Hearing Test
At earLAB, we provide comprehensive hearing assessments performed by qualified audiologists, whether you need a check-up for peace of mind, a pre-employment screening, or a specialist test for a specific industry.
Why a hearing test?
It’s easy to put off a hearing test, especially if you think your symptoms are minor. However, a comprehensive hearing assessment is the essential first step to taking control of your hearing health. It provides clarity, empowers you with knowledge, and helps you proactively address any issues. Here are the key reasons to book your hearing test:
Identify Issues Early
Hearing loss often develops so gradually you may not notice it. A professional test can identify even minor changes, allowing for early intervention and management before problems get worse.
Improve Your Daily Life
Untreated hearing loss can affect communication, relationships, and confidence. A hearing test can uncover the reasons behind common frustrations, such as struggling to follow conversations in a noisy restaurant or constantly asking people to repeat themselves.
Professional and Safety Requirements
Whether for a job, a pilot’s license, or specific industry standards, a hearing test provides the necessary certification and peace of mind to ensure you meet all professional requirements.
Gain Peace of Mind
For many, a hearing test is simply about gaining a baseline and checking for reassurance. A clear result can put your mind at ease and give you a benchmark for future comparisons.
Do I need one?
A professional hearing assessment is a crucial step towards understanding your ear health. Whether you have personal concerns or need to meet a specific requirement, a hearing test provides the clarity and reassurance you need.
Hearing loss often develops gradually, so it can be difficult to notice. If you find yourself experiencing any of the following, a hearing test is a simple way to take control of your hearing health:
- Asking others to repeat themselves.
- Struggling to follow conversations in noisy places like restaurants or cafes.
- Being told that the TV or radio volume is too loud.
- Experiencing a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears (tinnitus).
- Feeling that people are mumbling when they speak.
For many industries and activities, a professional hearing test is a mandatory requirement for safety and certification. We provide assessments and reporting that meet all Australian standards for a wide range of fields, including:
- Diving
- Aviation
- Driving
- Police & Protective Services
- Industrial hearing screening
- Pre-employment hearing screening
Hearing Test Pricing
While a referral is not necessary to be seen at earLAB for a hearing test, a referral from a GP or ENT specialist may help to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a Medicare rebate for your hearing assessment. If you purchase a hearing aid from earLAB, the cost of your comprehensive hearing assessment will be credited towards the final price of your device.
Adults
Credit card and contactless payment only at this time.
Children (Ages 10+)
Credit card and contactless payment only at this time.
Before your appointment
Online Forms: To make your consultation as efficient as possible, we ask that you complete a pre-appointment form online. While a medical referral is not required to see our audiologists, in some cases, a referral from your GP may be necessary for Medicare claims.
Arrival and Detailed Consultation
When you arrive, your audiologist will take a detailed history of your hearing and general ear health. It is important to let us know the specific reason for your test (e.g., a personal hearing concern or a specialist requirement for pre-employment). This ensures that we follow the correct procedure and complete the appropriate documentation to meet your needs.
The Assessment
Your hearing test will be conducted in a soundproof room using state-of-the-art equipment. The assessment includes a range of non-invasive tests to provide a comprehensive picture of your hearing. This typically involves a pure-tone audiometry test, a middle-ear function test, and, if necessary, speech audiometry in both quiet and noisy environments.
Results and Recommendations
Following your assessment, your audiologist will discuss your results with you in detail. They will explain your hearing profile and provide recommendations for appropriate follow-up and management, tailored specifically to your history and individual circumstances. If hearing loss is detected, they will present a clear path forward, which may include rehabilitation services like hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Alternatively, if there are early signs of a decline, they may recommend regular annual reviews to monitor your hearing health over time.
Your Written report
To complete the process, a comprehensive written report will be prepared and sent back to you. We can also provide a copy to your referrer or any other third party as requested.
What sets us apart?
Choosing where to have your hearing tested is an important decision. At earLAB, our approach is different from a typical retail clinic. We are committed to clinical integrity, ensuring you receive the most accurate results and unbiased advice.
Your test will be performed by a qualified audiologist who is not on commission or incentivised to sell. Our advice is independent and our recommendations are based solely on your needs, not on sales targets or a limited range of products.
Our assessments go beyond simple screening. We take the time to conduct a thorough evaluation of your hearing health, including a detailed history, multiple types of tests, and a physical examination of your ears. This ensures we have a complete and accurate picture of your hearing.
As audiologists, we focus on your complete ear health. We check for earwax or other issues that might affect your test results, and we can address them on the spot. Our holistic approach means your assessment is the first step in a long-term partnership for your ear health.
We believe your hearing test should be a valuable investment. If the results show a need for hearing aids and you choose to purchase them from us, the cost of your hearing test will be credited towards the price of your device.
Our Qualifications & Affiliations
At earLAB, your hearing health is managed by highly qualified professionals. We believe in complete transparency and adherence to the highest standards of audiological care in Australia.
Our Clinics
Visit us at our two convenient clinic locations. Our experienced clinicians are here to support you with microsuction earwax removal, hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, and custom ear impressions.
Government-Funded Hearing Services Program (HSP)
earLAB is a registered provider for the Australian Government's Hearing Services Program (HSP). This program helps eligible Australians access free or subsidised hearing assessments, hearing aids, and maintenance services.
The process begins with a comprehensive hearing test. You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly or using our online booking system. During this initial visit, we will assess your hearing, discuss your lifestyle requirements, and determine if hearing aids are the right proactive step for your auditory health.
Common signs include asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume higher than others prefer, or struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments. However, the only way to be certain is through a comprehensive hearing assessment. At earLAB, we provide expert diagnostics to determine the exact nature of your hearing health and whether technology would benefit your daily life.
No. A GP referral is not required to apply for the HSP Voucher Scheme. You can apply directly.(Note: A GP referral is required only if you want to claim a Medicare rebate for some non-HSP diagnostic assessments.)
You are generally eligible if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 26 years or older, and hold one of the following current cards: Pensioner Concession Card. DVA Gold Repatriation Health Card. DVA White Repatriation Health Card (for hearing loss specific conditions) Dependants of eligible cardholders and recipients of a Sickness Allowance may also qualify. Check Eligibility and Apply. We encourage you to confirm your eligibility today. HSP Website Link: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/hearing-services-program Need assistance? Our earLAB team can help you navigate the eligibility check and application process to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
While taking a free online hearing test might seem tempting, if you’re looking for an accurate description of your current hearing health then we wouldn’t recommend it. If you aren’t in a controlled space, then background noise and distractions may negatively impact your results. Additionally, these free tests rely on your sound system, and if your computer or headphones don’t work perfectly then it may affect your results.Free online hearing tests also lack context and in-depth analysis. As an example, most will not include:- Physical problems such as earwax build up- Measuring how sounds move through your ear canal- Measuring how your eardrum moves- Comfortable listening levels - Speech/word recognitionLastly, free online hearing tests often try to push you into hearing aids, without knowing for certain that you require them.If you'd rather an accurate analysis of your hearing health, book our diagnostic clinical hearing tests in Melbourne today and receive unparalleled hearing care from our highly trained audiologists.
Take care of your hearing today
Book an appointment with our experts and hear the difference.
