If conversations are becoming harder to follow, the television is creeping louder or people seem to mumble, a comprehensive hearing test can give you clear answers.

Ability Hearing & Balance provides professional hearing tests at our independent Launceston audiology clinic. Our audiologists assess your hearing carefully, explain the results in plain language and help you understand what—if anything—you need to do next.

Hearing changes are often gradual, so they may be noticed first by family, friends or colleagues. A hearing assessment may be helpful if you:

• Find speech unclear in restaurants, meetings or other noisy places
• Frequently ask people to repeat themselves
• Turn the television or radio louder than others prefer
• Feel that people mumble
• Mishear similar-sounding words
• Have difficulty hearing on the telephone
• Notice ringing, buzzing or other sounds in your ears
• Have a blocked sensation, recurring ear infections or concerns about earwax
• Find conversations tiring or begin avoiding social situations
• Have been exposed to significant workplace or recreational noise

You do not need to wait until hearing loss is severe. Establishing a reliable baseline can also make future changes easier to identify.

A proper hearing assessment involves more than responding to a few beeps. Your audiologist considers your hearing, ear health, communication needs, medical history and the situations that matter most to you.

Testing is completed using calibrated equipment in a purpose-designed environment to minimise interference from background noise. The exact combination of tests is selected for you and may include pure-tone testing, speech testing, examination of the ear canals and eardrums, and assessment of middle-ear function when clinically indicated.

Your hearing and ear-health history

We begin by asking about the changes you have noticed, your general and ear health, noise exposure, tinnitus, family history and the listening situations you would most like to improve.

Examination of your ears

Your audiologist examines your ear canals and eardrums. This can identify concerns such as significant earwax or signs that may require medical attention.

Measuring the softest sounds you can hear

You listen for a series of tones through headphones or insert earphones. Your responses allow us to chart the softest sounds you can hear across different pitches.

Speech testing

Speech tests provide additional information about how clearly you hear and understand words. This helps connect the audiogram with the communication difficulties you experience in everyday life.

Additional tests when needed

Depending on your history and initial findings, your audiologist may assess how the eardrum and middle ear are functioning or recommend further investigation.

Your audiologist will explain your results during the appointment and show you what they mean for real conversations—not simply hand you an audiogram.

Recommendations are based on your results, symptoms and personal priorities. They may include monitoring your hearing, communication strategies, earwax management, referral to your GP or an ear, nose and throat specialist, or discussing hearing technology. If no treatment is required, we will tell you that too.

Online checks and brief hearing screenings can indicate that further testing may be worthwhile, but they do not provide the same clinical information as a comprehensive assessment performed by an audiologist.

A diagnostic hearing test helps determine the degree and type of hearing loss, identifies results that may need medical investigation and provides a sound basis for any recommendations.

Ability Hearing & Balance is locally owned and independent. We are not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, which means our recommendations are guided by your clinical needs rather than one brand.

If hearing aids are appropriate, we can discuss technology from major manufacturers. If they are not appropriate—or you are not ready for them—we will explain the other sensible options available.

Eligible pensioners and DVA clients may be able to access funded hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. Our team can check your eligibility when you contact us.

Our Launceston clinic is located at Shop 11, Yorktown Square Shopping Centre, Launceston TAS 7250, with convenient nearby parking.

Appointments are available by booking. Call 1300 327 776 or use our Launceston clinic page to enquire.

Do I need a referral for a hearing test?

No. You can contact Ability Hearing & Balance directly to arrange a private hearing assessment. Some funded programs and Medicare services have separate eligibility or referral requirements, so ask our team when booking.

How long does a hearing test take?

The appointment length depends on your needs and the tests required. Our team will allow the appropriate time when you describe your concerns at booking.

Does having a hearing test mean I will need hearing aids?

No. A hearing test gives you information. Recommendations may involve monitoring, communication strategies, medical referral, hearing aids or no immediate action.

Can children have their hearing tested in Launceston?

Yes. Tell our team the child’s age and your concerns when booking so we can arrange the most appropriate type and length of appointment.

What if my hearing suddenly drops?

A sudden or rapid change in hearing requires urgent medical attention. Contact your GP, an urgent-care service or a hospital emergency department promptly rather than waiting for a routine hearing appointment.