A screening hearing test, or check, is a simple assessment that can identify hearing loss. It is generally offered free of charge.
Procedure
A staff member will set a file up for you on an app on a phone. We will find you a quiet spot for the test (the waiting room or, if it’s busy, your car). The test is self-administered, with instructions that show on the screen.
You will place headphones over your ears and will hear some signals (beeps) at various pitches and levels. Once you identify a sound you will press a button on the phone to record your response. The test measures the hearing of each ear individually.
Once the test is completed one of our staff will provide you with a report. If there are unusual findings an audiologist will speak to you. If the audiologist is not available at the time of your screening hearing test you will get a phone call at a later date. It may be that the audiologist recommends that you have a diagnostic hearing assessment carried out.
Who is this test suitable for?
This type of test is ideal for someone who is curious about whether their hearing is normal or not. From the results you will get an understanding of how your hearing compares to that of someone with normal hearing.
Why would I need a diagnostic test?
There’s many different reasons why you might need a more thorough examination of your hearing system:
- You pass your screening test but you feel that you have a hearing loss.
- You have a difference in hearing between your ears
- You experience balance problems
- You have tinnitus (ringing) in one ear (or, that is louder in one ear)
- You need to monitor whether your hearing is changing (eg you have a sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or require pre and post-operative assessments)
- You are seeing an Otolaryngologist (ENT Surgeon) about a medical condition
A diagnostic test will provide additional information:
- Better resolution because it tests at more frequencies. It also allows signals to be delivered at softer levels because it is carried out under diagnostic conditions, in a sound booth
- Assessment of the function of the middle ear
- Determines whether your discrimination of speech is normal
- A diagnosis of where the hearing loss is occurring. Ie a conductive hearing loss (that occurs in outer or middle ear), a sensorineural hearing loss (which occurs in the inner ear, the hearing nerve, or brain), or a mixed hearing loss (being made up of both conductive and sensorineural components)
What kind of hearing test do I need?
If you’re not sure what kind of assessment is best for you, just give us a call on 09 309 1018 or you can contact us here. We would be happy to advise you.