Audiology (hearing)

Audiology is the allied health profession devoted to hearing and balance. Audiologists promote early hearing loss detection and intervention to help you maintain good communication across your lifespan. 

What can audiology help with?

•  Hearing tests for babies, children, adults, and patients with complex needs who are unable to complete standard hearing tests
•  Hearing loss – both temporary and permanent
• •Accessing hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and cochlear implants
•  Tinnitus
•  Dizziness and balance problems
•  Hearing conservation – hearing protection in noisy places
•  Referral pathways to access appropriate specialists where medical treatment or surgery could be of assistance.

How can I see an audiologist?

You or your family might be referred to see an audiologist if the doctor thinks you might have hearing loss, a middle ear problem, a speech or language delay, or a learning difficulty. If you are finding it a bit hard to communicate with your friends and family or you think seeing an audiologist could help you, talk to the doctor or clinic nurse for a referral.

What will happen when I see an audiologist?
When you see an audiologist they will talk with you about your hearing and carry out some simple tests such as a:

• middle ear check
• hearing screening (for children aged under 3)
• diagnostic hearing test (for adults and children aged 3 and over).

They will then chat with you about your options to help your hearing. This might include arranging for you to get a hearing aid or arranging for you to see another specialist e.g. for a dizziness and balance assessment.