What Happens At A Hearing Test? By National Hearing Care

• Free Hearing Tests.
• Over 90 Clinics Australia-Wide.
• Highly Qualified Audiologists.
• Experts in Hearing Loss Rehabilitation,
• Prevention and Hearing Aids.

National Hearing Care is a world leader when it comes to identifying hearing loss in the Australian community through its free hearing test program. Given the ageing population, the high incidence of hearing loss and the demonstrated health benefits associated with managed hearing impairment, this free program benefits the entire community.

Managed hearing loss is associated with people living longer and healthier lives. Therefore, a strong incentive exists for everyone to undergo hearing testing and reap the potential benefits towards better hearing Australia-wide.

National Hearing Care Hearing Tests are Free!

National Hearing Care is the leader in the provision of Australian hearing services, and will see any adult concerned about their hearing ability. The initial test will take about 15 minutes, and is at no cost to the client.

Visit the National Hearing Care website to arrange a free hearing test at one of their 90 hearing centres around Australia.

Should a hearing loss be identified at the initial screening, clients will be advised to undergo a further diagnostic hearing assessment with one of our university qualified audiologists.  A comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment takes around sixty minutes. 

Personal Care is Essential in a Hearing Test

Not every hearing test is the same. National Hearing Care believes that a personal interaction with the patient is critical to an accurate hearing assessment, and provides individual care and attention.

Accuracy is Critical

There is considerable concern about the accuracy of “remote” and “robotic” type of Australian hearing assessments. It is not possible to ensure the accuracy of headphone calibration using a PC or telephone approach. Eventually a formal hearing loss test must be conducted, and patients are advised to get a properly recognised assessment at a hearing clinic.

How Does the Audiologist Determine the “Nature” of a Hearing Loss?

The nature of the hearing loss defines the anatomical location, or source of the impairment within the hearing pathway. Hearing impairment is divided into three broad classes: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss.

More specifically, the hearing centre determines the nature of the loss by comparing hearing thresholds measured under precisely calibrated headphones to thresholds obtained via bone-conducted transmission of sound. This measurement is an essential requirement to determine the nature of the hearing loss.

What Tests Does the Audiologist Perform at the Diagnostic Hearing Assessment?

Hearing clinics begin the assessment with a comprehensive history inclusive of recreational and industrial noise exposure, matters related to ear health such as discharge and blockage, and include balance and tinnitus. Family history is also very informative to the audiologist, along with past surgical histories.

The audiologist can then investigate a broader range of frequencies to illustrate the degree, pattern and nature of loss. Further, the patient’s ability to discriminate speech at varying loudness informs them as to the degree of distortion that may be occurring in the ear.

Thus, the various aspects of the free hearing tests assessment can inform the audiologist of the most appropriate management approach for each individual.

What if I Have a Medical Problem With My Hearing?

Your audiologist is able to identify conditions that may benefit from medical treatment or advice. Most hearing loss in adults is the result of industrial noise exposure or the general ageing process, neither of which are amenable to medical or surgical treatment.

Who Interprets My Test Results?

Your audiologist will make the diagnosis as to the nature and extent of your hearing impairment. These will be discussed with you to ensure your full understanding. A number of information cards are also available for you to take away and review.

What Happens Next?

If a medical condition is identified, a referral will be made to your medical practitioner. Your audiologist will review your hearing and keep your doctor informed.

After the free hearing test assessment, if there are no medical indicators, or if medical intervention has done all it can, then the focus of attention is for the hearing centre now to discuss appropriate means of living with the impairment.

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