Do You Need a Hearing Test Before Getting Hearing Aids?
Yes. A hearing test is required before hearing aids can be properly fitted. A full audiological assessment maps your specific type and degree of hearing loss across all frequencies. Without this, any hearing aid would be programmed to generic settings — and is unlikely to help you hear well.
Why is a hearing test required before getting hearing aids?
Hearing aids are medical devices that need to be programmed precisely to your individual hearing profile. Your hearing loss is unique — its type, degree, and configuration across different frequencies varies from person to person, and even between your left and right ears.
A hearing test produces an audiogram — a detailed chart of exactly where and how much your hearing is reduced. Your audiologist uses this audiogram to program the hearing aids to amplify the right sounds at the right levels, in the right way for your specific loss.
Without a hearing test, hearing aids cannot be set up correctly. A device programmed to generic settings will boost the wrong sounds, miss the frequencies you actually struggle with, and may even make your hearing worse in some situations.
At Canberra Audiology: Every hearing aid journey begins with a comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment by a qualified audiologist — before any device recommendation is made.
What does a hearing test involve?
A full diagnostic hearing assessment at Canberra Audiology includes:
- A detailed case history — understanding your hearing concerns, medical history, and lifestyle
- Otoscopy — visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum
- Tympanometry — testing the movement of your eardrum to assess middle ear function
- Pure tone audiometry — listening to tones at different pitches and volumes through headphones
- Speech audiometry — testing how well you understand speech, not just detect sound
- Bone conduction testing — identifying whether hearing loss is in the inner or middle ear
- A full explanation of your results in plain language
The result is a complete picture of your hearing — not just a pass or fail, but a precise map of exactly where your hearing needs support.
How long does a hearing assessment take?
A comprehensive adult hearing assessment at Canberra Audiology takes approximately 60 minutes. This includes the test itself, a thorough review of your results, and a conversation about your hearing goals and lifestyle.
We never rush appointments. Understanding your day-to-day hearing challenges — in what situations you struggle most, what matters to you — is just as important as the test results when recommending the right solution.
Do I need a GP referral to get a hearing test?
No — you can book directly with Canberra Audiology at any time, without a referral.
However, a written referral from a GP, ENT specialist, paediatrician, or neurologist allows you to claim a Medicare rebate on your hearing assessment fee. This can make a meaningful difference to your out-of-pocket cost.
Tip: Ask your GP for a referral before your appointment — it takes only a few minutes and could save you money. The referral must be provided before the appointment; we cannot back-date referrals.
Can I skip the hearing test and just try hearing aids?
You may be tempted to buy hearing aids online or from a pharmacy without a test — particularly given lower upfront prices. This approach carries significant risks:
- The hearing aids cannot be programmed to your specific hearing loss — you get generic amplification
- You may amplify sounds that don't need amplification and miss the ones you do need
- Some types of hearing loss require medical attention — a hearing test identifies these
- Incorrectly fitted hearing aids can cause listening fatigue and frustration
- You lose money on a device that doesn't help — and may delay getting proper treatment
Important: Some hearing loss has a medical cause — such as fluid in the middle ear, a perforated eardrum, or in rare cases, a tumour. A diagnostic hearing test identifies these conditions so they can be referred for appropriate medical treatment. Buying hearing aids without a test risks missing a treatable or serious underlying cause.
Properly fitted hearing aids vs generic/online hearing aids — what's the difference?
| Feature | Properly Fitted (Audiologist) | Generic / Online / OTC |
|---|---|---|
| Programmed to your audiogram | ✓ Yes | ✗ No — generic settings |
| Hearing test included | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Medical causes identified | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Fine-tuning and follow-up | ✓ Yes — ongoing | ✗ Rarely |
| Medicare rebate possible | ✓ Yes (with referral) | ✗ No |
| Risk of wrong amplification | ✓ Low | ✗ High |
What happens after the hearing test?
Once your assessment is complete, your audiologist will walk you through your results clearly and honestly:
- If your hearing is within normal limits — we'll let you know and advise when to retest
- If a medical cause is found — we'll refer you to your GP or an ENT specialist
- If hearing loss is identified — we'll explain the type and degree, and discuss all your options including hearing aids, funding support, and what to realistically expect
There is no pressure to make any decisions on the day. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make the right choice for your hearing health, in your own time.
How much does a hearing test cost in Canberra?
At Canberra Audiology, hearing assessments range from $190 – $240. With a Medicare rebate (via a GP referral), your out-of-pocket cost is significantly reduced.
Some patients are also eligible for fully or partially subsidised hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program — contact us to find out if you qualify.
Related Questions
Other common questions people ask when researching hearing aids and hearing tests.