How to Choose the Best Place to Conduct a Hearing Test in Perth
There’s no reason to suffer from hearing troubles when you can go for a hearing test that may diagnose the root of your problem.
When was the last time you had a hearing test?
Some form of hearing loss is estimated to affect 3.95 million Australians, so if you’ve noticed a decline in your hearing or you’re concerned about your hearing, it helps to know where to turn.
The problem is, most Australians haven’t had their hearing tested in years – often since school!
The truth is, choosing the right place in Perth to arrange a test can feel overwhelming. Should you consider location? Working hours? Cost? Brand independence? Or are there other factors that come into play?
At Hearing & Audiology, we’re independent hearing specialists with over 24 years of experience supporting our Perth clients with personalised hearing tests suited to each individual’s needs.
Read on to find out our top tips to choose the right place for your next hearing test, and how to navigate this challenge with minimal stress and for maximum health outcomes.
If you want to learn more about hearing tests, check out our resources:
1. How Much Does A Hearing Test Cost
2. Hearing Test vs Hearing Screening
3. Signs You Need a Hearing Test
What should I look for when choosing a hearing test provider?
Choosing an audiologist for a hearing test can be a confronting decision.
Your hearing, or the hearing of a loved one, comes down to more than convenience or price point. When there’s so much at stake, it’s crucial you feel supported throughout your journey from the moment you make contact with a receptionist through to your diagnostic tests.
The right audiologist can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as deliver optimal results through state-of-the-art technology and leading patient care. For that reason, we recommend looking for the following services and inclusions when weighing up your options for Perth-based hearing specialists.
✔ Experience and Qualifications: A background of experience and professional accreditation means you’re more likely to find a test provider who understands your needs and can help work towards a resolution.
✔ Customer Care: Your hearing is crucial to your quality of life and the best place for a hearing test will understand and respect that. Consider reading customer reviews to get a feel for an audiologist’s approach to patient care.
✔ Type of Hearing Test: Are you looking for adult hearing tests, children’s hearing tests, or a WorkCover hearing test? A great audiologist doesn’t offer a “one size fits all” approach but can tailor their tests to meet your needs.
✔ Cost: Medicare rebates may be available when you are referred by a GP, neurologist, or Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon. The Australian Government Hearing Services Program may also provide subsidised services, so ask your hearing experts what financial support is available.
What type of hearing test are you looking for?
If you’re concerned about hearing loss, organising a test can help provide answers and start you on a course of treatment – if needed.
Keep in mind, choosing the best place to conduct a hearing test in Perth will start with the type of test you require. While online tests are available, these are typically guides only and further testing is recommended if you’re concerned.
Common hearing test types include:
- Pure Tone Audiometry: Assesses how loud different sounds need to be for you to hear them
- Air Conduction: Measures whether you can hear different tones played through headphones
- Bone Conduction: This measures how well your cochlea is able to pick up vibrations
- Acoustic Reflex Testing: For neural pathway assessment
Tympanometry: This isn’t a hearing test, but a check of your eardrum
No matter how conveniently located or experienced a hearing centre is, you’ll need to ensure the type of hearing test you require is offered before you commit to a visit or consultation.
What questions should I ask a potential audiologist?
The challenge in finding the right hearing specialist in Perth is that a wall full of degrees can be misleading. While the range of audiologists on offer throughout the city and Perth suburbs will be trained and qualified, there’s more to making a choice than expertise.
We recommend asking the following questions to get a feel for your hearing specialist’s approach, experience, and reputation:
- “Do you have any testimonials I could read or previous clients I could contact?”
- “Will my insurance cover a test or hearing aids if I choose you?”
- “Do I need a referral from my GP to book an appointment with your clinic?”
- “How long have you been working in Perth or surrounds?”
- “Do you offer hearing aid repairs?”
- “Do you have a hearing specialty?”
Asking these types of questions up front can help you narrow down the provider that ticks all your boxes. Whether you’re looking for a local expert in your suburb, or a city-based audiologist, taking the time to reach out and chat about your wants, needs, and concerns is crucial.
Are all hearing test providers the same?
No.
In fact, not all audiologists may be capable of conducting hearing tests. This can cause serious frustration if you’re left running from one side of the city to the other organising tests and submitting reports to secondary hearing experts.
As mentioned, it’s also important you establish what type of test you are looking for. Perth-based audilogists may have niche expertise for example pediatrics, tinnitus therapy, or balance and vestibular disorders.
BONUS: The proven way to choose a reputable hearing test provider
When it comes to hearing loss, every situation is unique. What’s important to you may differ from what’s important to someone else. For that reason, one of the most effective ways to choose the best hearing test location is to ask friends and family for referrals.
If you have a friend or family member who has visited an audiologist or organised a test in Perth, ask for their recommendation. As valuable as the internet is to help overcome health challenges, nothing beats word of mouth.
If you don’t have friends or family with any tips, consider asking your GP for recommendations. This can help ease any anxiety or nerves around booking a test.
Is it worth organising a hearing test?
Absolutely.
Just as it’s worthwhile organising a check-up of your physical health with your GP, booking a hearing test with your local provider offers a range of benefits that improve your quality of life.
Early diagnostic intervention can prevent worsening of issues, while enhancing your interactions and increasing confidence.
If you’re looking to book a hearing test in Perth, reach out on (08) 9388 8003 to learn more about our independent service and state-of-the-art technology. Or make an appointment online at one of our five conveniently located testing centres to begin your journey to better ear and hearing health.