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What to expect at a hearing test?

Booking a hearing test is a crucial first step in taking care of your hearing health. Whether it's your first time or a routine check-up, understanding what to expect at a hearing test can help you feel more confident and prepared.

What happens during your hearing test

If you're wondering what to expect from a hearing test, the process is simple and non-invasive. A qualified audiologist will guide you through a series of steps designed to assess your hearing ability. The initial hearing health consultation is very straightforward and nothing to be anxious about.

A typical hearing test includes:

  • Medical history review – You'll discuss any hearing difficulties or symptoms you’ve been experiencing. 
  • Ear examination – Your audiologist will check your ears for blockages, earwax build-up or other issues.
  • Tone testing – You'll wear headphones and listen to a series of tones at different volumes and frequencies, pressing a button each time you hear a sound.
  • Speech testing – You may be asked to repeat words at various volume levels to check how well you understand speech.
  • Discussion of results – Your audiologist will explain the findings and, if necessary, recommend treatment options or hearing aids.

What to expect in a hearing test for the first time

If it's your first hearing assessment, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to expect in a hearing test. The experience is usually very relaxed.

First-time hearing test tips:

  • How long your appointment will take depends on the appointment type you've booked. If you've booked a Screening. allow around 15-20 minutes for your appointment. If you've booked a more comprehensive Assessment, allow around 1 hour for your appointment.
  • Come prepared to discuss your lifestyle, medical background, and any hearing concerns.
  • You’ll receive a clear explanation of each step, so there’s no need to worry about technical jargon.

What not to do before a hearing test

Knowing what not to do before a hearing test can help ensure accurate results.

Here are some simple things to avoid before your test for best results:

  • Exposing yourself to loud noise – Loud environments (concerts, power tools) can temporarily affect hearing results.
  • Wearing earphones or earbuds for extended periods – Especially right before your appointment.
  • Using cotton buds – Cleaning your ears with cotton buds can push wax deeper into the canal.
man walking out of Amplifon hearing clinic

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What to bring according to funding type

  • Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) - please bring your DVA card or your DVA referral paperwork.
  • Pensioners - please bring your Pension card.
  • For workplace testing or Police/Defence testing - please bring all the referring paperwork for the Audiologist to complete during your appointment.

If none of the above applies to you, no specific documentation is needed.

Support and care during your hearing test

We want you to feel as comfortable and supported as possible during your appointment. You're welcome to bring a friend, family member or someone you trust to accompany you.

Having someone who knows you well can help provide extra insight into your hearing experiences and offer support when discussing results or next steps with the audiologist.

Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and well-informed throughout your hearing care journey.

How to prepare for your hearing test​

While the process is really easy, you will gain the most from your hearing test if you do a little preparation beforehand. Find out below how you can prepare for your hearing test:

Your hearing history

During the test, one of our hearing care professionals will ask you a few questions related to your hearing, including any instances of hearing loss in your family history. These questions help us understand potential causes of hearing loss.

Therefore, prior to the test, you may want to spend a bit of time getting some clarity around your hearing by asking yourself some questions.

  • What sort of changes have you noticed in your hearing?
  • Has hearing become more difficult and, if so, how?
  • Has anyone else in your family experienced hearing loss?

This is also where it can also help to bring someone along with you. They can provide an outsider’s insight which will give a more complete understanding of your hearing. 

We’d also recommend making a list of key medical events in your past and any medications you might currently be taking.

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Other types of hearing tests

We know that sometimes it’s just not possible to get to one of our clinics. Our online hearing test is also a good place to start your hearing health journey. The test involves checking your ability to hear different levels of decibels, and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. At the end of your test, you will receive your Hearing Number. This is a score that ranges from 1, indicating excellent hearing, to 100, which suggests severe hearing loss. Your Hearing Number will give you a clear indication of your hearing ability, and empower you to take steps to protect your hearing. The test should only be used as an indication of hearing loss, so if you suspect you are suffering from it, take the next step and seek help from a qualified audiologist.

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