We’ll always strive to offer you the best possible value because at Hearing Works, we know that every little bit helps.

That’s why we want to share this exciting news with you: it’s now even easier than ever to get a tax break if your hearing loss qualifies as a disability.

NOT TOO MUCH RED TAPE

Claiming for your out-of-pocket medical expenses (like at least some of the cost of your hearing devices) is easier than you might think. You simply download the ITR-DD form from the SARS website (there’s a link at the end of this blog), complete and bring it with you when you come to Hearing Works. We’ll conduct a comprehensive hearing test and check if your hearing loss meets the SARS criteria for moderate-to severe hearing disability. If you do, we’ll complete our portion of the form for you. BOOK NOW

A FEW DEFINITIONS

To prove that you have a disability that qualifies for this tax break, you have to show that you have a ‘moderate to severe limitation’ that results in a ‘significant restriction’ in your ability to carry out basic daily activities. Most permanent hearing loss that requires correction with hearing devices, would qualify. Then, it’s important to determine whether your disability counts as a ‘temporary’ (up to one year) or ‘permanent’ (lasting for more than one year). We follow the criteria for permanent hearing disability.

MORE GOOD NEWS

SARS made some important rule changes last year, and they could well work in your favour. If your disability began on or after 1 March 2019, your ITR-DD form is valid for 10 years once it’s been endorsed. If, however, you had your disability before that date, your form is now valid for an additional 5 years beyond its original expiry date. Whichever form you have – never throw it away. You will need to produce it if SARS decides to audit you.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

As registered medical practitioners, Hearing Works hearing care professionals can endorse ITR-DD forms. We can also recommend, fit and supply hearing devices that are tailored to your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget. Unfortunately, we can’t give you tax advice apart from telling you that this scheme exists. You’ll need to talk to your accountant for any further advice in this regard. Download your ITR-DD SARS form here

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The post Pay Less Tax appeared first on Hearing Works.

LOCATIONS

Find your nearest store

ASK TALLY

For all your ear-care needs

The post Three Small Words appeared first on Hearing Works.

ring ring

Tinnitus or a ringing sensation in your ears is the first sign. For many people, it may be temporary, especially after hours of loud music or noise. For others, Tinnitus is something they have been living with for many years and is a permanent condition. 

Ok, so no need to panic either way. 

Make an appointment with your nearest Hearing Works hearing care professional, and they will give you all the advice you need.

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what did he say?

Ever find yourself shouting at the TV with a “what the heck did you say?” 

Or, increasing the volume so high that your neighbours bang on your walls? 

When you’re experiencing this or having others repeat what they said, this is the next sign that you are due for a hearing test.

becoming anti-social

If you allow yourself to go undiagnosed and find yourself retreating socially, underlying signs of depression may be playing a role here. 

Saying NO more times to social events than saying YES because you feel embarrassed is a sure sign that it’s time to get your hearing tested.

earwax build up

Sometimes your hearing sounds a bit like being underwater, muffled and distorted. This sensation could be due to a simple increase of earwax inside your ear canal. 

A visit to your nearest Hearing Works hearing care professional will be able to give you the clarity that you need.

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a sudden loss

Not to alarm you, but if you or a loved one suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears, there may be some serious underlying causes. 

The instant this occurs, visit your nearest Hearing Works hearing care professional and let their experience and care guide you forward.

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are you?

• Are you recognizing some of these signs?
• Have you checked your hearing in the past year?
• Are you over 50?
• Have you been exposed to noisy environments for many 

years?

Then reading this blog is a sign for you!

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Find your nearest store

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For all your ear-care needs

The post 6 Reasons To Visit Your Hearing Care Professional appeared first on Hearing Works.

LOCATIONS

Find your nearest store

ASK TALLY

For all your ear-care needs

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Unlike bread, cheese, a new TV, shoes and salty ham, your hearing is not a commodity. It is priceless! 

You can’t place a value on it, except the absolute enjoyment you get from it. From being with friends and family, watching sports matches, to hearing your child’s heartbeat for the first time! 

Once you realise that there is no price for these memories your hearing becomes one of the most valuable assets that you can have.

Hearing Works and Bernafon, one of the leaders in technologically advanced hearing aids, bring you an incredible offer of up to 20% off your next hearing aid purchase. This super-saving offer is great for your pocket and your hearing health.

