Do you see children?

Yes, we do. We are fully equipped with a calibrated sound room to test very young children. This can be done via a speaker system using visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA), or if old enough, using headphones. During the consultation we will establish the best method to test, and may try a few to obtain the best result. Retesting is often required for young children who’s hearing can change frequently with infection and natural changes with aging and them requiring to be monitored.

Wax

Please ensure your ear/s are free from wax before your appointment. Having lose or impacted wax can affect hearing results, make viewing the ear canal and ear structures difficult and a full and thorough assessment of your hearing difficult. Retesting maybe required in these circumstances.

Vestibular Assessment preparation - Also see ‘Vestibular Testing’

MEDICATION

It is preferred that you are not on ‘dizziness’ reducing medication when you are assessed. Medications that reduce your symptoms can diminish test results. This is a decision that must be made in conjunction with your referring doctor. Ideally, it is preferred that 24 hours prior to your appointment, these medications are halted temporarily.

MAKEUP

Please ensure that no makeup is worn to the appointment. Goggles with cameras are fitted to your face to view your eyes during these appointments. Any eye and facial makeup can affect results. Please ensure it is not worn to your vestibular appointment.

I feel dizzy - what’s wrong with me?!

A significant proportion of dizzy patients are diagnosed with BPPV. This is a problem when the otoconia in the vestibular canals are get stuck in place and cause you to feel dizzy. This is generally noticeable when you look up, go from sitting to standing or perhaps roll over in bed. This is generally not a serious condition and can be resolved in one to two treatments by a vestibular rehabilitation audiologist or more commonly, a vestibular physiotherapist.

Diagnosis of this condition can be performed at our clinic. We will suggest onwards referral to a vestibular physiotherapist for treatment.

I have a hearing loss and need hearing aids.

Central West Audiology does not fit hearing aid/s. We do not repair or service your current aids. Please return to your original hearing aid provider or discuss with your referring practitioner the best suitable hearing aid provider in your area. We are not a provider of government hearing aid services under the Hearing Services Program (HSP).

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is ‘ringing’ or ‘buzzing’ sounds heard in your head but without external noise being present. Often patients come into appointments having been previously told ‘there is no cure’. Some tinnitus is caused by medical conditions which will lead to the tinnitus being alleviated when this condition is addressed. There are alternate methods used to reduce the tinnitus or mask it. One key lifestyle change you can make is ensuring that you use hearing protection whilst participating in any noisy activities (concerts, using machinery) and limiting your headphone volume. Your tinnitus will be discussed and assessed at your appointment.

How much is my appointment?

A portion of your appointment is covered by Medicare, as long as you have a valid GP or medical referral. Depending on what testing is required will affect your out of pocket charges. We are a mixed billing practice and out of pocket fees will apply. Upon making your appointment and providing your referral to our staff, you will be notified of these fee’s before your appointment is made. There will be no surprise charges on your appointment day. Every time you need your hearing tested, a new referral is required for rebates.

We are happy to privately charge for all hearing test services without a medical referral. (This excludes vestibular assessments which strictly require medical referral).