Barry James
Fortunately, my sojourn into the complex and high tech world of obtaining hearing improvement devices led me to Christo and his staff at Value Hearing. After what I had considered to be mediocre displays of professionalism and concern that as an individual I should be entitled to the best possible choice of device for my circumstances at a fair price, by another inner city establishment, Christo was a breath of fresh air. I was now able to enjoy thorough and informative discussion and clear answers to my questions regarding my diminished hearing ability and the likelihood of improvement to my long term tinnitus.
I had almost decided that selecting appropriate aids was going to be akin to selecting a new car along with all the scope of choice and uncertainty surrounding that exercise. With an un-hurried and friendly manner I was guided through the testing and selection process and offered appropriate options from which I could easily make an informed choice. But the best was yet to come. Hearing aids are an expensive investment in anyone’s language and one rarely expects that the price of identical items from different professional establishments will vary more than a little. Imagine my surprise and elation when I discovered that Value Hearing’s price was around 20-25% lower than others. Christo, in my humble opinion, you have the right recipe for a long term and successful business and I offer you and your staff my very best wishes. www.taphappyeft.com.au
Barry James
J H - Name withheld on request
Having been told I need hearing aids, I attended audiology testing at two of Perth’s premier and well-established hearing aid centres. Both charged me over $100 for the testing, which lasted about an hour, and subsequently quoted me prices in excess of $8,500 for two hearing aids. On a whim I decided to try a third hearing aid centre and selected Value Hearing. I’m so glad I did. The proprietor and senior audiologist of the company, Christo Fourie, spent more than two hours testing my hearing in a variety of situations far more wide-ranging and extensive than the other two hearing centres. What’s more, the fee for the testing was considerably less than that charged me by the other two. However, the major factor in my decision to purchase hearing aids from Value Hearing was the fact that the price Christo quoted me for two, top-of-the range hearing aids was $2,000 less than I had been previously quoted.
Since purchasing the hearing aids I had two further consultations with Christo. Both were free and included as part of the service. Christo has also taken a couple of calls out of hours from me to answer my (fairly naïve) questions about my aids. All in all I cannot speak too highly of the prices and the service I have received from Value Hearing and would unreservedly recommend the company to anyone seeking hearing aids.
J H - Name withheld on request
R J
Hi Christo I had an amazing experience last night. I stood at the back of a room full of about 200 people, and listened to the speaker at the front. There was a reasonable level of chatter in the room and the speaker was about 10 metres away, in an out-door area a couple of steps down. In the past, I'd have either moved to the front or just watched what was going on and asked someone later if anything important was said. However, on this occasion, I was able to switch to zoom control, turn up the volume of just the speaker 10m through the crowd and hear pretty much everything that was being said. Now it wasn't perfect but the difference was just astonishing. I spoke to many people that night in the crowd and, with the zoom control on and the volume adjusted, was able to have a fairly normal conversation to the point that I was conscious of the few times I actually had to ask someone to repeat something. In the car on the way home, I switched to zoom control again and enjoyed the experience of listening to the radio without the background road noise while my wife slept in the front seat. The difference between this new Audeo Smart IX (s?) and the previous one is extraordinary.
With the older model I was often aware of the lag in response as the noise profile changed to the point I was conscious of waiting for the aid to catch up before continuing with the conversation. In quiet situations it was very good, but it was, frankly, hopeless in a room full of people where trying to have a conversation was a waste of time. It was worse than my old aids where I was able to manipulate the volume and let my brain do the processing. I think it was just working beyond its ability to process sound adequately at the level of gain required. The effect was that it just lost the speech sounds with the rest of the background noise. I guess the increased processing speed of the new model means that the aid no longer reaches a "threshold" where the limits of the processing capacity are reached. The new technology is extraordinary and all credit to your technical skill in programming the device to operate so effectively. Regards
R J
Linda Churchward
Christo thank you for your professionalism, transparency in your business conduct and your success in helping me reconnect with mainstream life again! Your knowledge, skills and care in accurately assessing, recommending, adjusting and fitting my hearing aids are simply wonderful as is your follow up service. I certainly have no hesitation in recommending you to others and have already done so. It’s marvelous to even be able to hear the ticking of the car indicators again!
