Questions We’re Often Asked
Choosing an audiologist and understanding your hearing can feel overwhelming, particularly if this is your first experience with hearing care. We've answered some of the questions we're most commonly asked to help you better understand your hearing, your options, and what to expect.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we'd be delighted to help.
Before Your Appointment
-
No. You don't need a referral to make an appointment with us.
Many of our clients contact us directly because they've noticed changes in their hearing, are finding conversations more difficult, or have had a confusing screening test elsewhere and simply want the reassurance of a comprehensive hearing assessment.
Some clients are referred by their GP, specialist or another health professional, while others access our services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, WorkSafe or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible for funding or which type of appointment is right for you, just give us a call. We'll happily guide you through your options before you book.
-
Our hearing often changes so gradually that it’s easy to dismiss. Many people don't notice their hearing has changed until family members begin repeating themselves, and feel the frustration, or background noise makes conversation increasingly difficult.
A hearing assessment isn't just for people who think they have significant hearing loss. It can provide valuable answers if you're struggling to hear in restaurants, experiencing tinnitus, feeling mentally fatigued after social situations, or simply want a baseline assessment of your hearing health.
The earlier changes are identified, the more options are usually available to manage them effectively.
-
Your first appointment is about understanding you before making any recommendations.
We'll begin by talking about your hearing background and concerns, your lifestyle, your general health and the situations where you're finding communication most difficult. From there we'll carry out a comprehensive hearing assessment using evidence-based diagnostic testing.
Once we've completed your assessment, we'll explain the results in plain language, answer your questions and discuss your options if treatment is recommended.
Whether that involves hearing technology, communication strategies, monitoring your hearing over time or simply providing reassurance, you'll leave with a clear understanding of your hearing health and the reasons behind any recommendations. Plus we email a summary of our session so that you can go over all the information covered, in your own time later.
-
Most initial appointments are 45-60 minutes, depending on the reason for the appointment. Some require 75 minutes.
We deliberately allow enough time to complete a thorough assessment, explain your results carefully and answer any questions you may have.
Our appointments aren't rushed because we believe better recommendations begin with better understanding.
If additional testing or hearing technology demonstrations are required, we'll make a forward plan with you.
-
Your ears! (bad dad joke :))
Now seriously, if you've had previous hearing tests, hearing aids or specialist reports such as an MRI, it's helpful to bring them with you. Existing hearing aids, even if they're no longer working well, can also provide valuable information during your appointment.
If you're attending under the Hearing Services Program, DVA or another funding scheme, please bring any relevant paperwork or referral information if you've received it. If you don’t have any documents with you, just your concession cards are ok as we can use the online portal with you to show you your eligibility status.
Most importantly, bring any questions you've been wondering about. We encourage clients to ask as many questions as they like so they feel confident about every recommendation we make.
-
Absolutely. In fact we encourage it.
Hearing affects communication, and so a spouse or someone that you live with is a primary communication partner. Sharing the session means they can help remember information discussed and support you when answering questions about your hearing background and also quiz us regarding any recommendations. The biggest benefit for a lot of our clients is for their significant other to understand more about what life is like for you if there is hearing loss. We have seen relationships that have been under some pressure, relieved considerably.
Our goal is for everyone involved to leave with a clear understanding of your hearing and the options available.
-
Our practice is primarily focused on adult hearing care.
If your child requires a hearing assessment, we're happy to discuss your concerns and help determine whether our clinic is appropriate or whether referral to a paediatric audiology service would provide the best care. The determinant is usually whether or not a child can concentrate on the tasks required of them for approx 15 minutes. Some 5yo can do this and some find this difficult. As a referral may only be used once, we encourage you seeing the right service from the start.
If you're unsure, simply contact us and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction.
-
Yes, for selected services.
While hearing assessments and many hearing aid appointments need to be completed in person, some consultations, hearing aid troubleshooting, counselling, follow-up reviews and discussions can be conducted via telehealth where appropriate.
If you're unsure whether your appointment is suitable for telehealth, give us a call and we'll let you know what's possible. Call 03-70652652 (VIC) or 07-21463888 (QLD)
Hearing Loss & Hearing Health
-
Hearing loss usually develops gradually, which is why many people don't notice it straight away. Instead, they find themselves asking others to repeat more often, turning up the television, or avoiding busy restaurants because conversations have become too difficult or tiring.
