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Free screening and full assessments

Hearing tests

A hearing test is an easy way to see where you stand. We explain your results clearly, with time for your questions.

A client wearing headphones and holding a response button during a hearing test with an Apex Hearing audiologist
  • First visit

    30 to 40 minutes

  • Free hearing screening

    For adults 25 and over

  • Full hearing assessment

    $130

  • Who you'll see

    The same audiologist, where possible

Why have a hearing test

What a hearing test can tell you

Hearing often changes slowly. Often a partner or family member notices first. That's very common.

We offer two kinds of hearing test. A free hearing screening is a short check for adults 25 and over. A hearing assessment is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that determines whether hearing loss is present, and if so, its type, degree, configuration, and likely underlying cause. It costs $130.

Then we'll talk through what might help. The choice is yours, in your own time.

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.

Some people leave with hearing aids. Some leave knowing they don't need them yet.
How we work at Apex Hearing

Your first visit

What happens at your hearing test

Your visit is relaxed. You're welcome to bring your partner or a family member.

  1. 01

    We start by listening

    We ask what you've noticed, like difficulties at the phone, TV or busy rooms. Take your time.

  2. 02

    We check your ears

    Your audiologist looks gently into each ear to check for earwax. It takes a moment.

  3. 03

    We test your hearing

    You wear headphones in a quiet room. Press a button when you hear a sound.

  4. 04

    We explain your results

    Your results go on a chart called an audiogram. We explain what it shows.

  5. 05

    We talk through options

    We talk through what might help: hearing aids, earwax removal, your GP, or nothing yet.

  6. 06

    The choice is yours

    There's no pressure to decide on the day. Take your time and talk it over.

An Apex Hearing audiologist talking with a client across the desk in a consulting room

Understanding your results

How to read your audiogram

An audiogram is the chart that shows your hearing test results. Here's how to read it.

An example audiogram chart A grid with pitch in hertz along the bottom, from 250 on the left to 8000 on the right, and loudness in decibels down the side, from 0 at the top to 120 at the bottom. Five horizontal bands mark the degrees of hearing loss: normal, mild, moderate, severe and profound. An outlined region across the middle shows where the sounds of everyday speech sit, with vowels towards the left and the consonants k, f, s and th towards the right. Normal Mild Moderate Severe Profound 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 8,000 u o a n l k f s th Pitch, low to high (hertz) Loudness, soft to loud (decibels) Softest
This is an example chart only. It is not a result or a self-test. Your audiologist will explain your own.

Left to right is pitch

Low sounds sit on the left, high sounds on the right. Deep voices sit left. Birdsong and letters like S and F sit right.

Top to bottom is loudness

The top is soft and the bottom is loud. Each point on your line is the softest sound you heard.

The bands show hearing levels

Each shaded band is a level of hearing, from normal to profound. Your line may cross more than one band.

The outlined shape is speech

Everyday speech sits in the dotted shape. If your line drops below it, you may hear voices but miss words.

Common questions

Questions people ask about hearing tests

Do I need a GP referral first?

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

How long does a hearing test take?

A hearing assessment takes 30 to 40 minutes. That includes time to talk, the test itself, and your results. A free screening is quicker.

How much does a hearing test cost?

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

Will I have to buy hearing aids?

No. Our team isn't paid commission. If hearing aids could help, we'll talk through your options. The choice is yours.

Can my partner or family come along?

Of course. It helps to have someone with you. It's easier to take in the results together. We're happy to answer their questions too.

Do I need to prepare anything first?

Very little. It helps to know about past ear infections, surgery, or loud noise at work. If you wear hearing aids, please bring them.

Book a hearing test

Choose a clinic near you and we'll find a time that suits.

Book an appointment Call 03 9521 6118

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Call us Book now

Our clinics

Find a clinic near you

Select a clinic to see it on the map, or call 03 9521 6118.

Greater Melbourne

Geelong & Bellarine

Addresses, maps and details for every clinic
Julian Hinvest, co-owner and clinician at Apex Hearing

Prefer we come to you? Free home visits are available if travel is difficult.

Ask about home visits

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Eva, clinic managerSara, clinic manager

Apex Hearing

Book an appointment

Step 1 of 4

Four quick steps, then Eva or Sara, our clinic managers, will call to confirm a time. Prefer to talk? Call 03 9521 6118.

What would you like to book?

A hearing screening is free for adults 25 and over. A full hearing assessment is $130. For anything else, we'll confirm the cost before you come in.

  • No GP referral needed
  • Our staff earn no commission
  • No pressure to decide