Frequently Asked
Questions

• Personalised care to improve your communication, your interpersonal connections, and your quality of life.
• Independent advice
• Evidence-based practices performed at every appointment
• Latest technology available from leading brands in the industry
• Device trials available
• Convenient location and accessible clinic in the heart of Lakes Entrance
• No hidden costs
• Hearing Services Program registered provider

• We will discuss your individual needs and why you were prompted to book your appointment with Lakes Audiology.
• We will then complete a comprehensive hearing assessment.
• Your clinician will provide personalised recommendations to suit your needs. This may include further investigation of hearing loss or pathology, hearing aids and/or assistive listening devices.
• A clinical report can be sent to your doctor or other medical professional if you would like to share your results.

• You're welcome to bring a support person, any past hearing tests, your hearing aids or any information that you feel may be relevant.
• If you're on a pension concession card, please bring it with you.
• If you have a referral from your doctor or an ENT Specialist, please bring it with you.

• You do not need a referral - however, you may be able to access a Medicare rebate if you have a GP/ENT referral.

• We offer services to those eligible for Government subsidies through the Hearing Services Program, Medicare (with a referral from your doctor), and privately funded clients.
• Feel free to contact us to discuss your individual circumstances prior to booking your appointment with us.

• 1 in 6 people in Australia experience some degree of hearing loss.
• Untreated hearing loss is associated with social isolation, communication difficulties, interpersonal conflicts and an increased risk of cognitive decline.

A hearing test is recommended for everyone experiencing any of the following:

• You are over 50 years of age
• You have a history of noise exposure
• Are you feeling left out of conversations?
• Are your family/friends commenting on your hearing?
• Saying "pardon" or "what" more regularly
• TV volume going up
• Feeling like everyone is mumbling
• Not hearing the indicator in your car
• Hearing ringing in your ears / tinnitus
  

  *Although experiencing tinnitus is not always a sign of hearing loss.

• Wearing hearing protection when exposed to loud noises (ear plugs and ear muffs)
• Taking breaks from loud noises and from your headphones
• Regular hearing assessments (annually)
• Early intervention if a hearing loss is detected

• Yes, Lakes Audiology is happy to provide services to DVA Gold card holders and DVA White card holders (with hearing loss or tinnitus as an accepted condition).
• Please bring your DVA Gold or White Card to the appointment and let our staff know you have a DVA card.
• If you have any further questions about your entitlements or eligibility, please contact us directly to discuss further.

• At this stage, Lakes Audiology does not provide NDIS covered services.

• At this stage, Lakes Audiology does not provide services under WorkCover or Workers Compensation.

If you suddenly notice a hearing loss in one or both ears, it can be alarming.

It may be accompanied with other symptoms including dizziness (or vertigo), ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or feeling like your ear needs to pop.

These symptoms can appear similarly for an ear infection, a wax blockage, or a sudden sensorineural hearing loss (sudden SNHL).

Why?

This situation could indicate a sudden SNHL, which can only be diagnosed via a comprehensive hearing test. Diagnosis as quickly as possible is critical.

If it is confirmed to be a sudden SNHL, you will need to see an ENT specialist and/or the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital as soon as possible for treatment. Treatment approaches aim to reduce inflammation of the cochlea and improve the chances of hearing recovery. The sooner that treatment can start, the better the chances of recovery, ideally within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.

If you are unsure, please call us to help you determine the best course of action.