Thank you,
Linda Churchward
Mark Brooks
So what can I say about the wonderful gift of hearing? Of all the senses hearing is the most important. This is confirmed by many great scholars and transcendentalists most of our daily communication, with family, friends, our work mates, shop keepers all sorts of people and places we need to hear reasonably well. So for me I was struggling to hear, I felt put off by the $2000 and see you later bunch. So in December 09 I had the good fortune to meet Christo. In no time he helped me understand every aspect of my hearing loss, he let me try different brands and quality of hearing aids he explained all the cons and virtues.
In no time I was hearing again like had not experienced in 20 years. I highly recommend Value Hearing and personally recommend Christo Fourie as a top notch Audioligist Thanks Christo.
Mark Brooks
DP
To Jodie and Christo, I just wanted to send you a note that thank you at Value Hearing for such a great hearing aid experience.
When I first read your ad in the local Margaret River news paper, my first thoughts were,” there is no way, that ad could be true”. Well after taking to Jodie on the phone I started to believe, well maybe it is true, though there must still be a catch. I then ran it past my current Hearing Aid people and they said that “there is no way that you will get the same serves and treatment that you have got with us over the past 8 years”. Then came the final fitting day , and my first visit to the Applecross clinic , I must say I was still skeptical , though once I met Jodie in person and then sat down with Christo, I was amazed .
Christo’s genuine concern and very caring nature just about knocked me over, I knew then I was in safe hands. The fit went very well and I ended up with a great set of hearing aids, and I also got all the bits that were in the ad, too much to list in this letter. I then went back for a check up after a month and I got the same, fantastic treatment. I must say to any one looking for a hearing aid, that Jodie and Christo are a real credit their profession. All those people out there that need hearing aids and don’t have a huge disposable income, at Value Herring you can get the best aids for the best price, which I think is a true blessing So once again thank you Christo and Jodie for looking after me so well All the Best D.P Margaret river
DP
Patrick Guiton
When an initial test at a large well known group revealed significant hearing loss and the need for in- ear aids, I was shown three alternatives and invited to select one. Given the high cost involved and the fact that all three options came from one manufacturer, I declined to settle on the spot.
Back at home I explored online, soon discovered Value Hearing and quickly arranged for a second opinion with Christo Fourie. I was much impressed with Christo’s professionalism, his open and caring approach which drew me into the assessment as a partner in the process, his ready demonstration of a wide range of alternatives from a number of makers and clear explanation of the differences . The fact that Christo’s hearing aids were much lower priced than identical ones elsewhere was of course also important.
Provision of a set of aids on a week’s trial, careful fitting, thorough explanation of functions and an open ended and welcoming follow up service all added up to a highly satisfactory process. Thanks Christo and Alisha and Jodie: I’ll certainly stay closely in touch.
Patrick Guiton
Irma H.
Over several years, my partner, (I'll call him T), and I have been to several audiology clinics trying to find a way to improve his hearing. He has trialled a number of hearing aids in this time with two major and expensive purchases. They amplified sound - but that amplification extended to the sound of a child squealing in a restaurant 20 metres away or a woman unwrapping a sweet 10 metres away. I got used to seeing T wince when some unwanted noise blasted his hearing. In the end with both of these expensive pairs of hearing aids, he pretty much gave up because the adverse affects far outweighed the benefit. T described the sound through these hearing aids as artificial - electronic or tinny; not at all like natural sound.
This year, 2011, T decided to try one last time to find better hearing aids. But he said if this pair didn't significantly improve things, he wouldn't bother again. It was now or never. He went to a local audiology clinic, was tested and was quoted the prohibitive sum of $12,430 for a pair of hearing aids. What we were unaware of then was that the supplying clinic was wholly owned by a single manufacturer and thus alternative brands were not offered nor considered. T was offered their hearing aids whether or not their brand had the best solution for his particular situation. But it was the very steep price that was just too much for T (as a self-funded retiree) to pay. At this point I got to googling. And thank goodness I did, because I found Christo Fourie's Value Hearing website, and that was the beginning of a short and easy journey to unbelievably improved hearing for T, greatly improved quality of life for both of us, and thousands of dollars of savings.
