before and after differences are staggering and the ongoing service has not fallen away.  Nothing is too much trouble for them.

Mrs Margaret Morgan - Echuca, Victoria

56 yrs young, thanks to my new ears! My empowerment and return to life....

It was the best decision I ever made to regain my life. I was retreating and hibernating from life prior to getting my aids. Now I am living life with a new found energy.  I use to sit quietly in a crowd like a door mouse. Now I am enjoying meeting new people with no fear of not understanding what they are saying and I can participate in the
conversation and voice my opinions.

I can also hear and understand my grandchildren talking and when dining out I can hear conversations from people further away without having to look up from my plate to lip read to understand what they are saying.

I have had severe psoriasis which is caused by stress and anxiety, however since I have had my hearing aids I have found a marked improvement in my skin. I am smiling again and don't frown so much from the stress of not hearing.

With my new found confidence I am planning on returning to work.  I experienced wonderful help and customers service from Ear & Hearing Australia.  Moh Dadafarin has a great understanding and compassion for the hearing impaired people.

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you! 

Mrs C Talarico - Reservoir

Hearing aids have put the smile back on my face ...

As a 97 year old I had accepted the isolation of not being able to hear. In fact I was not convinced that hearing aids would be of any benefits to me but thanks to the persistence of my Audiologist at Ear Hearing Australia; I can now say buying these hearing aids was the best decision I have made.

Before I was fitted with these hearing aids, I was feeling very depressed as a result of not being able to join the family conversation.

Since being fitted with my hearing aids, my life and that of my family has been transformed. I am now able to join in with all that is going on around me.

I am thankful for the ongoing persistence and care shown to me by Ear & Hearing Australia. Thank you.

Mr V Chris - Yarrambat

I am a 55 year-old male who has suffered industrial noise deafness.

In the past four weeks I have been wearing digital hearing aids. The change to my lifestyle has been great. I am now more confident when in conversation with groups of people. I am able to clearly hear everyone.

I do not get frustrated any more by not being able to hear and always asking people what they said. I now enjoy watching T.V., as it is not too loud for the rest of the family.

I also enjoy hearing sounds I have not heard for a long time. Most of all, friends are commenting how my voice is a lot softer and how they enjoy my company in conversation.

Mr W Tschiersch - Croydon, Melbourne

After experiencing two sudden hearing losses within 10 years, the limited level of hearing that is still available to me is very valuable.

The hearing aids that I use to support my ability to communicate with family, friends and in my working environment have to function well and up to 18 hours a day to ensure that I can participate in all communication processes.

I can buy quality hearing aids from many suppliers at competitive prices because suppliers depend on sales to run their businesses. However, the best hearing aid is only as good as the After Sales Service that the supplier is willing to provide to support a customer's needs.

After having had dealings with some suppliers who were more sales orientated rather than customer orientated and after some expensive disappointments, I approached Ear Hearing Australia only to find that I do receive the support that enables me to use my hearing aids with confidence. My life has changed for the better because support is only a phone call away.

I am confident that I can depend on Ear Hearing Australia to keep my hearing aids going....I cannot ask for anything else.

Miss Y Stanley - Balwyn North, Melbourne

I could not imagine life without my hearing aids ...

My quality of life has gone up 100% since being fitted with hearing aids. My family and friends are also delighted - they no long have to shout or repeat themselves.

I only have a mild hearing loss, that is why I did not realise what I was missing until I was fitted with these aids. I enjoy the conversation allot more as I can follow everything!

My positive attitude helped me to accept the hearing aids. The follow-up service and the support from my Audiologist, Mr Moh Dadafarin were other key factors.

I would like to thank everyone at Ear Hearing Australia for their excellent support and back-up service.

Mr R Manning - Kew, Melbourne

Since my very first meeting with Ear Hearing Australia I have been most appreciative of their very professional approach to the marked improvement of my hearing.

I seldom now have need for the phrase "what was that again?" in my conversation. My whole experience of the consultations, fitting and after care has been most supportive, with their "nothing is a problem" attitude.

Mr A Wilson - Carlton Nth, Melbourne

My diminished hearing was known best by my family and friends; I was the expert lip reader.

At Ear Hearing Australia I found a caring practitioner able to turn vague doubts about my hearing loss into quantified problems and provide successful treatment.

However, it is the follow-up to this minor miracle that so impresses me. (By the way I now hear clearly!) Any call by phone or in person to the clinic, is treated seriously and taken through to a totally satisfactory conclusion. A quiet explanation of complex matters gives me a deeper understanding of what the hearing process is all about. Friends referred to Ear Hearing Australia share my feelings.

