No. You do not need a referral to see an Audiologist. However, if you do have a referral from your GP or medical practitioner, you will be able to claim a Medicare rebate for your hearing test. 

We recommend purchasing your hearing aids from a licensed Audiologist. 

Audiologists are trained professionals who specialise in hearing and balance disorders. Our team conducts thorough hearing assessments, provides accurate diagnoses, and recommend tailored hearing aid solutions to meet your individual needs.

Our Audiologists will ensure that the hearing aid fits properly, and is fine-tuned appropriately to meet your hearing goals. You’ll also receive follow-up care, which includes maintenance and future adjustments of the hearing aid to ensure that you are confident and able to use the devices well. 

This comprehensive approach is not often available when purchasing hearing aids online. 

Audiologists are healthcare professionals specialised in identifying, diagnosing, and treating disorders related to hearing and balance. 

This includes a wide range of ear problems, such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and issues related to the ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear.

At Hearing & Audiology, we use various tests and tools to assess the health of your ears. We will provide management strategies or refer you to an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist if more specialised treatment is required. 

The difference between an audiologist and a hearing specialist (often referred to as a hearing instrument specialist or hearing aid specialist) primarily lies in their level of training and the scope of their practice. 

Audiologists hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Audiology, obtained via post-graduate education.

Audiologists can perform detailed hearing tests, prescribe and fit hearing aids, and provide rehabilitation services for patients with hearing impairments. They are also qualified to manage conditions like tinnitus and auditory processing disorders.

Hearing specialists, on the other hand, typically have a two-year associate degree or a certification and specialise in performing hearing tests primarily for fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

They focus on the sale and maintenance of hearing aids and may provide basic hearing tests and follow-up support for hearing aid users. They do not diagnose conditions or provide the extensive range of audiological healthcare services that audiologists do.

Both professionals play important roles in hearing health, but Audiologists have broader and more in-depth medical training for comprehensive hearing care.

Audiologists treat a wide range of hearing and balance-related conditions, including: 

1. Hearing Loss: Diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing loss in individuals of all ages. This includes sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss.
2. Tinnitus: Managing the ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears that others cannot hear. Audiologists offer various management strategies, treatment, and therapies.
3. Balance Disorders: Evaluating and treating disorders that affect balance, such as vertigo and Meniere’s disease, using vestibular rehabilitation and other treatments.
4. Auditory Processing Disorders: Helping individuals, often children, who have difficulty processing what they hear, even though their hearing is normal.
5. Earwax Build-up: Removing excessive earwax that can lead to discomfort, tinnitus, or hearing loss.
6. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Providing preventive education, hearing protection, and treatment for hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noises.
7. Sudden Deafness and Acute Hearing Issues: Addressing rapid onset of hearing loss and directing appropriate medical interventions.