Audiology and Hearing Tests
Hearing loss and deafness can be extremly distressing for sufferers, with one in six Australians suffering from a hearing loss at some point in their life. The good news is that a significant portion of noise induced hearing loss can be prevented through regular audiology checks and reducing the levels of noise the ears are exposed to.
While hearing loss and deafness is stereotypically associated with the elderly, noise induced hearing loss amongst younger generation is on the rise. This is a result of popular entertainment destinations for young Australians, such as music festivals and clubs, as well as the prevalance of personal MP3 players. Noise induced hearing loss is irreversible, and the most common preventable disability.
There are three main types of hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and a combination of both.
Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss is where an abnormality in the ear prevents the sound waves from conducting properly when travelling from the outer to inner parts of the ear.
Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is where there is a defect or trauma to the central neural pathways (e.g cochlear), and is commonly associated with noise induced hearing loss.
Symptoms of hearing loss may include difficulty in understanding speech and low frequency sounds, or tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ears).
How We Care
Globe Medical knows that sudden or the gradual onset of hearing loss can be both scary and distressing. Our experienced doctors can help you through the process of diagnosing, treating and managing both sudden and gradual onset hearing loss and deafness. For indiviudals that present with symptoms of hearing loss we can conduct an initial audiometry hearing tests in conjunctgion with a thorough examination of the ear (with an otoscope) and surrounding facial and cranial structures.
Where possible hearing loss is clinically indicated, our doctors will refer you to an audiology centre for further hearing tests. An audiologists is responsible for recommending and fitting hearing aids. We will work closely with our patient’s audiologists to monitor their hearing in the long term.
Our doctors are here to provide patients and of children with hearing loss or deafness with support, advice and educational materials. We are also able to direct you towards community support groups for individuals with hearing loss and deafness.