Hearing Assessments Bundaberg (Adults & Children)

The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss

The impact of hearing loss is felt in almost every area of daily living. Conversation may be a struggle to keep up with, background noise may be more fatiguing than before, and it might seem that everybody you interact with is mumbling. Early testing is important – untreated hearing loss can have an impact on:

  • Communication

  • Education

  • Employment

  • Cognition

  • Quality of Life

Bundaberg Hearing offers local adult hearing assessments and paediatric hearing assessments for children from age 4+. Please call first to confirm the right appointment type, to discuss eligibility for rebates or funding and to book an appointment over the phone. You can also book an appointment online.

Who We See

Bundaberg Hearing provides hearing assessments for the whole family, from children aged 4 through to adults of any age.  Whether you need an assessment for your own hearing, an aging parent’s hearing, or for your child who may not be hearing clearly in the classroom, Bundaberg Hearing can be trusted with the whole family’s hearing health. We focus on what your results mean for your daily life, not just clinical measurements.

Most adults realise it is time for a hearing test when they notice they are having difficulty following conversations, they have experienced excessive noise in their workplace, a sudden change in their hearing, or because of a recommendation by their GP.

Children may have an evaluation due to a delay in speech development, they appear inattentive, ask for repetition, or have a previous history of ear problems.

After each assessment, written reports are provided. With consent, we can share this information with your GP, ENT specialist, school, workplace, or allied health provider to help facilitate your further care.

What Happens in a Diagnostic Assessment (60 Mins)

Typically taking about 60 minutes, the purpose of a diagnostic hearing assessment is to provide an overall view of your hearing and ear health. Each diagnostic hearing assessment in Bundaberg begins with a case history. During this time, your audiologist will ask questions regarding your current symptoms, your past medical history, the amount of noise you have been exposed to, any communication difficulties you experience and any other factors that may impact your hearing health.

Following the case history, your audiologist will perform video otoscopy. This procedure involves the use of a lighted magnifying otoscope to examine the inside of the ear canal and observe the condition of the ear canal and eardrum.

From there, your assessment will include the following tests:

Pure tone audiometry

Measures the softest decibel level you are able to detect, establishing the threshold of your hearing.

Speech audiometry

Tests how clearly you can hear and understand spoken words in quiet and in noise. This is particularly helpful when you can hear general sounds but find it difficult to comprehend speech.

Impedance testing

Evaluates the functioning of your middle ear system and acoustic reflexes, helping to determine whether there is any issue from the middle ear through to the lower brainstem.

Otoacoustic emissions testing

May also be performed to evaluate the functioning of your inner ear.

Once all of the necessary testing has been completed, your audiologist will explain your results in terms that you can easily understand. You will receive recommendations based on your individual results. You are welcome to receive a copy of your report. For many people, this diagnostic hearing assessment is the first point of contact to seek medical referral, hearing assistance, monitoring or fitting of devices.

If Hearing Aids May Be Part of Your Care (90min)

The standard assessment takes 60 minutes, however, if you suspect hearing aids or custom earmolds may be recommended then a 90-minute appointment is worth considering.

The extra 30 minutes gives you time to discuss hearing device options in detail without feeling rushed, and to have ear impressions taken on the same day if needed. Ear impressions are a simple, comfortable process where a soft material is gently placed in the ear canal to create a precise mould for a perfect fit.

If you are unsure which appointment type is right for you, call us first and we can help you decide.

Other Assessment Types Available

A diagnostic hearing test is usually the foundation, but some patients need more specialised assessment depending on their circumstances. Bundaberg Hearing also offers:

  • DVA assessments

  • WorkCover QLD assessments

  • Employment and occupational assessments

  • Tinnitus and sound intolerance assessment

  • Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) assessment

  • Hearing implant candidacy assessment, including bone and cochlear options

If your hearing concern is work-related, Bundaberg Hearing is an approved WorkSafe Queensland provider, meaning your assessment meets the requirements for workers compensation claims.

Fees, Rebates & Funding

To obtain current fees, please call the clinic or refer to the website online booking system. Bundaberg Hearing can process Medicare Easy Claim and HICAPS health fund claims when applicable to eligible patients in the clinic.

Hearing assessments may cost less than you think. Depending on your situation, you could be eligible for fully subsidised, Medicare rebated, or privately insured services.

  • Hold a pensioner concession card or DVA card? You may qualify for fully subsidised hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

  • Have a GP or ENT referral? A Medicare rebate may apply.

  • Have private health insurance? It is worth calling your fund beforehand — some policies cover hearing assessments, though rebate levels vary.

Current fees are available by calling the clinic or checking the online booking system. We process Medicare Easy Claim and HICAPS in clinic so you can claim on the spot.

How to Prepare

A little preparation on the day can make your visit go much more smoothly. Here is what to bring and keep in mind before you arrive:

  • Arrive 10 minutes early

    This gives you time to complete any paperwork and takes the stress out of unexpected delays.

  • Bring your hearing aids

    If you currently use them, please bring them along to your appointment.

  • Bring your referral

    If your GP or ENT specialist has referred you, either bring a copy with you or ask them to send a digital copy to the clinic beforehand.

  • Bring a support person

    You are welcome to bring a family member or trusted person with you. A familiar face can be helpful, and they may remember details you don’t.

Bringing a child?

A few extra things can help us give your child the best assessment possible:

  • Any reports or feedback from their teacher or school

  • Previous hearing assessments or test results

  • Notes about any speech or listening concerns you have noticed at home

  • Good to Know

It also helps to let us know beforehand if your child has any known developmental delays or diagnoses, so we can make sure their appointment is set up to suit their needs.

Why Early Testing Makes a Difference

It is easy to put off a hearing test, especially when changes happen gradually. You might find yourself turning the TV up a little louder, asking people to repeat themselves, or feeling more tired than usual after conversations in noisy environments. It can be tempting to chalk it up to ageing or a busy life — but the sooner you get answers, the better.

A hearing assessment does far more than confirm whether you have hearing loss. Depending on your results, it can:

Identify middle ear problems that may be treatable

Clarify whether you are struggling with speech understanding, not just volume

Guide your GP or specialist toward the right next steps

Support your child’s learning and development at school

Help you make informed decisions about your hearing health before things get harder

The earlier you act, the more options you have.

When you come to Bundaberg Hearing, you are not simply getting a screening. You are getting a careful diagnostic process, clear explanations, and recommendations that are tailored to your life — not just a printout of results to figure out on your own.

If you have noticed changes in your hearing, or you are wondering about your child’s hearing, the best first step is a conversation. Call us to confirm the right appointment type, ask about rebates or funding, and book at a time that suits you.