Question 1

What services does the audiology department provide?

Accepted Answer

The audiology department provides comprehensive hearing evaluation and management services, including hearing tests for children and adults, newborn hearing screening, diagnosis of hearing loss types and causes, hearing aid fitting and counselling, and evaluation for cochlear implant candidacy in cases of severe hearing loss. Audiologists also assess and manage balance-related issues linked to the inner ear, and support tinnitus (ringing in the ears) management.

Question 2

What are the early signs of hearing loss adults often overlook?

Accepted Answer

Early signs of hearing loss can include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, turning up the television or phone volume higher than others prefer, and a sense that people are mumbling. Because hearing loss often develops gradually, many people and their families adapt to it without realising how significant it has become, which is why a hearing test is worthwhile if these patterns sound familiar, even without a specific, obvious trigger.

Question 3

How is a hearing test performed and what does it show?

Accepted Answer

A standard hearing test, called pure-tone audiometry, involves wearing headphones and indicating when you hear sounds at different pitches and volumes, which maps out your hearing thresholds across frequencies. Additional tests may assess how well you understand speech, and how your middle ear is functioning. The test is painless and typically takes 30-60 minutes. Results are plotted on a chart called an audiogram, which helps the audiologist determine the type and severity of any hearing loss present.

Question 4

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

Accepted Answer

Your audiologist will recommend a hearing aid based on your hearing test results and how much your hearing loss affects your daily communication and quality of life, rather than a single fixed threshold. If you're struggling to follow conversations, especially in group settings or with background noise, or loved ones frequently comment on your hearing, it's worth discussing hearing aid options even if your hearing loss seems mild. Modern hearing aids are highly customisable, and your audiologist will help select and fit a device suited to your specific hearing profile and lifestyle.

Question 5

What causes sudden hearing loss and is it an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sudden hearing loss, meaning noticeable hearing loss developing over hours to a few days, is considered a medical emergency and should be evaluated as soon as possible, ideally within 24-72 hours, since prompt treatment with steroids can improve the chance of recovering hearing. Causes can include viral infections, blood flow issues to the inner ear, or, less commonly, other underlying conditions. Don't wait to see if sudden hearing loss improves on its own; seek urgent medical evaluation right away.

Audiology