Sometimes the first sign isn't that sounds are quieter—it's that speech becomes less clear, particularly in noisier settings.
If you've noticed these changes, or family and friends have commented on your hearing, it's worth having a comprehensive assessment. If we identify a hearing loss, the sooner you know about the communication and possible cognitive impacts, the sooner you can choose to act or monitor. Even if your hearing is normal or near normal, you'll gain a clear understanding of your hearing health status and establish a useful baseline for future comparison.
-
This is one of the most common concerns we hear.
Hearing isn't simply about volume. It's about clarity. Many people can hear that someone is speaking but struggle to distinguish individual words, particularly when there is competing noise or several people talking at once.
This often happens because the tiny sensory cells within the inner ear become less able to detect certain speech sounds, making words seem muffled or unclear.
Understanding why this happens is one of the reasons a comprehensive hearing assessment is so important. It helps us identify not just how much hearing has changed, but how those changes are affecting everyday communication and the options available if you choose to do something about it.
-
Growing research suggests there is an important link between hearing health and brain health.
When hearing becomes more difficult, the brain has to work harder to understand speech. Over time, this increased listening effort may contribute to fatigue, reduced social engagement and changes in cognitive function due to the unnecessary extra load placed on the brain.
While hearing loss is only one of many factors that influence brain health, identifying and managing hearing changes early may help people stay socially connected, mentally engaged and confident in everyday life.
This connection between hearing and cognitive wellbeing is one of the reasons we place such importance on comprehensive assessment and early intervention. We have a lot of experience on this topic and are always happy to share what we know.
-
Generally, we all start losing our hearing in our teens, therefore, hearing loss increases for most of us as we get older. However, the impact it has on daily life and/or possibly feeling sharp mentally should never be dismissed as an acceptable part of "just getting older."
Like we routinely look after our eyesight, heart health and mobility, hearing deserves the same attention. Many age-related hearing changes can be managed successfully, particularly when identified early.
The goal isn't simply to hear more sounds - it's to continue communicating confidently, maintaining social connections and enjoying the activities that matter most.
-
Yes.
Many of our clients have a ‘light-bulb’ moment when we explain that hearing loss can be mentally exhausting. We call is “auditory fatigue”.
When speech becomes harder to understand, your brain has to work much harder to fill in the missing pieces of conversations. This increased listening effort can leave people feeling unusually tired after meetings, family gatherings or even everyday conversations.
People often describe feeling relieved once they understand why this is happening. Recognising the cause is the first step towards finding strategies that reduce listening effort and make communication easier again.
-
Hearing loss and tinnitus are often linked, although not everyone with hearing loss experiences tinnitus, and not everyone with tinnitus has measurable hearing loss.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound - such as ringing, buzzing or humming - without an external source. For many people it develops alongside hearing changes because the brain responds differently when it receives less sound information from the ears.
A comprehensive hearing assessment can help identify whether hearing loss is contributing to your tinnitus and guide the most appropriate management options. There is a new “Multi-Modal” approach to tinnitus management now which we several of our clients are having some success with.
-
That depends on the cause.
Some types of hearing loss, such as those caused by earwax, middle ear infections or certain medical conditions, may improve with appropriate treatment.
However, the most common form of hearing loss in adults, sensorineural hearing loss, is usually permanent because it involves changes within the delicate sensory cells of the inner ear.
While this type of hearing loss cannot currently be reversed, there are many effective ways to improve communication, reduce listening effort and help people remain socially confident and connected.
The first step is understanding exactly what type of hearing loss you have, because better hearing begins with better understanding.
Hearing Aids - Common Questions
Choosing hearing technology is an important decision. These are some of the questions we're most commonly asked.
-
Not necessarily.
A hearing assessment isn't simply about determining whether you need hearing aids. It's about understanding if there is a hearing deficit, what's causing your hearing difficulties, what the likely impacts are if left untreated and discussing the most appropriate way to manage those impacts.
