1. Who We Are
Simba Hearing is an independent audiology clinic located in Gosford, NSW, Australia. We provide hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, earwax removal, and related audiological services. In this policy, 'we', 'us', and 'our' refer to Simba Hearing.
We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
• Contact details — name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Health information — hearing test results, audiograms, medical history relevant to your hearing care, referral details, and records of treatment and devices fitted.
• Payment information — billing details and Medicare or private health fund information where applicable.
• Communication records — notes from phone calls, emails, or in-clinic consultations.
We collect this information directly from you, from your referring healthcare provider, or (with your consent) from other treating practitioners.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:
• Provide audiological assessments, fittings, and follow-up care.
• Communicate with you about appointments, results, and your hearing devices.
• Process payments and interact with Medicare or private health funds.
• Comply with our legal and professional obligations as registered audiologists.
• Improve our services and clinic operations.
We will not use your health information for purposes unrelated to your care without your explicit consent.
4. Sharing Your Information
We may share your information with:
• Referring or treating healthcare providers (GPs, ENT specialists, etc.) as part of your coordinated care.
• Hearing aid manufacturers for warranty, repair, or device programming purposes.
• Medicare Australia or private health insurers for billing and claiming.
• Our practice management software providers, who are bound by confidentiality obligations.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not share your health information with marketers or advertisers.
5. Health Records & Sensitive Information
Hearing assessments, audiograms, and treatment records are sensitive health information under Australian law. We apply the highest standard of care to this data: it is stored securely, accessible only to authorised clinical staff, and retained for the minimum period required by relevant NSW health records legislation.
6. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access. Our systems use industry-standard encryption and access controls. Staff are trained in privacy obligations and patient confidentiality.
In the unlikely event of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, we will notify you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.
7. Cookies & Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve your browsing experience and understand how visitors use the site. Analytics data is collected in aggregate and does not personally identify you. You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.
8. Accessing or Correcting Your Information
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, and to ask us to correct it if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. To make a request, please contact us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with the APPs.
9. Complaints
If you have a concern about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us in the first instance so we can try to resolve it directly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au.
10. Contact Us
For any privacy-related queries, requests, or complaints, please contact Simba Hearing:
Simba Hearing Gosford, NSW, Australia Phone: (02) 4307 8483 Email: hello@simbahearing.com.au
This policy was last reviewed in June 2025.