Enjoying clear and natural sound in complex situations

• Optimal speech understanding in noise

• Wireless connection to external audio sources and most cell phones

• Pure music streaming pleasure and many more benefits

If you have a hearing health issue or if you know someone close to you who is struggling, you know all too well the difference hearing aids can have on your life. Suddenly you’re not feeling left out of the conversation, and the simple joys we often take for granted, are now appreciated on another level.

This Bernafon offer is valid from the 22nd to the 29th of November. Ts and CS apply.

We all know the frustration of our phones dying on us, so imagine how annoying it must be to run out of hearing aid battery power!

This offer is valid from the 22nd to the 29th of November. Ts and Cs apply.

The more batteries you have as a backup, the longer you can enjoy the power of hearing!

Sometimes, hearing becomes foggy and muffled. This sensation is usually from a build-up of wax in the ear canal. The solution is a quick and easy procedure.

This wax removal offer is valid from the 22nd to the 29th of November. Ts and Cs apply.

Black Friday week with Hearing Works is a celebration of everything related to your hearing health

So, take advantage of these great offers, or for an appointment, hearing test or even a chat, visit your nearest Hearing Works hearing care professional today! 

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The post Black Friday appeared first on Hearing Works.

People who have hearing difficulties or hearing loss rely on technology to feel connected to the hearing world. The term ‘plugged-in’, in a Wi-Fi world, is an outdated statement. However, in some form or another, we are all plugged in to something via headphones, earbuds (hearables), hearing aids or hearing amplifiers. 

From making the Zoom meeting sound better, your favourite music louder, neighbourhood gossip clearer, nature seem closer, hearing gadgets are supposed to give us hearing benefits. 

Well, this is where things get interesting because not all hearing gadgets are equal.

which is right for you?

Let us begin with hearing amplifiers and put everything on the table so that you can make the most informed decision yourself! 

Commonly known as PSAP’s (Personal Sound Amplification Products), they are NOT intended for people with hearing loss. Their main purpose is to help people hear everything around them at a louder volume – speech, background noise, sudden sounds around you – you will hear them all louder, but not necessarily clearer. PSAP’s are not scientifically approved hearing aids.

Collectively called Hearables, this refers to airpods, earbuds or wearables. These fashionable and practical wireless headphones are perfect for on-the-go ear-level entertainment such as meetings, music and accessing Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa. 

They are not intended for people with hearing loss. Hearables set you free from a wired world, yet that’s all they do and in no way act as a hearing aid that assists people with hearing difficulties.

Over recent years, hearing aids have gone through a complete metamorphosis. They are now smaller, sleeker, Bluetooth enabled and technologically advanced on so many levels. They are like little computers inside our ears, equipped even with artificial intelligence to automatically process sound around us.

These are serious devices to help with hearing loss and other hearing issues and require an individualised hearing test. They also help to reduce background noise, so any noisy environment is tackled with ease whilst the focus of the hearing aids remains your ability to focus on conversations clearly.

Hearing aids allow you to communicate with ease, interact freely and naturally and actively participate and engage in life.

Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is not reversible, but you can make a difference by being aware of the following:

• Make sure you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Get your hearing checked at Hearing Works.
• Avoid loud noises if you can.
• Speak to your doctor about any medicines you are taking and if they are Ototoxic, i.e. they can damage your hearing.

Hearing Works is here to walk beside you on your hearing journey and to encourage you to make an informed decision for your hearing situation.

If you are Diabetic, concerned about hearing loss or need expert advice, speak to a Hearing Works hearing care professional today so that you don’t miss out on the absolute joy of hearing in the future.

BOOK NOW

The post Hearing Aids vs Gadgets appeared first on Hearing Works.

Oh, for the love of sugary treats, from choccies, lollies, sour gummies, pastries and everything in between. 

These yummy snacks bring us so much joy, but the sad truth is, if you consume too many, you could be at risk of becoming Diabetic, which may affect your hearing.

The fact is, hearing loss is twice as common in people who are Diabetic than people of the same age who are not. 

So, while we’re living our best lives and eating whatever we want to, high blood sugar levels impair our small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, which could lead to hearing loss. 