For some people, hearing aids are the best solution. For others, reassurance, communication strategies, monitoring their hearing over time, or referral for medical assessment may be more appropriate.
If hearing aids are the recommended means of resolving hearing-related concerns, we'll explain why, discuss the expected benefits (and limitations, importantly) and help you make an informed decision. Always, better hearing comes from a better understanding.
-
There isn't one hearing technology model that's best for everyone.
The most appropriate hearing technology depends on several factors, including your hearing loss, lifestyle, communication needs, dexterity, brand preference or experience, cosmetic preferences and budget, and more.
We also consider where you spend your time. Someone who enjoys restaurants, community groups and family gatherings has different listening needs to someone whose hearing challenges occur mainly at home.
Our goal is to recommend the hearing solution that provides the greatest benefit for your individual circumstances - not simply the latest or most expensive technology. What we always do is explain our recommendations in full, allow plenty of time for questions, and we never rush you. Often clients receive a summary email after the assessment and prescription to absorb all the information and consider it in their own time. We encourage this process and are happy to offer a validated second opinion if you have a recommendation from somewhere else.
-
Not always.
Higher technology hearing aids often include more advanced features that can improve listening in complex environments such as restaurants, reverberant rooms/spaces or large social gatherings.
However, those additional features aren't necessary for everyone, nor are they frequent or important enough to warrant additional technology costs.
We believe in finding the Prescription Sweet Spot—matching the right level of technology to your hearing needs, lifestyle and goals. That means recommending enough technology to provide meaningful benefit, without advising you to pay for technology features you're unlikely to experience expected results from. This Prescription Sweet Spot is sometimes a tricky balance to find but as always, better hearing begins with better understanding, both us understanding you and us explaining to you and you understanding what you need to know to make an informed choice.
-
Hearing aids don't restore hearing to the way it was years ago.
What they can do is significantly improve access to speech, reduce listening effort and make conversations easier in many everyday situations.
Modern hearing technology is remarkably sophisticated, but it's important to have realistic expectations. Success comes from selecting the right hearing technology (if appropriate), fitting it accurately, customised to your anatomy and hearing health profile, and providing ongoing support to fine-tune it to your specific needs.
Our aim is always to achieve the best possible hearing outcome - not simply to fit hearing aids. And importantly, hearing outcomes can, and should, be measured, giving you evidence of and confidence in the solution as being of value.
-
Yes. We encourage this.
There are two considerable benefits; 1. Value - you experience the value the technology offers, and 2. Validation - we can validate the prescription as being optimal for you.
Where appropriate, we offer a hearing aid trial so you can experience the benefits in your own everyday listening environments before making a long-term decision.
A trial allows you to assess how hearing technology performs at home, with family, in social situations and during the activities that matter most to you.
We'll explain the trial process, any applicable conditions and what you can expect before you begin.
-
Most hearing aids provide reliable performance for around 5 to 7 years, although this varies depending on the device and how they're cared for.
Regular maintenance, professional servicing and routine annual reviews all help maximise the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids.
-
In many cases, yes.
We're happy to assess hearing aids fitted by another provider and discuss whether they are appropriate for you and can be adjusted to improve their performance.
Sometimes only minor fine-tuning is needed. In other situations, a review of your hearing, your current prescription or the hearing aid components themselves may identify opportunities for better outcomes. For example, receivers (speakers) are often exposed to more humidity in the ear, and require replacement.
If we believe your existing hearing aids can be improved, we'll explain what can realistically be achieved before recommending any changes.
-
There are six world leading manufacturers and not a single one is best for everyone.
Every major manufacturer has strengths, and weaknesses, and the most suitable hearing device depends far more on your individual hearing needs than the name on the device.
As an independent audiology practice, we're not tied to one manufacturer. That means we prescribe from these six leading brands and select the solution that's genuinely best suited to you.
Our recommendations are based on clinical evidence, your hearing assessment and your lifestyle - not what makes more commercial sense for the practice. This is unusual in Australia, in fact, only ~14% of clinics are independently owned. If you are unsure about the impartiality of your provider, simply ask which company or corporation owns the practice.
Tinnitus - Common Questions
Tinnitus affects everyone differently. These answers explain what tinnitus is, why it occurs and how it can often be successfully managed.
