Audiology is a field of medical science that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory-related disorders. You may need to see an audiologist if you are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or balance problems. Hearing and balance issues can have a significant impact on your daily life. At Blackrock Health, we have the experience and technology to provide a comprehensive evaluation from our audiology teams. Audiology involves the use of sophisticated equipment and techniques to assess hearing, tinnitus, ear health, and balance. The assessment will help to determine the best course of action for treatment and management of your symptoms
At Blackrock Health, we have earned a long-standing reputation for excellence in private medical and surgical care. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the eye, ear, nose, and throat, for both adults and children Our three hospitals offer easy and speedy access to expert care in these fields. We have a renowned team of consultants, and we use the latest techniques and technologies. This means we can aim to provide you with a fast, accurate diagnoses and an effective and tailored treatment plan. We understand that experiencing problems with your eyes, ears, nose, or throat can be worrying. That is why we are committed to providing compassionate and reassuring care. Whether you need a routine check-up or a more complex procedure, we are here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest standards of care and support - throughout your journey to better health.
Adults and children with hearing problems can access a wide range of diagnostics, consultations and advanced treatments.
Our audiologists are fully qualified hearing specialists who want to make sure your needs are met, understood and catered for.
What to expect
If you have an appointment with us, you'll be met by a team of expertly trained, compassionate and friendly clinical audiologists.
Our team are on hand to help address any concerns related to hearing loss or hearing difficulties. We understand that dealing with a hearing condition can be daunting. Our priority is to make sure you receive the best possible care.
Services
Our staff are expertly trained in:
- adult and child hearing tests
- balance assessment
- ear protection
- hearing aid assessment, fitting and management
- hearing protection
- impedence audiometry
- otacoustic emissions (OAE)
- pure tone audiometry
- tinnitus management
- video otoscopy
- visual reinforcement audiometry
- wax removal
Hearing Evaluation
When evaluating your hearing we will complete a medical and lifestyle questionnaire, this is a comprehensive patient medical history to establish your needs and listening requirements. Your audiologist will perform a full hearing assessment (Pure Tone Audiometry) with video otoscopy and discuss all results with you. A joint decision is made with you and your audiologist as to which technology level and hearing aid configuration best suits your lifestyle and hearing loss. It includes a listening demonstration of hearing aids to help inform your decision. Your Audiologist will advise you about the various grant options and payments available to you. A full hearing assessment will be undertaken to advise you on conservation of your hearing. We can then recommend suitable hearing protection (industry, musician and leisure) and in some cases, can supply these for you to purchase.
Impedence Audiometry
The purpose of this test is to check how well sound crosses the ear drum, by assessing how well the ear drum is moving. A small probe is placed at the entrance of the ear canal. A gentle amount of air pressure, along with a humming sound, can be puffed into the ear canal reaching and stopping at the ear drum. The movement will produce a graph. This test is used to identify a conductive hearing loss.
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry
This is a hearing assessment for patients who are under 3 years of age. The child will be placed in a sound proof booth along with their guardian. Varying sounds of intensity and pitch will be presented to the child through speakers and the child will be conditioned to turn to the sound when they hear them. The assessment is used to determine what degree of hearing loss your child might have.
Oto-Acoustic Emissions
An Oto-Acoustic Emissions (OAE) test is done by an audiologist to check how well your ears can hear sounds. During the test, a small earpiece is placed in your ear which sends a sound into your ear canal. Your ear then responds by producing a sound of its own which is picked up by a tiny microphone inside the earpiece.
The audiologist can then measure the sound produced by your ear in response to the sound sent in, and use this information to determine how well your inner ear is functioning. This test is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It can be taken by both children and adults, as well as people who may have difficulty responding to traditional hearing tests.
Pure Tone Audiometry
This is the most common hearing assessment. You will be placed in a sound proof booth. Various sounds will be presented to you through headphones and you will be asked to respond by pressing a button when you hear them. The assessment is used to determine what type and what degree of hearing loss you might have. This assessment will indicate to your Audiologist your suitability for hearing aids or if you require a referral to one of our consultants. This procedure can be adapted for paediatric, adult and all ability levels.
Tinnitus Management
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing noise heard in the ear, yet not caused by any external sound. It is estimated that 90% of patents with tinnitus also have some hearing loss. Your hearing will be assessed by an audiologist to determine if a hearing loss is present. Since tinnitus can be associated with a number of auditory conditions, the audiology test can yield extensive information regarding the cause and options for treatment. The treatment of tinnitus is managed by two methods – tinnitus counselling or sound therapy. Devices such as hearing aids or white noise generators can be used to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
Video Otoscopy
Our Audiologist will examine your ears using a magnified camera. This will determine the physical health of your ear and can be viewed by you in high definition on a large screen.
How do I get this?
You can access this service with a GP or a Consultant referral alternatively you can self refer to make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
