Privacy Policy
Last updated: 24.9.2025
At Hearsmart, we are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal and health information.
1. What Information We Collect
We may collect:
Personal information – name, date of birth, address, phone number, email.
Health information – medical history, hearing test results, treatment records, and other information necessary for your care.
Payment details – billing and transaction information.
Website usage data – IP address, browser type, pages visited, and cookies.
We will only collect information that is reasonably necessary for providing audiology and hearing care services.
2. How We Collect Information
We may collect information:
Directly from you (in person, over the phone, through forms, or via our website).
From your GP, specialist, or other healthcare providers with your consent.
From third-party providers (e.g. hearing aid manufacturers, funding bodies such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or WorkSafe Victoria) when relevant to your care.
3. How We Use Your Information
Your information may be used to:
Provide hearing assessments, treatments, and rehabilitation services.
Manage appointments, records, and communication.
Process payments and manage claims with relevant third-party funding bodies.
Contact you about your care, follow-ups, or appointment reminders.
Improve our services and patient experience.
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
4. Disclosure of Information
We will not sell or trade your personal information. We may disclose it to:
Other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
Government agencies or funding bodies (e.g. Medicare, DVA, WorkSafe) when required to process claims.
Third-party providers who support our practice (e.g. IT support, secure storage providers, payment processors), bound by confidentiality agreements.
Regulatory or legal authorities if required by law.
5. Data Storage and Security
We store your personal and health information securely in physical files and/or electronic systems. We take reasonable steps to protect it from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure, including secure passwords, encryption, and staff training.
6. Access and Correction
You have the right to:
Access the personal and health information we hold about you.
Request corrections if your information is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete.
Requests can be made in writing to our Privacy Officer (see contact details below). We may ask for identification before releasing information.
7. Anonymity and Pseudonymity
Where lawful and practicable, you have the option to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym when dealing with us (e.g. general website enquiries).
8. Website, Cookies, and Analytics
Our website may use cookies and analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics) to monitor traffic and improve usability. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some site features may not work correctly.
9. Overseas Disclosure
We generally do not disclose personal information overseas. If it is required (e.g. use of international hearing aid manufacturers), we will inform you and seek your consent where practicable.
10. Complaints
If you have concerns about how we handle your information, please contact us in writing. We will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au
.
11. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:
Privacy Officer
Hearsmart
1300 787 792
admin@hearsmart.com.au