-
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. People often describe it as ringing, buzzing, humming, whistling or hissing in one or both ears.
While tinnitus is very common, everyone's experience is different. For some, it's only noticeable in quiet environments. For others, it can become distracting or affect concentration, sleep and overall wellbeing.
Tinnitus itself is not a disease but a symptom. Understanding what's contributing to it is the first step in determining the most appropriate management approach.
-
Yes, although treatment depends on the underlying cause and how tinnitus is affecting your life.
There isn't a single cure for tinnitus, but there are many evidence-based management strategies that may reduce its impact. These may include education, hearing aids or other technology devices where appropriate, Apps, sound therapy, counselling and practical strategies to help your brain respond differently to the tinnitus.
For many people, the goal isn't to eliminate the sound completely, but to make it less noticeable so it no longer dominates daily life.
-
For some people, tinnitus settles naturally over time. For others, it may persist and for many it may become much less noticeable.
One of the remarkable characteristics of the brain is its ability to adapt. Tinnitus is considered an issue of the neural pathways in the brain. As people better understand their tinnitus and learn effective management strategies, many find that it gradually fades into the background of everyday life, even if the sound itself hasn't completely disappeared.
Everyone's experience is different, which is why an individual assessment is so important.
-
For some people, yes.
If tinnitus occurs alongside hearing loss, hearing aids often reduce the contrast between the tinnitus and the surrounding environment by restoring access to everyday sounds.
Many people report that their tinnitus becomes less noticeable when they're hearing better, and some hearing aids are hybrid hearing and tinnitus technologies that include features designed specifically to assist with tinnitus relief.
Whether hearing aids are appropriate depends on your hearing assessment and the nature of your tinnitus.
-
Many people notice their tinnitus more in quiet environments, particularly when they're trying to fall asleep.
During the day, everyday sounds naturally compete with the tinnitus and your attention is focused elsewhere. At night, when the environment becomes quieter and there are fewer distractions, the tinnitus can seem much louder even though it hasn't actually changed.
Simple strategies such as gentle background sounds, establishing good sleep routines and understanding why this happens can often make tinnitus much easier to manage.
-
Stress doesn't usually cause tinnitus, but it can make it feel more noticeable.
When we're stressed, anxious or fatigued, our awareness of tinnitus often increases. In turn, tinnitus itself can create additional stress, leading to a frustrating cycle where each seems to reinforce the other.
Part of effective tinnitus management involves understanding this relationship and developing practical strategies that reduce both the impact of tinnitus and the stress associated with it.
-
You don't have to simply "put up with it." This is out-dated advice.
While tinnitus may not always disappear completely, there is a great deal that can be done to reduce its impact on your daily life.
Understanding what tinnitus is, and what it isn't, is often the turning point. With the right education, appropriate assessment and evidence-based management, many people find they regain confidence, sleep better and stop tinnitus from dominating their thoughts.
Our role is to help you understand your tinnitus and work with you to develop a management plan that's tailored to your individual needs.
Costs & Funding Questions
Understanding funding should be clear and uncomplicated. Here are answers to the questions we're asked most often.
-
Yes.
Deane Audiology is an accredited provider under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP), which assists eligible Australians to access hearing assessments, hearing rehabilitation and hearing technology.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible, we're happy to check for you and explain the services available under the program before you book your appointment.
-
Yes, in some circumstances.
Medicare provides rebates for eligible diagnostic audiology services when you're referred by your GP or an appropriate medical specialist, provided the referral meets the relevant Medicare requirements. Our services are extensive and include a report back to the referring physician, so are not bulk-billed.
Many people are also eligible for hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP), while others may access funding through the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), WorkSafe or their private health insurance, depending on their individual circumstances.
If you're unsure which funding options apply to you, we're happy to explain them before you book your appointment.
-
Many private health funds provide benefits for hearing aids, and some may also contribute towards hearing services such as assessments, depending on your level of cover.
Because every policy is different, we recommend checking directly with your health fund to confirm your individual entitlements.
If you're considering hearing aids, we're happy to provide a quotation to assist with your enquiry.
-
Yes.
