What To Expect From A Hearing Test

A hearing test is carried out, if you haven’t had a hearing test in recent months, or if you have had a recent hearing test at another clinic and we are unable to have a copy of the results.

We can request recent test results from another audiology clinic, if you are happy to sign a form granting permission. We will fax this off to the audiology clinic concerned and usually get the information back within 1-7 working days.

If you order hearing aids at this appointment, there will be no charge for the hearing test.

FULL HEARING TEST (Also refer Hearing Assessments for an image of the hearing test)

1. Full Diagnostic Test. Includes an audiogram with air/bone testing and tympanometry to help determine the site of the hearing loss (mechanical or nerve damage) and report to the doctor if necessary. Let us know if you have hearing aids and we will also allow time to check the function using insertion gain and speech mapping tests, making adjustments if possible.
2. Audiologist discussion. The Audiologist will discuss hearing aid options with you that suit your hearing loss. To determine the most suitable hearing aids, the Audiologist will also ask questions about your lifestyle, your budget, your environment and needs.
3. A hearing aid quote or quotes will be written for you, if you wish, OR the Audiologist can give you a verbal price at this appointment. This will also be written on your file so we know for future reference.

It is expected that you pay for the hearing aids at your hearing aid fitting appointment.

If you are unable to pay for the hearing aids in full, please discuss with Cathy (Practice Manager) before the appointment, Cathy is happy to work out part payments with you.

Appointment duration: 45 minutes

Breakdown of appointment: 30 minutes (approx.) with the audiologist. 5 – 15 minutes with the girls at the front desk (depending on whether you are a new aid wearer).

Audiologist Time: Spent with You: The Audiologist will fit your hearing aids and connect them to a machine to program the hearing aids to your hearing loss. The Audiologist determines the right settings by your audiogram (hearing test) and a series of tests, then adjusts your hearing aids until they seem right for you.
It’s very important that you are honest and let the audiologist know if a sound doesn’t seem right, so the Audiologist can ensure the sounds are as accurate and natural as possible. Sound will be different in our sound proof rooms as well, so it is normal to notice a difference in the volume when you walk outside, and you may hear other sounds that can become too much for you. This is okay, we can usually fix these.
However, it will take some time for your brain to adjust to functioning with hearing aids. This is why we offer a 3 month trial period with regular follow up appointments. This gives you a chance to try your new hearing aids in different listening situations, then let the Audiologist know so adjustments can be made.

Front Desk Time: Spent with You: The girls at the front desk will take you through care and maintenance of your hearing aids, what to expect, important points to consider, working out your account and book you in for a follow up appointment, usually in two weeks from the date of fitting.

Our aim is for you to walk out the door feeling as confident as possible, and ready to embrace your new quality of life!

You are welcome to phone or see us at the front desk any time during the hours of 8.30-4.30 Monday to Friday. We are here to help and no question is too small.