Everything on the Value Hearing website made sense and rang true. I became aware that most of the audiologists we had previously dealt with had narrower training and experience than Christo. Also, importantly, Christo offered a broad range of quality brands. The testimonials were very impressive - and I can now vouch for how true they are. T phoned Value Hearing and was impressed at the informative and transparent response he received from dedicated business manager, Jodie, who said Value Hearing could supply the same hearing aids (for which T had locally been quoted $12,430) for $8,700. A massive saving of $3,730. So we made an appointment to see Christo in Sydney.
At our first meeting, Christo listened closely and with empathy to T's description of his experiences with hearing loss and with hearing aids. It was obvious Christo understood the physiology and the lifestyle effects of hearing loss and the science of audiology. He patiently answered all our questions so that we were comfortable each step of the way. The hearing test was done meticulously and Christo said there were two Phonak options he would recommend for T's particular situation, and clearly explained the options. Both represented a further considerable saving on the $8,700 T had thought he was going to be up for. T made his choice but the alternative remained an option pending a trial. Christo explained that Phonak hearing aids (he calls them 'instruments') have an advanced microprocessor that is capable of instantly reducing audio input if a loud noise is detected. Christo demonstrated by clapping loudly. I looked over at T, expecting to see him wince. But no - indeed, just as Christo had said, the hearing aids had instantly compensated for the loud noise and, for the first time, I believed that T had hearing aids that might work well for him.
When T and I left the clinic, I was surprised to find that, on Elizabeth St with the busy traffic passing by, T easily heard conversation without being disturbed by the amplification of traffic noise. More surprisingly, he could hear me when I was speaking at normal volume on his right. It had been more than ten years since he could hear speech to his right. Over the years I had learned to always walk or sit to his left. Pretty much a miracle, really, that he could now hear me when I was on his right - even with other noise around us.
We went home for the two-week real life trial before returning to Christo for possible adjustment of the instruments. From the very first day, the instruments improved T's hearing - so much so that at the end of each day, he didn't want to take them out, they so comfortably and naturally improved his hearing. Two weeks later we returned for the adjustment - but Christo had so perfectly set up the instruments the first time, no adjustment was required.
Christo is an expert audiologist, who has developed a very professional and also caring practice - extending to his support staff. He has a wide range of hearing aid brands and models in stock - so chances are, when you go in there for your hearing test, he will be able to fit you with the best instrument for your situation, there and then. The price savings were considerable and much appreciated. But just as important was the feeling that Christo actually cares about improving people's hearing, and cares about each patient as a human being with his/her own individual needs and preferences.
It gives me great pleasure to write this testimonial, and to unreservedly recommend Value Hearing as by far the most professional and caring audiology clinic and best value hearing instrument supplier either of us has encountered. I hope this recommendation encourages others to check them out and see for themselves - all it takes to start is to make a no-obligation phone call. From our experience, it's the first step to greatly improved hearing. Christo Fourie and Value Hearing - they're in a league of their own.
Irma H.
L. Jones
It is now 5 weeks since my first consultation with you in Sydney and I want to tell you how pleased I have been with the Phonak Audeo Smart IX Spice devices that you recommended and supplied. I was particularly impressed with your obvious expertise , knowledge and professionalism as well as the thoroughness of your assessment of my needs---- nothing was a problem.
It goes without saying I was more than impressed with the very competitive price you quoted me and I have been pleased to and will continue to recommend your services to anyone I know of in need of hearing devices. Thank you so much, for solving my problem ( and saving me a considerable sum of money ) and I look forward to meeting with you again for a follow up consultation when required. I would also like to pay tribute to and thank Jodie Shipard and Julie in Perth for the very efficient and courteous manner in which my initial enquiries were attended to. It has been a complete pleasure to deal with your organisation and the fact that my initial contact was with your Perth office proved to be no barrier.