However, if you take stock of your sugar intake and make positive lifestyle adjustments today, you can be in control of what happens next!

These are the most common hearing loss signs to look out for:

• Asking people to repeat themselves.
• Trouble following conversations.
• Thinking that others are mumbling.
• Difficulty hearing in noisy places.
• Increasing the volume on the TV, radio, mobile devices.

Being aware of these signs is very important,

but when do you need to make an appointment with a Hearing Works hearing care professional? 

• When you notice any of the signs of hearing loss mentioned above.
• When you experience sudden hearing loss in one or both ears.
• When you have a severe earache or think you may have an infection.
• When other people notice your hearing difficulties and start to comment on
  them.
• When you begin to avoid certain people or places in anticipation of hearing difficulty

One of the more common symptoms associated with hearing loss and Diabetes is Tinnitus. 

Although this condition varies in its symptoms and severity, Tinnitus is usually experienced as a ringing or humming sound in the ears.

Whatever the signs or symptoms may be,

it is necessary to get them checked as soon as possible. Diabetic medication is available to get the condition under control and making some healthy lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference.

• There are several medications available, including insulin injections, especially for Type 1 Diabetes.
• Start making healthy eating choices today as excessive weight puts you at a much higher risk.
• Stay active and exercise as often as you can to improve your blood circulation and blood flow.

Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is not reversible, but you can make a difference by being aware of the following:

• Make sure you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Get your hearing checked at Hearing Works.
• Avoid loud noises if you can.
• Speak to your doctor about any medicines you are taking and if they are Ototoxic, i.e. they can damage your hearing.

If you are Diabetic, concerned about hearing loss or need expert advice, speak to a Hearing Works hearing care professional today so that you don’t miss out on the absolute joy of hearing in the future.

BOOK NOW

The post Diabetes And Hearing Loss appeared first on Hearing Works.

These days, you can order almost anything online – including hearing devices. While there are of course reputable ecommerce dealers, purchasing the hearing device is only part of the story.

 In this blog, we’ll take a look at why you should always consult a hearing care professional before choosing or fitting a hearing device.

Choosing the right hearing device

With so many designs of hearing device available, you need to have the answers to some important questions before you buy.
What kind of hearing loss are you experiencing (in other words, why do you need a hearing device)? To what extent is your hearing impaired? Which type of hearing device would best suit your lifestyle? Then of course there’s the question of budget.

Get device advice

The first stage in choosing the right hearing device is to have a full hearing test at your local Hearing Works store to establish the status of your hearing, and any issues that you may have.

PAY IT FORWARD

You may never meet the person you\’ve helped with your old hearing aids, but we can tell you that they\’ll be delighted to receive them. Whether its a kid or an elderly person that we can help thanks to your generosity, you\’ll have made a he difference in someone else\’s life.

At Hearing Works, our hashtag #LoveYourHearing means so much more : its about everyone being able to live their best life and take part in conversations, get a good job, and enjoy nature. All these things are so much easier to do when you can hear well – and when a kind Hearing Works patient has donated their old hearing devices.

If they don’t fit comfortably, you’ll be reluctant to wear them. Without a snug fit, you might experience feedback or irritating whistling. We know a hearing device is of no use to you if it ends up at the back of your sock drawer!

Sound advice

Once you’ve decided on the right hearing device, the next stage is having it fitted. This includes selecting the correct settings to give you an optimum audio experience in all the situations you’re likely to encounter. Your new hearing devices need to be correctly programmed by the hearing care professional so that you get maximum benefit from them. That requires technical knowledge and experience, and involves balancing your hearing loss with your hearing needs. It also involves verification of your settings so that we know that we are meeting your target hearing levels, ensuring optimal hearing for you, no matter the environment you are in.

The latest hearing devices feature a lot of tech features that make life easier – but only if they’re set up correctly. These include Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio direct from your devices, and smartphone Apps that let you adjust the settings on your hearing devices without touching them. 

That means you can be more discreet about your hearing devices – not that there’s anything to be embarrassed about, but people might respond to you differently if they see that you’re wearing them.

All in all, you’ll have a better hearing device experience if you get them fitted by a hearing care professional
To book an appointment, call 073-652-4567

BOOK NOW

The post Fitting Your Hearing Devices appeared first on Hearing Works.

