Audiology

When evaluating your hearing we will complete a medical and lifestyle questionnaire, this is a comprehensive patient medical history to establish your needs and listening requirements. Your audiologist will perform a full hearing assessment (Pure Tone Audiometry) with video otoscopy and discuss all results with you. A joint decision is made with you and your audiologist as to which technology level and hearing aid configuration best suits your lifestyle and hearing loss. It includes a listening demonstration of hearing aids to help inform your decision. Your Audiologist will advise you about the various grant options and payments available to you. A full hearing assessment will be undertaken to advise you on conservation of your hearing. We can then recommend suitable hearing protection (industry, musician and leisure) and in some cases, can supply these for you to purchase.

The purpose of this test is to check how well sound crosses the ear drum, by assessing how well the ear drum is moving. A small probe is placed at the entrance of the ear canal. A gentle amount of air pressure, along with a humming sound, can be puffed into the ear canal reaching and stopping at the ear drum. The movement will produce a graph. This test is used to identify a conductive hearing loss.

This is a hearing assessment for patients who are under 3 years of age. The child will be placed in a sound proof booth along with their guardian. Varying sounds of intensity and pitch will be presented to the child through speakers and the child will be conditioned to turn to the sound when they hear them. The assessment is used to determine what degree of hearing loss your child might have.

An Oto-Acoustic Emissions (OAE) test is done by an audiologist to check how well your ears can hear sounds. During the test, a small earpiece is placed in your ear which sends a sound into your ear canal. Your ear then responds by producing a sound of its own which is picked up by a tiny microphone inside the earpiece.

The audiologist can then measure the sound produced by your ear in response to the sound sent in, and use this information to determine how well your inner ear is functioning. This test is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It can be taken by both children and adults, as well as people who may have difficulty responding to traditional hearing tests.

This is the most common hearing assessment. You will be placed in a sound proof booth. Various sounds will be presented to you through headphones and you will be asked to respond by pressing a button when you hear them. The assessment is used to determine what type and what degree of hearing loss you might have. This assessment will indicate to your Audiologist your suitability for hearing aids or if you require a referral to one of our consultants. This procedure can be adapted for paediatric, adult and all ability levels.

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing noise heard in the ear, yet not caused by any external sound. It is estimated that 90% of patents with tinnitus also have some hearing loss. Your hearing will be assessed by an audiologist to determine if a hearing loss is present. Since tinnitus can be associated with a number of auditory conditions, the audiology test can yield extensive information regarding the cause and options for treatment. The treatment of tinnitus is managed by two methods – tinnitus counselling or sound therapy. Devices such as hearing aids or white noise generators can be used to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

Our Audiologist will examine your ears using a magnified camera. This will determine the physical health of your ear and can be viewed by you in high definition on a large screen.

The audiology department offers a range of services, including hearing evaluations (audiometry), balance assessments (vestibular testing), hearing aid fittings and adjustments, cochlear implant evaluations and programming, tinnitus evaluation and management, and auditory processing disorder (APD) assessments. 

Common signs of hearing loss include difficulty understanding speech, asking others to repeat themselves frequently, turning up the volume on the TV or radio, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), and withdrawing from social situations due to communication difficulties. If you suspect hearing loss, it's essential to schedule a hearing evaluation with an audiologist. 

During a hearing evaluation, the audiologist will conduct various tests to assess your hearing sensitivity, speech understanding, and middle ear function. Tests may include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing, depending on your specific needs. 

Treatment for hearing loss depends on the type and severity of the hearing loss, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle factors. Treatment options may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, auditory rehabilitation (such as speech therapy), and counseling on communication strategies and hearing conservation. 

Hearing aids are small electronic devices worn in or behind the ear that amplify sound and improve hearing for individuals with hearing loss. They work by capturing sound through a microphone, processing the sound to enhance speech clarity, and delivering the amplified sound to the ear through a speaker or receiver. 

Choosing the right hearing aid involves considering factors such as your degree and type of hearing loss, lifestyle and communication needs, budget, cosmetic preferences, and technological features. Your audiologist will guide you through the selection process and help you find a hearing aid that meets your specific needs. 

Sudden hearing loss requires prompt medical attention. If you experience sudden hearing loss or a sudden change in hearing, you should seek immediate evaluation by an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. 

You can access this service with a GP or a Consultant referral alternatively  you can self refer to make an appointment.

Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page, or by contacting your health insurer. 

If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.