L. Jones
Gordon
I recently called your practice to enquire about purchasing hearing aids. On my visits I was attended to by your Senior Audiologist, Alisha Hardwick. This lady is indeed a credit to your organisation and my wife and I were most impressed by her friendly and helpful attitude and her obvious expertise when explaining the details of hearing aids.
We were fortunate in choosing Value Hearing and Tinnitus Solutions after visiting various other hearing aid companies. The quality of the services provided was excellent. In conclusion please convey our sincere appreciation to Alisha.
Gordon
Cliff
I feel the need to express my gratitude to Alisha and the staff at Value Hearing for the courtesy extended to me from the first time I phoned to get an appointment to my most recent visit. I cannot speak highly enough in this regard. I personally picked behind-the-ear hearing aids by Phonak and have never been so pleased with the vast improvement to nearly all of my hearing requirements. They are so comfortable to wear I often forget that I’m wearing them and the neat, small size makes them hard to be seen by others. An added bonus was the price which was about $2,000 to $3,000 less for a pair … excellent value for money.
The amount of attention given during the initial test process far exceeded what I had experienced elsewhere. I got the impression that Value Hearing could not have done any more tests to rectify my hearing loss. I have no hesitation in recommending Value Hearing to any prospective clients.
Cliff
Norm Heppel - NSW
Dear Sir,
After years in the aviation industry I suffered a degree of hearing loss in both ears so after retiring and being in a quieter environment the loss was more evident.
I was very pleased with the professional advice and service I received at Value Hearing. A comprehensive hearing evaluation confirmed my problem area and you recommended the PHONAC BTE model which I found far superior to the older in the canal type I had previously.
With the reduction of wind noise, wearing them outdoors is a pleasant experience. That was one of the drawbacks of the older model hearing aids. The aids are so light and easy to use I find I forget I have them on. I have just been back to see Christo after 12 months for an adjustment to one of the aids as I had inadvertently altered the setting. Christo in his usual cheerful manner quickly resolved the problem as well as updating the program in the aids. He then accompanied me down to the street to ensure I was happy with the adjustments in a noisy environment.
As I left he gave me his usual invitation to come back anytime I thought the aids need any further adjustments. Other than my “finger trouble” the PHONAC hearing aids have been faultless. I have no reservations in recommending the service and value I was given at VALUE HEARING. My wife is very happy with not having to repeat things all the time and with the level of the volume of the TV.
Yours Sincerely,
Norm Heppel - NSW
P.Q. - Perth
Could you please pass on my thanks to Julie and Alisha for their warm welcome today and professional assistance at my assessment?
The process from walking through the door was an amazing experience in today's world. I felt personally welcome and gained complete assurance and information about every step of the way. While I still have a few weeks to try the new hearing aids, I feel that my several hours since getting them have proven their worth, quality and effectiveness.
Thank you again for the impressive quality of the customer service that I received. From my general experience, it is at a level rarely experienced in today's society. Well done, to you all, and thank you.
With warm regards,
P.Q.
P.Q. - Perth
Perth
I started having hearing problems over 10 years ago and have dealt with the same audiologist in that time up until this year, 2010. I have major tinnitus problems and the people I dealt with never seemed interested all they did was sell me hearing aids and fob me off. Thankfully a family friend did a bit of research for me as he knew I was unhappy. He came across Christo’s webpage and suggested I make an appointment. Christo was so empathetic to my problems and after a very thorough appointment which, covered everything I walked out with a set of demo hearing aids all set up for me, at no charge for a week and also a trial of the Phonak Icom. I was blown away to be honest, that someone would be so trusting and I felt so emotional as for the first time in years my tinnitus was under control - no more ringing in the ears.