Modern hearing devices are amazing – they can make a radical difference to your ability to participate in, and enjoy life. Unfortunately, they can alosbe too expensive for South Africans living in poverty, or those who don\’t have medical aid policies.

This means that some of our most vulnerable fellow citizens have to live with the frustration and distress caused by hearing issues.

At Hearing Works, we believe that everyone has the right to the best possible hearing, and that hearing care should be available fir everyone. We\’re on a mission to ensure that as many people as possible can love their hearing – and thats where you come in.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Today\’s hearing devices are miniature marvels of technology, and they\’re very resilient for their size.

They can continue to work long after you no longer need them, so we\’re appealing to all Hearing Works customers who come in for an upgrade, to leave their old hearing devices with us.

Thank to Hearing Works and partnering outreach programmes, they can go on to have a whole new life – and transform someone\’s life in the process

If you leave your old hearing devices with us, assuming they\’re still in working order, we\’ll either use them for one of our pro bono cases, or donate them to various University outreach programmes.

In this way, they\’ll reach someone who really needs the help – and you\’ll get to know that not only do you have new hearing devices, but that you\’ve given someone else the gift of improved hearing, too.

After all, two of the best feelings in the world are being able to hear every word, every sound and every note clearly – and knowing that you\’ve been able to help someone else do the same.

PAY IT FORWARD

You may never meet the person you\’ve helped with your old hearing aids, but we can tell you that they\’ll be delighted to receive them. Whether its a kid or an elderly person that we can help thanks to your generosity, you\’ll have made a he difference in someone else\’s life.

At Hearing Works, our hashtag #LoveYourHearing means so much more : its about everyone being able to live their best life and take part in conversations, get a good job, and enjoy nature. All these things are so much easier to do when you can hear well – and when a kind Hearing Works patient has donated their old hearing devices.

On behalf of our pro bono cases and beneficiaries of University Outreach programmes, thank you

GIVE THE GIFT OF SOUND

ask us about donating your old hearing devices next time you visit your nearest Hearing Works store for an upgrade

BOOK NOW

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If you’re someone who is used to having everything just the way you like it, then we have good news for you. Did you know that you can now customise your hearing – or, to be more precise, the hearing experience you get from your hearing devices? 

Your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint – individualised and what sets you apart from everyone else. At Hearing Works, we’ve fully embraced this customisation trend, and we are now able to offer you a full customisation solution on most new hearing devices.

These are hearing devices that have been selected and programmed to match your precise requirements: design, colour, fit and the way they make your world sound. 

How your hearing devices fit is an obvious place to start: you need them to be both comfortable and secure. Many people understandably want their hearing devices to be discreet, too – and that can be achieved in part through colours that match your skin tone or hair colour. 

If your hearing devices are comfortable, you’ll want to wear them in more situations, and this can add to your enjoyment of life. Naturally this includes being able to easily insert and remove them. They\’re also so light, you\’ll forget they\’re even there.

As well as how they feel, the other most important criteria for customised hearing devices is how they sound, and this is another area where customisation can really make a difference. 

With modern, digital hearing devices, we can carefully program them to create your own personal soundscape that takes into account the environments you spend time in, the sounds you like, and the noises you find irritating or disturbing.

Typically, this programming consists of asking you a series of questions about your hearing requirements and preferences. This can begin with general questions, such as establishing whether you prefer to hear all sounds around you, even if they may be annoying. 

You can also choose whether you prefer the sounds you hear to be sharp and distinct, or softer and gentler – this option could however mean that you miss out on some sound details. Even the language you speak can make a difference, so this is also taken into account when customising your hearing devices. 

In other words, it’s your personal listening preferences that will determine the way we program your hearing devices. For example, you may have a job where, for safety reasons, you need to hear every sound – even if some of them can be jarring. 

On the other hand, you may spend most of your time in very similar environments, where noise levels don’t vary very often. This will also be an important factor that our hearing professional will consider.

Given that almost every aspect of our lives can be customised, it’s no surprise that this now extends to our hearing – or rather, our hearing devices.

Hearing Works is committed to helping you #LOVEYOURHEARING and so we’re delighted to be able to offer hearing customisation solutions to our customers. To learn more, please contact your nearest Hearing Works store

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