Hearing Tests Explained


Services we provide by appointment:

  • Diagnostic Hearing Assessments - Adults/Children5+
  • Hearing Aid Fitting/Servicing/Batteries
  • Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
  • Balance, Dizziness, Vertigo Assessments
  • Custom Hearing Protection
  • Wax Removal by Microsuction


It’s your choice…

  • Palmerston North Clinic or Feilding Clinic.


Diagnostic Hearing Assessment

This is the sort of test you need, if you think your hearing is not as good as you’d like it to be.  It is a series of different tests, each of which provides important information about your hearing.  The first priority, is to find out if there is something going on that might be medically treatable (such as wax blockage in the ear canal).  It’s comprehensive, and tests not only your hearing sensitivity, but also your ability to listen, or ‘process' sounds, and how well you SHOULD BE HEARING IN BACKGROUND NOISE.  Regardless of the results, a comprehensive written report will be sent to your GP, and to yourself.  We would also spend some time making a plan on our next appropriate course of action if needed.


Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

This is a very specialised test, which can be used to estimate hearing sensitivity, or to identify neurological abnormalities of the hearing system.  It is an auditory evoked potential extracted from electrical activity in the head, and is recorded via electrodes placed on the scalp.  It is commonly used to test the hearing of young babies, or people who are unable to perform the tasks of a normal hearing test.  It is usually done in the clinic during a natural sleep, but can also be done in an operating theatre while sedated or under general anaesthetic (GA).  It is usually performed at the request of an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist.


FREE Hearing Screening Test

Some larger audiology companies offer Free Hearing Tests, or Free Hearing Checks.  These tests are essentially a form of advertising, and are of limited diagnostic value.  If any sort of treatment is needed, or if no treatment is needed - other than establishing the current status of your hearing - then a carefully performed Diagnostic Hearing Assessment is recommended.


On-Site Industrial Hearing Tests

Some workplaces monitor their employees' hearing, as part of their Health and Safetly policy.  We are able to carry out this kind of testing, in either of our clinics (Feilding or Palmerston North).  Written reports are provided to your employees, or elsewhere if requested.



© Heartland Audiology Ltd 2023