We did have a few teething problems along the way, but nothing was too much trouble for Christo and I never felt stupid which, some people make you feel. I am so happy to say after saving $2000.00 dollars and being able to watch TV at a reasonable level due to my Icom and also talk on my mobile as clearly as if I had normal hearing. Needless to say I bought the Phonak Icom which is with me all the time. I cannot thank Christo enough for what he has done for me he has turned my life around. All of you people who have hearing difficulties will relate to what I mean. My life was terrible due to bad hearing 24/7. I will never hesitate to recommend Christo to anyone I know who has hearing difficulties. Nothing is ever a problem for him and he will fit you in at anytime and listens to every word you say which is nice.
Thank you so much Christo
Perth
Paul - Melbourne
Hi Christo, I would like to say a huge thankyou for your time and patience in regards to my initial enquiries and subsequent purchase of a Phonak Audeo Smart IX hearing aid and iCom. As a self funded user of hearing aids I was looking for the best deal for a replacement hearing aid and having spent some time liaising with some of the major hearing aid providers in Melbourne and found just the hearing aid I required which allowed me to use the hearing aid with Bluetooth as well as a number of different electronic devices, in particular my mobile phone using the iCom wireless connection. After falling off my chair at a $5500 price tag I started searching the net for a lower price. I found Value Hearing WA and was astounded by the low cost of the same Phonak hearing aid and iCom devices.
I called Christo to make sure it was not a mistake and was reassured that the price was correct AND there was a further discount for interstate customers. After creating a spreadsheet from hell which included variables of flight, accommodation and loss of pay, numerous emails to and fro with Christo, I took the plunge and went all the way from Melbourne to Perth for a 4 day holiday and I was still some $1700 in front. Christo was most understanding and thorough in his testing and subsequent fitting of the Phonak Audeo Smart IX hearing aid and I am extremely happy with the outcome. I recommend (and have recommended) any self funded purchaser to speak with Christo at Value Hearing WA for the best pricing and service in Australia. Kindest Regards
Paul - Melbourne
Donald Thornhill - Thornlie
Just a few lines to say thank you for restoring my hearing to almost as good as it was before my hearing started to fail fifteen years ago. The ”PHONAK" aids you supplied me with are the finest I have ever had. The first night I wore them I was at a social event which was very noisy and had loud music playing and yet I was able to hold a conversation without any difficulty at all which was something I had previously been unable to do. Also in the thorough and professional way in which you conducted my assessment, and your explanation of my hearing problem. The “iCom" digital wireless system which allows me to use my mobile phone through my hearing aids was an added bonus which means I no longer have to depend on other people to make my telephone calls.
I have been singing your praises to all my friends and would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone with a hearing problem, also the fact that you saved me over four thousand dollars on a set I had previously been quoted by my former supplier. Once again Christo a heartfelt thank you from a very grateful client.
Donald Thornhill - Thornlie
Gerald Kerrigan. - Myaree
For several years I wore hearing aids that I found very uncomfortable. I put up with these as I thought they were helping my hearing. Some of my friends were wearing a different type of aid and spoke highly of them. l noticed that Value Hearing & Tinnitus Solutions of Applecross advertised this type in the "Have a Go" newspaper and contacted Christo Fourie, the Senior Audiologist & Proprietor making an appointment to discuss my needs. I found Christo to be both professional and caring and he was able to show me several models suitable for my hearing loss. I came away with very comfortable, barely noticeable hearing aids "on loan" for 48 hours to enable me to "try before you buy".
The very thorough testing of my hearing loss prior to fitting of the aids and the follow up service since then has been terrific. I can now tolerate wearing hearing aids all day, carry on a conversation in a group situation, talk on the telephone without remove my hearing aids and have the volume control on the TV at a level that is comfortable for other family members. I do not hesitate to recommend Christo Fourie of Value Hearing & Tinnitus Solutions to anyone looking for value service and personalised care.
Gerald Kerrigan. - Myaree
Mark Schneider - New Zealand
Thanks Christo, my new Phonak hearing aids have greatly improved my life. Their sound quality is outstanding, the Bluetooth connection means I can now use my mobile phone with ease and they even look great! I couldn't be happier with them and with the excellent service you provided. I thought I'd never be able to afford such excellent hearing aids but I saved thousands of dollars by buying them through Value hearing & Tinnitus Solutions. I'll certainly be recommending you to other people.
