Most people think of a hearing test as something quick and simple—put on headphones, listen for beeps, press a button. But when you walk into a truly expert-led audiology clinic like The Audiology Place, you’re getting much more than that. You’re stepping into a tailored diagnostic experience that considers not just whether you can hear, but also how you hear, what you hear, and how your hearing interacts with your broader health and well-being.
A standard hearing screen typically takes 10–15 minutes and tests only a handful of mid-range frequencies, usually in an open space or a noisy room. It may indicate whether you have some hearing loss. What it won’t tell you is why, where, how severe, or what else might be going on. That’s the difference between a screen and a comprehensive diagnostic appointment.
At The Audiology Place, we dedicate 60 to 90 minutes to every complete hearing assessment. That time allows us to go well beyond the basics, because hearing health is never one-size-fits-all.
What Happens During a Proper Diagnostic Hearing Assessment?
A full diagnostic session encompasses more than just pure-tone testing. We evaluate the whole auditory pathway—from the outer ear canal to the brain’s ability to interpret sound. We start by discussing your hearing history, lifestyle, and any concerns you may have. These might include:
- Difficulty hearing in background noise
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- Unexplained ear pain or fullness
- Trouble concentrating or processing auditory information
- Sensitivity to specific sounds (misophonia)
- History of head injury, jaw pain, or TMJ issues
- Vertigo and dizziness symptoms
From there, we conduct a combination of objective and subjective tests designed to map out your hearing profile thoroughly. These tests might include:
- Otoscopy – to inspect the ear canal and rule out wax, infections or other pathologies of the outer ear
- Tympanometry – to assess middle ear function and pressure
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) – which measure the tiny sounds a specific hair cell type in your inner ear generates in response to external sound. These are especially helpful in detecting subtle damage to the cochlea, even before it shows up on a regular hearing test.
- Pure-tone audiometry – across a broader frequency range than most screeners (up to 16,000 Hz, not just 250–8,000 Hz). Why? Because early damage from noise or ototoxic medications often affects the higher frequencies first.
- Comprehensive Speech-in-noise testing – to assess how well you hear in real-life situations, like a café or schoolyard.
- Auditory processing screening – for those struggling with attention, memory, or understanding speech despite normal thresholds.
We can also assess acoustic reflexes, uncomfortable loudness levels, and provide baseline cognitive auditory scores if needed.
Why Frequency Range Matters
Most standard tests examine only 4 or 5 frequencies. But hearing is a spectrum. Testing more frequencies—especially the extended higher ones—allows us to catch issues earlier. High-frequency hearing loss often remains undetected until it begins to impact speech clarity. You might “hear” someone speaking, but not see what they’re saying, especially if there’s background noise. This type of loss is typical in early noise-induced or age-related hearing changes.
Testing across a broader range helps us:
- Detect damage before it’s severe
- Fit hearing aids more precisely
- Monitor changes over time
- Tailor sound therapy for tinnitus or sound sensitivity conditions
Tinnitus, Hyperacusis, Misophonia, Auditory Processing—and Why They Matter
Not all hearing concerns show up as hearing loss on a chart. That’s why we dedicate time to discuss and assess conditions like:
- Tinnitus: That persistent ringing, humming or buzzing in your ears can be linked to hearing loss, jaw dysfunction, stress, or neurological factors. We offer tinnitus counselling and sound therapy strategies as part of ongoing care.
- Hyperacusis: An abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds, which can make them feel uncomfortably loud or even painful. It’s not just about loud noises; even normal or quiet sounds can be perceived as intolerably loud or distressing. This heightened sensitivity can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to avoidance of social situations and potential anxiety or depression.
- Misophonia: If specific everyday sounds like chewing or sniffing make you feel anxious or angry, you might have misophonia—a recognised sound tolerance disorder. It requires an entirely different diagnostic and treatment pathway than hearing loss.
- Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Some children and adults pass a standard hearing test but struggle to follow instructions, focus in noisy places, or decode rapid speech. APD is a brain-based issue with how sound is processed, not a problem with the ears themselves.
- TMJ dysfunction: The jaw and ears are closely connected. Problems with the temporomandibular joint can cause fullness, pain, or even tinnitus.
These concerns often fall through the cracks in shorter appointments. However, at The Audiology Place, we allocate sufficient time in our assessments to thoroughly explore these aspects.
More Time = Better Answers
An extended appointment allows us to thoroughly test, clearly explain, and initiate a treatment plan immediately. Whether that’s hearing aid fitting, tinnitus strategies, APD referral, wax removal, or simply reassurance, our goal is that you leave with a complete understanding of your hearing health, not just a number on a chart.
We also know that real-world hearing challenges don’t stop once the test ends. That’s why we stay involved long after your appointment—with follow-up care, family counselling, and practical strategies for better hearing in everyday life.