We provide hearing services for eligible Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) clients. In general, eligible Gold Card holders and White Card holders with accepted hearing conditions may be entitled to funded hearing assessments, hearing rehabilitation and hearing devices under DVA arrangements.
If you're unsure about your eligibility or what services are covered, our team is happy to check your entitlements and explain the process before you book your appointment.
-
Yes.
We provide hearing assessments and hearing rehabilitation for approved WorkSafe claims where hearing loss or hearing-related conditions are associated with a workplace injury or occupational noise exposure.
If you have an existing WorkSafe claim, please let us know when making your appointment so we can advise you of any documentation that may be required.
-
Hearing aid prices vary because hearing technology is available in different styles and technology levels to suit different hearing needs and lifestyles.
Rather than recommending the most expensive option, we focus on finding the Prescription Sweet Spot - the hearing solution that provides the greatest benefit for your individual hearing, communication needs and budget.
Following a comprehensive assessment, we'll explain your options, discuss costs openly and answer any questions before you make a decision.
-
We understand that hearing technology is an important investment.
Depending on your circumstances and the hearing solution recommended, there may be funding assistance or payment options available to help make treatment more manageable.
If you'd like to discuss the financial aspects of your hearing care, we're always happy to explain the available options before you make any decisions.
-
Absolutely. This is a must.
We believe informed decisions begin with better understanding and clear information.
If hearing technology is recommended, we'll explain the available options, associated costs upfront and ongoing where relevant, funding or rebate opportunities where applicable, and the aftercare included with your hearing solution.
You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and consider your options before making any commitment.
About Deane Audiology
-
I've spent most of my 26-year career working as an independent audiologist because I believe people deserve to understand their hearing before making decisions about it.
That means having the time to listen carefully, assess thoroughly, explain clearly, and answer every question without anyone feeling rushed. It means recommending what's genuinely right for each person, not what's on promotion or influenced by commercial priorities.
For me, independence isn't simply about owning my own practice. It's about protecting the freedom to practise in a way that's guided by people, evidence and integrity.
That's the kind of hearing care I would want for my own family, and it's the standard I strive to provide for every person who walks through our door.
The most valuable thing I can give someone isn't a hearing aid. It's clarity.
-
We believe better hearing begins with better understanding.
That means taking the time to understand not only your hearing, but how it affects your communication, your lifestyle and your overall wellbeing. Every recommendation is based on comprehensive assessment, best practice clinical protocols and a deep level of care for your results.
We're committed to helping you make informed decisions about your hearing health, whether that involves hearing technology, communication strategies or simply the reassurance of understanding your hearing more clearly.
-
Soundwell® is Deane Audiology's signature hearing and brain health program - it is optional.
It recognises that hearing is about much more than detecting sound. It considers the broader factors that influence communication, listening effort and cognitive wellbeing, helping us build a more complete picture of your hearing health.
By combining comprehensive assessment with personalised recommendations and ongoing support, Soundwell is designed to help you hear well, stay connected and maintain confidence in everyday life.
-
Every recommendation we make is based on objective clinical assessment rather than assumptions.
Comprehensive diagnostic testing helps us understand not only how well you hear different sounds, but how your hearing affects communication in everyday life. When hearing technology is recommended, we use evidence-based verification measures to ensure it's performing as intended for your individual hearing prescription. More than this, we measure benefit. We don’t just hope for it.
We believe better decisions are made when they're supported by accurate information and measurable outcomes.
-
Yes.
One of the benefits of an independent practice is continuity of care.
Seeing the same audiologist allows us to develop a genuine understanding of your hearing, your goals and how your hearing changes over time. It also means you won't need to repeat your story at every appointment.
Building long-term relationships helps us provide more personalised care and make better-informed recommendations as your hearing needs evolve.
-
As an independent audiology practice, we work with a broad range of leading hearing aid manufacturers. There are six world leaders and we routinely prescribe from those. In practice, those manufacturers develop new products each year, and often our prescribing patterns mirror which group of those leaders offer the best value at that time.
Therefore, rather than recommending a particular brand, we recommend the hearing solution that best suits your hearing loss, communication needs, lifestyle and personal preferences.
Our focus is always on achieving the best possible hearing outcome—not promoting one manufacturer over another.