Mark Schneider - New Zealand
Karen Moloney - Como
I came to see Christo after a less than satisfactory experience with another Hearing Service provider that was restricted to recommending and selling a particular brand. Christo’s business is outstanding in the respect he can compare and recommend the most appropriate aid regardless of the branding. He is not restricted by a parent company. Come and see Christo if you want outstanding knowledge and professionalism and an unbiased recommendation for a hearing aid to make your life easier.
After purchasing my hearing aids ( 22% less expensive than I would have paid elsewhere), I now wear them everyday with comfort and am able to participate in conversations in all sorts of crowded and noisy situations. I am extremely pleased with the attention and service I received from Christo. I would not hesitate to recommend his business to you. If you needed glasses there would be no hesitation. If you think you need a hearing aid, don’t hesitate catch up with Christo at Value Hearing.
Karen Moloney - Como
"Sharzi" - Shara West - (published with permission)
I was born profoundly deaf and have faced many challenges so far on my journey of life. Maybe this is why I am a "challenging" client for an audiologist to handle? :-) The past 10 months have been difficult, a stressful journey with the new hearing aids I purchased and this finally ended two weeks ago when another caring audiologist introduced me to Christo.............. If you want an audiologist who listens to you, shows their passion, dedication, professionalism, but at the same time being casual and at ease, shows empathy, genuinely cares, provides the best service to you, and is very competent with the computer programs and software, I have full faith in recommending Christo!
To have my life back and living like a normal person again, is worth more than winning lotto! Priceless...... I will be recommending Christo wherever I go, and have full confidence Christo's business will be successful, and he will have many happy clients! I'm already one of them!! Thank you Christo from the bottom of my heart...
"Sharzi" - Shara West - (published with permission)
Mrs.Quinn - Who flew all the way from Melbourne to obtain our services:
“Sourcing an important item such as a hearing aid is not something I would normally do over the internet but when I came across Value Hearing and the prices being charged I HAD to consider it. I live in Melbourne and had visited audiologists to obtain quotes on the type of hearing aid I wanted. When I worked out the expenses, even with airfares and accommodation, it was still worth my while going to Perth to see Christo. I contacted Value Hearing and discussed with Christo my options and finally made an appointment.
I must admit I was very dubious of attending a clinic without any referral or recommendation and did not know what to expect. When I arrived I found a modern building and well presented offices. I found Value Hearing (and Christo) to be friendly, understanding and very professional. I could not fault them in their care for me and would recommend them to anyone. It was well worth my trip. I had a holiday in Perth, the make and model aid I had chosen in Melbourne with funds over as well. Thank you Christo."
Mrs.Quinn - Who flew all the way from Melbourne to obtain our services:
Dennis Caldwell - Snowy Mountains
I would also like to let you know how well they (hearing aids) are working, I now hear sounds that I have not heard for years, and my friends now tell me that I now talk with normal voice tones instead of the previous loud volume. I now also wear them under my helmet when skiing, and find it very handy just to press the streamer button ( even with my skiing gloves on) and take a call without having to stop and remove my helmet. The cold temperatures do not seem to worry them.
My life has changed since wearing these little wonders, they are comfortable, & I can now hear the high frequencies in music and appreciate the finer notes in life. I have recommended them to many people in my age group. Your very satisfied customer, Dennis Caldwell. Snowy Mountains NSW
Dennis Caldwell - Snowy Mountains
B D - Potts Point
Like all of the others writing glowing testimonials of Value Hearing, I found my encounter with Christo Fourie to be amazing.
I was dreading getting hearing aids as yet another terrible sign of age related deterioration, but I actually love my aids and feel like they have given me back a whole part of my life that I didn't even know I'd lost. It is such a pleasure to hear all the detail again.
Thank you Christo. I think you are wonderful!
B D - Potts Point