HEARING INSIGHTS

Hearing Tests Explained: Everything You Need

October 10, 2025

You’re on the phone with a family member, and halfway through the call you realise you’ve been guessing at words instead of truly hearing them. The TV volume keeps creeping higher, and yet you still miss parts of the dialogue. At first, it feels like small inconveniences, but over time these little moments start to affect your confidence and connection with others.

This is how hearing loss often begins. Gradually and subtly, until it starts making everyday situations more difficult. At Ear Relief Hearing Clinic our independent Brisbane audiologists provide expert assessments to help you understand your hearing health. In this article, we’ll explore who should have a hearing test, how to get one, what it costs, the different types available, and how to interpret your results.

Who Should Book a Hearing Test?

Hearing tests are for more than just seniors, they’re important at every stage of life. Whether you’re a parent, a worker, or someone who’s noticed small changes, testing gives you answers and peace of mind.

Infants and children benefit from early screening, as untreated hearing problems can affect speech and learning.
School-aged children may need checks if teachers notice they’re struggling with instructions or social interaction.
Seniors and pensioners often experience gradual hearing decline. In fact, about one in six Australians live with some degree of hearing loss (Better Health Channel).
People with existing or worsening concerns should have regular checks to monitor their hearing health.
Employees in noisy industries such as aviation, construction or manufacturing often require workplace hearing assessments.
Anyone noticing changes like turning the TV up louder, asking others to repeat themselves, or hearing ringing in the ears (tinnitus) should consider testing.

How Do You Get a Hearing Test?

Arranging a hearing test is simple, and you don’t need to wait until your hearing has significantly declined. At Ear Relief Hearing Clinic, no referral is required, and we even offer a no obligation, free 30-minute consultation with our qualified audiologist. This gives you the chance to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and understand whether a full hearing test is right for you.

Here’s what happens:

Booking: Contact us directly by phone or online, and we’ll help you find a convenient time.
On the day: Your appointment begins with an ear health check, followed by the most suitable tests for your situation.
Afterwards: Results are explained in clear, easy-to-understand terms, with personalised recommendations, whether that’s hearing aids, protective measures, or just regular monitoring.

It’s a stress-free process, and you’ll walk away with clear answers about your hearing health and the next steps available.

What Do Hearing Tests Cost?

One of the most common questions people ask is how much a hearing test will set them back. The good news is, it may be more affordable than you think.

A full diagnostic hearing test in Australia costs around $140
Eligible Australians, such as concession-card holders, veterans or pensioners, may qualify for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP), which offers free or heavily subsidised tests (HealthDirect).

At Ear Relief Hearing Clinic, we make sure costs are transparent, so there are no surprises on the day. To help you take the first step with confidence, we also provide a 30-minute, No Obligation, Free Consultation with a Qualified Audiologist. You can choose to have this consultation at one of our Brisbane clinic locations or in the comfort of your own home.

The Five Most Common Types of Hearing Tests

Not all hearing tests are the same. The type you’ll receive depends on your age, health, and symptoms. Here are the five most common tests you might encounter:

Pure-tone audiometry
This familiar test involves listening to beeps at different pitches and volumes through headphones and pressing a button when you hear them.
Speech testing
Words or sentences are played at different volumes, sometimes with background noise. You repeat what you hear, allowing the audiologist to measure how well you understand speech.
Tympanometry
A probe gently changes air pressure in the ear canal to measure eardrum movement. It helps identify blockages, fluid, or middle ear problems.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
This non-invasive test measures tiny sounds generated by the inner ear. It’s particularly useful for newborn screening and for individuals who can’t easily respond to traditional tests.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
Sensors placed on the scalp track how sound signals travel from the ear to the brainstem. It’s used with infants and when neurological causes of hearing loss are suspected.

Together, these tests give a full picture of how your hearing system is working and where any issues might lie.

Making Sense of Your Hearing Test Results

Hearing test results aren’t just numbers on a graph, they tell a story about your hearing ability. Your audiologist will explain everything in plain terms, but here’s what an audiogram typically shows:

Mild (20 to 34 dB): No problems in quiet but may have real difficulty following conversation in noise.
Moderate (35 to 49 dB): May have difficulty in quiet hearing a normal voice and has difficulty with conversation in noise.
Moderately Severe (50 to 64 dB): Needs loud speech to hear in quiet and has great difficulty in noise.
Severe (65 to 79 dB): In quiet, can hear loud speech directly in one’s ear, and, in noise, has very great difficulty.
Profound Impairment (80 to 94 dB): Unable to hear and understand even a shouted voice whether in quiet or noise.

Results also reveal the type of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. This information guides the next steps, whether that’s treatment, management, or technology like hearing aids.

Final Thoughts: Why Hearing Tests Matter

A hearing test is quick, painless and can make a lasting difference to your quality of life. It not only detects hearing loss but also provides clarity, reassurance, and practical solutions.

At our hearing clinic in Brisbane, our independent audiologists are here to support you with professional, compassionate care. Whether you’re concerned about yourself, a loved one, or need a test for work, our team is ready to help.

Don’t miss out on the sounds that make life meaningful. Book your hearing test today and take the first step toward clearer, more confident communication.

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