How Much Does A Hearing Test Cost In Perth?
There’s no reason to suffer from hearing loss. Help is available!
Hearing loss can impact your overall quality of life. If left undiagnosed, you risk further deterioration, changes in speech understanding, or other changes in your overall cognition. These can be easily addressed with a hearing test from a trained Audiologist.
Hearing and Audiology offers comprehensive hearing tests in Subiaco, Duncraig, Manning, Geraldton, and Karratha. In this guide, we will talk about the costs of hearing tests as well as the factors that can influence these costs.
If you want to learn more about hearing tests, check out our resources:
1. How to Choose the Best Place to Conduct a Hearing Test
2. Hearing Test vs Hearing Screening
3. Signs You Need a Hearing Test
Who Needs a Hearing Test?
If you feel any problems with your hearing, even if they seem benign and occasional, it is recommended that you get a hearing test done. You might have a hearing problem if it is hard to understand people talking in a noisy place or if you only understand them when they face you.
Another sign could be a ringing in the ears, called tinnitus, which can affect your hearing and your quality of life.
There are also instances when you might be concerned about a child’s hearing, especially if they’re slow to speak, struggling at school, or requesting the TV volume at louder volumes.
Types of hearing tests
There are a variety of tests audiologists use to check the quality of hearing in adults. We’ll look at them briefly.
- Pure tone audiometry: In this test, the audiologist checks how loud different sounds will need to be for you to hear them.
- Air conduction: This test measures whether you’re able to hear and differentiate different tones played through headphones.
- Bone conduction: This test is designed to measure how well your cochlea, the part of your ear that responds to sound with nerve impulses, picks up any vibrations.
- Tympanometry. This test assesses the health of your eardrum to rule out other hearing impairments such as wax, infection, or a hole in the eardrum itself.
The results from these tests are then marked on a graph called an audiogram. Based on the results in the audiogram, your audiologist will then talk to you about whether or not there is a problem with your hearing, what the cause of the problem is, and how severe the issue is. This information is used to determine a course of treatment to improve your overall hearing.
Keep in mind that the tests are different for children. Some are plain physical tests while others will rely on how well the child responds to sounds played at different volumes or frequencies. Based on the age of the child, the audiologist will choose the appropriate test.
Factors that affect the cost of a hearing test
Number of tests performed
A standard adult hearing test at Hearing & Audiology costs $145. Other fees may apply if further testing is required, and this will be discussed with you when making your appointment.
Clinic type
Full diagnostic Assessment
Most people will require a full diagnostic hearing assessment, which will involve an audiologist examining the ear canal, the middle ear status, and hearing testing across 250-8000 Hz using a combination of bone and air conduction. It will also involve speech testing and evaluation of the current hearing issues. To ensure maximum accuracy of the test, it is performed in a soundproof booth.
Patient Age
Hearing tests for children are different to those for adults, including the time and equipment required. The Audiologist will discuss the test results with the patient or their guardian, offer suggestions on managing hearing loss, as well as provide all appropriate parties with a written report.
Employment required tests
There are some professions that require medical tests. Some audiologists conduct hearing tests for employment and special activities such as driving or police medicals. The cost of these tests is usually paid for by the employer.
Applicable Rebates
Medicare rebates are available if you are referred by your GP or other medical practitioner
How Much Will a Hearing Test Cost?
On average, you can expect a hearing test to cost between $140 to $220, and it normally takes about 45 minutes. A full diagnostic report is sent to your GP or specialist following the test.
Medicare rebates are available for children and adult testing with a GP referral. Fully subsidised testing is provided to eligible Pensioners and Veterans through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. A referral is not required if you are an eligible Pensioner or Veteran.
Never Delay a Test
The ability to hear is a blessing. Unfortunately, one in six people in Australia struggle with their hearing. With the right tests and early diagnosis, audiologists will offer you solutions and treatments to improve it moving forward.
At Hearing and Audiology, we understand the frustrations and fears of clients who are concerned about their hearing. That’s why we offer comprehensive assessments to get to the root cause of your hearing troubles and create a treatment plan that’s just right for you. We also collaborate with other members of your healthcare team to make sure that your hearing loss does not stem from a broader health condition.
Not sure where to begin? Call us on 08 9388 8003 to book a consultation.