About Vital Hearing and Balance Clinic

It's good to hear
The idea behind Vital Hearing Clinic stems from the recognition that good hearing is fundamental to successful social interaction. Even mild hearing loss has been linked to a later onset of cognitive and memory changes in the brain in the elderly population.
At Vital Hearing and Balance Clinic, our highest priority is assessing your hearing concerns and providing trustworthy solutions. We operate on a medical model: we keep your medical practitioner informed about testing and make appropriate medical recommendations.
Our team
Dr Manuj Agarwal, principal audiologist (Au.D, Doctor of Audiology)

Dr Agarwal brings 18 years of field experience plus 8 years of university training, including a doctorate in audiology. He specialises in diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology, working with children and adults, cochlear implants, hearing aids, tinnitus evaluations and vestibular (balance) testing. Read more about Dr Agarwal.
Aardra Kuniyil, audiologist

Aardra Kuniyil is an Audiology Australia accredited audiologist who graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2024. Aardra has varied experience working with children and adults, and brings perspectives shaped by an overseas placement in Cambodia and her work as an audiology podcast host.
Aardra also loves music and plays several musical instruments, which inspired and drew her towards audiology and has given her a good understanding of sound and auditory perception. She is particularly interested in how hearing loss changes music perception and overall enjoyment of sounds. She is also an advocate for early detection of hearing loss and has given several public talks within elderly communities, and discussed on her podcast how hearing loss and cognition are intricately related.
Aardra enjoys connecting with people and getting to know each patient, providing personalised, supportive care.
Efy Dimitrakopoulos, patient care team

Efy is excited to be part of the team at Vital Hearing Clinic. She has over 5 years of experience working in a medical environment, where she developed strong communication, organisational and patient-care skills. Her experience has given her a genuine understanding of the importance of compassionate communication, attention to detail and making patients feel comfortable and cared for from their very first interaction.
Her decision to join our hearing clinic came from a strong interest in helping people affected by hearing loss. She understands that hearing difficulties can have a significant impact on communication, relationships, confidence and overall quality of life, and was particularly drawn to the opportunity to be part of a team helping patients reconnect with the people and things that matter to them. She is also fascinated by the medical and clinical aspects of hearing and balance, and enjoys being part of an environment where advanced assessment and personalised care come together.
As one of the first people our patients meet, Efy is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming and supportive experience. She takes pride in getting to know patients, understanding their needs and helping them feel at ease throughout their journey with the clinic.
Our values
Commitment
As independent Audiology Australia accredited audiologists, our advice is always impartial.
Compassion
We are always willing to listen, understand your needs and guide you through your journey.
Consistency
Our approach is clinical and reliable, so you can trust our services.
Comprehensive
Our clinical work is thorough and scientific, to achieve successful outcomes.
Independent hearing aid advice
Because we are independent, we fit devices from Phonak, Unitron, Bernafon and Starkey, and recommend based on your hearing loss, listening needs and budget. Start with a hearing test or hearing aid assessment.
Our three clinics
See all locations and opening hours or contact us. Call 03 7042 9301.
- Ashburton: Unit 5/330 High St, Ashburton VIC 3147
- Dandenong: Medical Specialists, 60 Stud Road, Dandenong GP Superclinic VIC 3175
- Tecoma: Belgrave Suite, 1579 Burwood Hwy, Tecoma VIC 3160
Funding and accessibility
Pensioners and eligible Department of Veterans' Affairs clients receive fully funded hearing services, bulk billing is available with a GP referral for eligible patients, and NDIS participants (self or plan managed) are welcome. Call us and we will confirm what you are entitled to before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vital Hearing and Balance Clinic independent?
Yes. We are an independent clinic, not owned by or tied to a hearing aid manufacturer. Our audiologists are Audiology Australia accredited, and our advice is impartial. We fit Phonak, Unitron, Bernafon and Starkey and recommend based on your hearing loss, needs and budget.
Who are the audiologists at the clinic?
Our principal audiologist is Dr Manuj Agarwal (Au.D), who has 18 years of field experience. Aardra Kuniyil is an Audiology Australia accredited audiologist who graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2024, and works with both children and adults. Efy Dimitrakopoulos, who has over 5 years of experience in medical environments, is often the first person patients meet at the clinic.
Where are your clinics?
We have three Melbourne clinics: Unit 5/330 High St, Ashburton VIC 3147; Medical Specialists, 60 Stud Road, Dandenong GP Superclinic VIC 3175; and Belgrave Suite, 1579 Burwood Hwy, Tecoma VIC 3160. Call 03 7042 9301 to book at the most convenient location for you.
What does a medical model of care mean?
It means we keep your medical practitioner informed about your testing and make appropriate medical recommendations, including referrals to specialists when needed. We work alongside your GP or specialist rather than in isolation, so your hearing care fits into your overall health care.
Is hearing testing funded?
Pensioners and eligible DVA clients receive fully funded hearing services, and bulk billing is available for eligible patients with a GP referral. NDIS participants are also welcome. Call us to confirm your entitlements before booking.
Related information
Dr Manuj Agarwal
Doctor of Audiology with 18 years of field experience across children and adults.
Learn more →Hearing test
A full diagnostic hearing assessment with results and a clear plan in the same visit.
Learn more →Hearing aid assessment
Independent advice on hearing aids matched to your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget.
Learn more →Phonak
Swiss-designed hearing aids, including the Paradise range, with obligation-free trials.
Learn more →Unitron
Moxi Blu hearing aids with a risk-free FLEX:TRIAL, fitted by independent audiologists.
Learn more →Bernafon
Swiss-headquartered Bernafon and the rechargeable Alpha XT, fitted impartially.
Learn more →Starkey
Evolv AI hearing aids from a privately owned American manufacturer.
Learn more →Your journey to better hearing starts here
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