Mrs G Monteith - Nth Balwyn, Melbourne

Having hearing aids has meant that I no longer have to ask my husband to repeat words that I have missed while watching television. I can now understand what my grandchildren are saying without them having to repeat themselves. I no longer have to "lip read" to understand what people are saying to me in crowded places.

It is early days yet but I feel confident that I will eventually regard my hearing aids, like my spectacles, as part of me!

Thank you Ear Hearing Australia for your courteous attention to detail in explaining to me everything pertaining to hearing loss.

Mr R Patterson - Balwyn, Melbourne

This is to convey my thanks to you for the efficient and courteous manner in which you have attended my wife's hearing difficulties. You have been kind, thoughtful and patient and accordingly the hearing aids have been accepted quite quickly and to great benefit.

I have and will continue to recommend your company - Ear Hearing Australia - to my friends and others.

Mrs J Puls - Kew, Melbourne

I am in my eighties and until a few years ago, did not realise my hearing was starting to deteriorate. When I came to Melbourne to live I decided to visit Ear Hearing Australia in Kew on the advice of a friend who was most satisfied with the treatment. My audiologist was most helpful when I was examined for the correct hearing aid. I now have an Oticon Digifocus II and realise how much I missed prior to having it fitted. It was amazing to hear the clock ticking and the birds twittering. Conversation was clearer and going to concerts and particularly plays made so much difference - it became a normal way of life.

But - most of all the back-up I receive from the Ear Hearing Australia is fantastic - nothing is any trouble to my Audiologist when I go for a check up.

Mrs Julianne Reece - Belgrave, Melbourne

When I suddenly lost my hearing at age 39, I discovered I lost more than my hearing.

I began to feel very isolated and started withdrawing from social gatherings and friends. I also felt I had lost my dignity.

People would assume that because I couldn't hear, I must also have something mentally wrong and was often treated as "simple". I began to feel very paranoid, thinking that people were talking about me; I couldn't even hear my husband when he spoke on the phone, which fed into my paranoia. I often felt frustrated and alone.

It wasn't until about four months later, when I had an appointment with Moh, my audiologist from Ear and Hearing Australia that I could actually regain most of my hearing through the use of hearing aids. I heard my first few words for months!

How I felt was indescribable. My depression lifted instantly and I couldn't resist throwing my arms around Moh and giving him a big hug!

Ear and Hearing Australia and Moh made it possible for me to return to a normal life and I can't thank them enough. 

Mr Jack Nicholls - Camberwell, Melbourne

My hearing loss originally dates back to my flying duties during the war. I have been using hearing aids for a long time. A few months ago I left the Audiology provider I had been with since I was first with a hearing aid and transferred to Ear & Hearing Australia in Camberwell.

From my first visit I have been impressed with the care and level of service. My new hearing aid is much better than any I had previously. The after care has been excellent and I only wish that I had made the change earlier.

Many thanks for your help which has made a big improvement to my ability to enjoy day to day activities.

Mrs Merna Watson - Northcote, Melbourne

I can now communicate with my grand children and not ask their mum what they said to me.

This morning I put on some music and left the room. I put my hearing aids in and was amazed at the quality of sound.

I certainly missed out on sound for a long time. Deafness sneaks up on you slowly

Now I feel that I have a second lease on life and hear every day noises that I remember from years back.

"Have a go"

Mr Ernesto Di Rago - Reservoir, Melbourne

I take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for all the help you have given my Father, Mr. Ernesto Di Rago during his journey of having his new hearing aids.

Moh, thanks for your huge patience and your persistence to make Dad feel comfortable whenever we have met.

Your re-assuring him has given him confidence and the willingness to accept his hearing aids.

 Thanks a million, this means sooo much to us.

Mr Derek Burr - Croydon North, Melbourne

I must say that I am very pleased with my hearing aids. I am now able to hear TV quite clearly and at a suitable volume for non-deaf people, appreciate music once again and with the telephone option, am able to speak on the phone without any trouble. Nor do I have any problems now at social functions where there is considerable background noise and find I can join in the conversation quite naturally.

Ear and Hearing has been most thorough and have given a great deal of attention to the fit and fine tuning of my hearing aids. At all times I have found the service and after-service has been carried out most efficiently and courteously. 

Mrs Majorie Jackson - Balwyn North

A hearing loss can be extremely damaging to one's ego and confidence, however this can be assisted by seeking help and advice from an audiologist specially trained in this matter.

Quality of life is vital to us all, and I feel sure that the thorough testing and follow-up appointments given to me by audiologist, Mr. Moh Dadafarin, at Ear & Hearing Australia, Kew, are being very beneficial to me with my ‘hearing loss.