Free hearing tests provide a quick way to divide people into two groups: a pass group and a fail group. Those who pass free hearing tests are presumed to have no hearing loss. Those who fail free hearing tests are in need of an in-depth evaluation by an audiologist and may also need follow-up care from other professionals.
Hearing testing should occur from birth through to the adult years, but only when requested, when conditions occur that increase the risk for hearing loss, or when mandated by state or federal laws.
Hearing is an integral part of our modern day quality of life. Loud headphones, rock concerts, work environments and illness all can all impact our hearing ability, and thus quality of life. Get your hearing tested as soon as you suspect your hearing has been impaired in any way.
Hearing test techniques - Infants
Screening procedures for newborns and infants can detect permanent or fluctuating, bilateral or unilateral, and sensory or conductive hearing loss, averaging 30 to 40 dB or more in the frequency region important for speech recognition (approximately 500-4000 Hz).
The screening of newborn babies generally involves use of non-invasive, objective physiologic measures that include otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), these are inaudible sounds from the cochlea, and also when audible sounds stimulate the cochlea and/or auditory brainstem response (ABR) which is an auditory response. Both procedures can be done painlessly while the infant is resting quietly.
Otoacoustic emissions are inaudible sounds from the cochlea when audible sound stimulates the cochlea. The outer hair cells of the cochlea vibrate, and the vibration produces an inaudible sound that echoes back into the middle ear. This sound can be measured with a small probe inserted into the ear canal. Persons with normal hearing produce emissions. Those with hearing loss greater than 25-30 dB do not. OAEs can detect blockage in the outer ear canal, middle ear fluid, and damage to the outer hair cells in the cochlea.
Auditory brainstem response is an auditory evoked potential that originates from the auditory nerve. It is often used with babies. Electrodes are placed on the head, and brain wave activity in response to sound is recorded. ABR can detect damage to the cochlea, the auditory nerve and the auditory pathways in the stem of the brain.
Hearing test techniques - Adults
Hearing loss can be a chronic condition among adults of all ages. It is recognized that hearing loss increases as a function of age, especially for frequencies at 2000 Hz and above.
Adults tend to ignore hearing loss, delay their decision to seek help, and put off recommended treatments. While more than 30% of people over 65 years old have some type or hearing loss, 14% of those between 45 and 64 years old have hearing loss. Close to 8 million people between the ages of 18 and 44 years old have hearing loss. Ideally adults should be screened every 10 years through to the age of 50 years old and every 3 years thereafter.
Screening procedures to detect unilateral or bilateral sensorineural and/or conductive hearing loss greater than 25 dB HL in the frequency region from 1000 through 4000 Hz are applicable to this age group.
Techniques for hearing testing include history, visual inspection of the ear and tone testing. Conventional audiometry, where the individual raises their hand, or points to the appropriate ear when they hear a tone is the most commonly used procedure for tone testing.
A thorough evaluation includes inspecting all three parts of the ear. Watch the following video from Listenup in Canada which gives a good overview of visual inspection techniques and hearing testing:
Who is eligible for a free hearing test?
- Australian citizens or permanent residents over 21 years of age and who hold a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Sickness Allowance, Health Repatriation Card Holder, Gold or White if hearing loss is specified
- Dependents of the above
- Active members of the Australian Defence forces
Applying for a free hearing test voucher in Australia
- First step is to see your Doctor. Some conditions can be treated by your GP, such as infections and may not require a hearing test
- Eligible adults can apply for a Government voucher from the Office of Hearing Services in Canberra, by completing the relevant forms obtained from your Doctor to get their free hearing test. The vouchers take around 3-4 weeks to be delivered.
- Children and young adults, (under the age of 21 years old) who are Australian citizens or permanent residents are eligible and do not need to complete the above mentioned forms, but may need to provide proof of age
What to expect if you are eligible?
- Free hearing tests and rehabilitation services
- Free digital hearing aids (basic) or more advanced subsidised hearing aids
- Subsidised ongoing hearing aid maintenance and batteries
Who to contact if you are unsure?
Information on the Australian Government Hearing Services program is available at the Office of Hearing Services website
If you are an audiologist, a hearing aid provider or hearing centre in Australia, list your company with the fastest growing hearing directory in Australia. Please