Questions about hearing tests and hearing aids

No, you don't. But some Medicare rebates do require a GP referral.

Call us on 03 9521 6118 or book online. Eva or Sara, our clinic managers, will answer. If you book online, we'll call to confirm a time.

Your audiologist tests your hearing and explains the results. Then you talk about what might help. There's no pressure to decide that day.

A hearing assessment is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. It shows whether hearing loss is present and, if so, its type, degree, configuration and likely cause. It takes 30 to 40 minutes and costs $130. We start by asking what you've noticed, like trouble on the phone, with the TV or in busy rooms. Then we look gently into each ear. You wear headphones in a quiet room and press a button when you hear a sound. Your results go on a chart called an audiogram. We talk you through what it shows and what might help, and there's no pressure to decide on the day.

Your first visit takes 30 to 40 minutes. A fitting takes about 30 minutes. Your first follow-up, one to two weeks later, takes about 20 minutes.

Of course. It often helps to have someone with you, and we're happy to answer their questions too. You're welcome to bring along whoever you like.

Yes, many people book for a parent. Call us with their details and what you've noticed. We also offer free home visits.

Wherever possible, yes. We try to book you with the same audiologist each visit, so you won't need to repeat your story. We're a small team.

Bring your Pensioner Concession Card or veteran card, if you have one, so we can check funding. Bring any GP referral and hearing aids you wear.

A hearing screening is free for adults 25 and over. A full hearing assessment is $130. Some Medicare rebates do require a GP referral.

A screening is a free check for adults 25 and over. It shows if a full test would help. An assessment is the full test, taking 30 to 40 minutes.

Hearing aids cost $1,400 to $11,500 a pair. There are five levels, from calm listening needs to highly complex listening needs. Every pair comes with a free 30-day trial.

You may. If you qualify for the Hearing Services Program, basic hearing aids come at no cost. More features cost the difference. Conditions apply. We'll take care of the application for you.

You may qualify if you're 21 or over, a citizen or permanent resident. You need a Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran Gold Card, or Veteran White Card for a hearing condition.

Private health funds may contribute towards hearing aids. How much depends on your fund and your level of cover, so it's worth checking with them. We'll explain all costs first.

It may be. If your claim is accepted, WorkCover may cover hearing aids for work-related hearing loss. Our audiologists are registered practitioners for WorkCover. We're happy to talk it through.

No. There's no appointment fee for follow-ups or adjustments. We'll see you one to two weeks after your fitting to see how you're going. You're very welcome back after that.

No. Some people need hearing aids, some need earwax removed, and some need nothing yet. We'll explain your results, and the choice is yours to make.

It's free. You take a pair home for 30 days and wear them through your normal week. Keep them only if they suit you.

We fit all major brands sold in Australia, including Phonak, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, Widex, ReSound, Unitron and Bernafon. Being independent, we can choose whichever suits you.

It depends on where you spend your time. In quiet places, most modern hearing aids behave much the same. Higher levels help more in noisy places.

Many people find them easy to live with. They charge overnight, so there are no small batteries to change. We'll show you how they work first.

Yes, many can. With Bluetooth, you can stream phone calls and music to your hearing aids. A TV streamer sends sound at the volume you like.

There are two main styles: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are smaller and lighter than they used to be. We'll show you both at your visit.

Early signs can be hard to notice. You may find noisy places harder, or feel that people mumble. You may turn the TV up louder.

Tinnitus is a sound that isn't coming from around you. It's often called ringing in the ears, but it can also hum, hiss or buzz.

Some people find hearing aids make tinnitus less noticeable. Results vary from person to person. A hearing test is a good first step to take.

If you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, fluid from your ear or sudden dizziness, see your GP or go to an emergency department today.

Gentle suction removes the wax while your audiologist watches. It costs $130. If we find no wax to remove, it's $60. It's for adults 18 and over.

Earwax removal is at two clinics: Moonee Ponds (Medical One, 14 Pascoe Vale Road) and Hampton (271 Hampton Street). Call us to book a time.

Yes. We recommend CleanEars earwax spray, sold at our clinic or at pharmacies. Please don't use any other drops, oil or spray before your visit.

You may. A Medicare rebate may apply if your GP sets up a chronic disease management plan for you. Private health funds may also help.

Julian and Orlando own Apex and remain closely involved in client care. We have no ties to any hearing aid maker or to any corporate group.

An independent clinic is owned by its clinicians, not by a national group or a hearing aid maker. At Apex, Julian Hinvest and Orlando Zilich own the clinic and remain closely involved in client care. Our staff earn no commissions or sales targets, and we fit all major brands. That means we can suggest whichever hearing aid suits your hearing, your day and your budget. Larger chains vary. Some are part of national groups, including manufacturers, and their brand options and payment structures can differ. Wherever you go, it's fine to ask who owns the clinic and how its staff are paid.

No. Our audiologists are paid the same whether you go home with hearing aids or nothing at all. Our advice is about what's right for you.

We have 14 clinics across Melbourne and Geelong, from Wallan in the north to Portarlington. Most are inside a medical centre, GP practice or private hospital.

Yes. Orlando speaks Italian. Just ask for him when you book, and we'll find a day he's at the clinic. Family members are very welcome too.

Yes. Home visits are free if it's hard for you to get to a clinic. We also visit people in aged care. Call us to book.

We welcome feedback. Please tell us. If we can't sort out a complaint together, you can contact our professional body or the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner.