FAQs
My hearing aid needs to be adjusted as I can’t hear in some situations. What should I do?
The best solution will be to book a 30-minute maintenance appointment with one of our expert audiologists. They will be able to discuss options and look at optimizing the existing hearing aid programming settings. There is no charge if on pension, no charge if private client within first 12 months of purchasing hearing aids from Victorian Hearing and a fee for the consultation time if your hearing aids are more than 12months old or you are a client outside of Victorian Hearing.
My hearing aid battery only lasts a few hours, what should I do?
Battery life on modern hearing aids varies between manufactures and styles. If the hearing aid is not lasting as long as when you first were fitted in year 1 of usage it can be due to range of factors. Bringing the hearing aid into the clinic for a troubleshooting appointment with the audiologist can help. The audiologist can check if the latest firmware is updated inside the hearing aid computer chip for best battery life.
If your hearing aid is connected via Bluetooth to devices, turn off Bluetooth to troubleshoot if the hearing aid is lasting longer with it turned off. If it is, it may be the Bluetooth communication and streaming that is causing it to deplete the battery. If there is no change with Bluetooth on or off, it could be caused by an electrical fault in the hearing aids. We would then, with your permission send them to the manufacturer for repair. No charge if you are on a pension with a maintenance plan. No charge if you are a private client with devices within warranty. A charge of minimum $250 per aid if private client and the aids are not in warranty, the repair charge is determined by the manufacturer when they diagnose the issue.
Do I get the hearing aid at the first appointment?
We usually have three appointments in the hearing rehabilitation process prior to fitting hearing aids in Melbourne.
Appointment 1. Assessment of hearing and other areas of need. Set your hearing goals and choose suitable hearing devices.
Appointment 2. Personalise the devices to your hearing levels in your ear and show you how to use them.
Appointment 3. Check your real-world sound experience and adjust the devices, making sure they are working well for you.
Before searching “Audiologist near me” – call the team at Victorian Hearing and we will be happy to give unbiased advice on the ideal solution to your hearing needs.
Do I need to bring anything?
Whilst you do not need a referral to see an audiologist, if you obtain one from your GP, Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist or neurologist, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for hearing tests
If you have had hearing tests in the past, please bring a copy of your results to your appointment. This is regardless of whether you have booked in for a hearing test or a tinnitus test.
If you currently wear hearing aids, please bring them along. We are a proudly independent Audiologist.
Do you work on weekends?
At our M-City Clayton clinic we consult one Saturday each month. Whether you are searching for “Hearing test clayton” or “Hearing test near me” – choose Victorias’ most renowned Audiologist, Victorian Hearing.
How long does the appointment take?
Hearing test 45mins
Hearing test & aid discussion 60-90mins
Hearing aid fitting 60mins
Wax removal 30mins
Impressions 15mins
Auditory Processing Assessment. This is undertaken over two approximately 90 min sessions.
Tinnitus Assessment 90 min
Lyric Invisible 24/7 Hearing Aid Initial Sizing appointment 60hour
Cochlear Implant Candidacy Assessment 90mins
Do I need a referral?
No, you don’t need a referral to see us. However if you have a referral from a GP/ENT/Neurologist for a hearing test, you will receive a rebate of about $50 back from Medicare.
Do I get a rebate from Medicare or Private health?
if you have a referral (dated within 3 months prior to your appointment with us) from an GP/ENT/Neurologist for a hearing test, you will receive a rebate of about $50 back from Medicare.
If you have an “Enhanced Primary Care Plan” from your GP with an Audiology visit specified, you will receive a rebate of about $50 back from Medicare.
If you have private health insurance, we recommend you give them a call and ask if you have cover for Audiology (hearing testing or hearing aids)
*If you are on a Pension, the Government will cover your appointment costs (except for Wax Removal & Tinnitus Management appointments)*
How can I clear my own ears of wax?
The simple answer is you cannot do this safely without seeing the inside of your ear. Our audiologists are trained in the safe removal of wax from the ear canal using medical tools and dry suction machines. Most people look to using cotton buds, which often cause more wax compaction. There are however softening agents which can help reduce the build up of wax.
Find out more about ear wax removal techniques here. You can proactive monitor your ear of wax with an ear camera and contact your audiologist when there is an excessive build up ear camera.
Do I need a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is for patients with a significant degree of permanent deafness where benefit from conventional hearing devices is poor. If you meet a certain number of criterion, our audiologists will refer you for a cochlear implant candidacy appointment.
We run free Discover Hearing Implant sessions where you and your significant others can attend to find out more about how cochlear implants work and hear from a cochlear implant recipient themselves of their journey. Find when the next session is here Cochlear Implants Info Session
Can surgery fix my hearing?
Surgery may be a suitable option for certain types of hearing loss. Your hearing test results will suggest if surgery may be an avenue to explore, our audiologists will discuss this and next steps with you.
How often do I need a hearing test?
A lot of our customers ask us about what is the ideal hearing test frequency. We recommend a hearing test done annually to check the health of your ear canal, ear drum and hearing. If you however notice a sudden change in your hearing, we recommend this be arranged as soon as possible.
Is there any government assistance towards the cost of hearing aid/assistive listening devices?
If you have have an Age pension yes, the Government funded Hearing Services Program will provide assistance towards fully subsided hearing tests and basic model hearing devices. Your hearing results must however meet a certain criterion to have access to this funding. To learn more, please call us on 9558 8842.
About Victorian Hearing
How long has Victorian Hearing been in operation?
Victorian Hearing has been serving the Victorian community for over 20 years. We are one of the longest-established independent audiology practices in Victoria, with a strong reputation built on clinical excellence, ethical practice and genuine client care, trusted and recommended highly by Ear Nose and Throat Specialists, GPs and Neurologists.
Are your audiologists university-qualified?
Yes. All Victorian Hearing audiologists hold university-level qualifications in audiology and are accredited members of Audiology Australia, the peak professional body for the audiology profession in Australia. Several of our team members hold additional specialisations in paediatric audiology, tinnitus management, cochlear implants and vestibular triage assessment. Our practice is also an Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) and NDIS approved provider.
Why should I choose an independent audiologist over a chain clinic?
Independent audiologists are not affiliated with any single hearing aid manufacturer and do not receive commissions on sales. This means our recommendations are based entirely on your hearing needs and lifestyle, not on margins or sales targets. Victorian Hearing’s expert audiologists are trained to fit devices from all major brands including Phonak, Oticon, GN ReSound, Beltone, Bernafon, Signia, Widex, Starkey, Unitron, Oticon Medical, MEDEL and Cochlear. Chain clinics and some retail providers are often restricted to a limited product range.
What is Victorian Hearing and where are your clinics?
Victorian Hearing is an independent, locally owned audiology practice serving communities across Victoria. We operate 11 clinics including Brighton, Clayton, Essendon, Geelong, Malvern, Melbourne CBD, Mornington, North Balwyn, North Fitzroy, South Yarra and Werribee. As an independent practice, we are not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer so we can offer unbiased medical care and our university qualified audiologists are free to recommend the best solution for your individual needs without any sales incentives or commissions.
Hearing Tests & Appointments
What services does Victorian Hearing specialise in?
Victorian Hearing specializes in independent patient centered audiological care for all. This includes: full comprehensive diagnostic hearing tests for adults and children, to the standard of hospitals around Victoria, cochlear implant candidacy & program as part of the Victorian Cochlear Implant Program and partnership with The Royal Eye and Ear Hospital, auditory processing assessments, bone conduction hearing aids and implants, vestibular triage, tinnitus assessment and counselling, advanced wax removal via safe gentle microsuction, traditional daily wear hearing aids, invisible 24/7 extended wear Lyric hearing devices, assistive listening devices such as Roger FM and remote microphone systems, custom ear plugs and protection, workplace pre-employment testing, WorkCover assessments, NDIS and Job Access audiology assessments. If in doubt about what services you need, call our clinic and speak to our expert audiologist who can point you in the direction of the appropriate consultation with the team.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online at victorianhearing.com.au/book-an-appointment, call us on (03) 9558 8842, or visit any of our 11 clinic locations. If you are unsure which service you need, our reception team will help direct you to the right appointment type. We offer appointments Monday to Friday at most locations, with one Saturday per month at our Clayton clinic.
Can I get a bulk-billed hearing test?
Full bulk billing for audiology appointments is not available. However, eligible pensioners and DVA cardholders can access completely free hearing tests, hearing aids, and follow-up care through the Commonwealth Government’s Hearing Services Program (HSP), this is effectively equivalent to bulk billing for those who qualify as there is no cost. For other patients, Medicare rebates of approximately $50 apply with a valid GP referral.
Do I need a GP referral to see an audiologist?
No referral is required to book an appointment at Victorian Hearing. However, if you obtain a referral from your GP, ENT specialist, or neurologist before your visit, Medicare will rebate approximately $50 from your hearing test fee. If your GP has set up an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) that includes audiology, this also attracts a Medicare rebate. Referrals must be dated within three months of your appointment, with a new referral at each appointment you wish to claim a rebate.
What happens during a hearing test?
A full diagnostic hearing assessment at Victorian Hearing takes approximately 45 – 90 minutes and includes a case history discussion, otoscopy (visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum), pure tone audiometry (testing how well you hear different pitches and at different volumes), speech audiometry (testing your ability to understand speech), and tympanometry (assessing middle ear health). Your audiologist will explain your comprehensive results immediately and recommend next steps. If hearing aids are relevant, this may be discussed at the same appointment, or you may rebook a follow-up hearing aid discussion with your audiologist and bring a significant other along.
How much does a hearing test cost at Victorian Hearing?
A comprehensive adult diagnostic hearing assessment at Victorian Hearing is approximately $200 for private patients. If you have a referral from a GP, ENT or neurologist, Medicare will rebate approximately $50. If you are an eligible pension card holder or DVA client, your hearing test and follow-up care are provided at no cost under the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program. We recommend calling your private health insurer to confirm if you have audiology extras cover as another option.
How do I know if I need a hearing test?
You may benefit from a hearing test if you frequently ask people to repeat themselves, find it difficult to follow conversations in noisy environments, need the TV louder than others prefer, miss parts of phone conversations, experience ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), or have noticed that other people seem to mumble. Hearing loss is often gradual and many people adapt without realising how much they have lost. We recommend a baseline hearing test for all adults with annual checks thereafter to monitor for changes or sooner if you notice any changes yourself.
Hearing Aids
My hearing aid needs to be adjusted as I can’t hear in some situations. What should I do?
The best solution will be to book a 30-minute maintenance appointment with one of our expert audiologists. They will be able to discuss options and look at optimizing the existing hearing aid programming settings. There is no charge if on pension, no charge if private client within first 12 months of purchasing hearing aids from Victorian Hearing and a fee for the consultation time if your hearing aids are more than 12months old or you are a client outside of Victorian Hearing.
My hearing aid battery only lasts a few hours, what should I do?
Battery life on modern hearing aids varies between manufactures and styles. If the hearing aid is not lasting as long as when you first were fitted in year 1 of usage it can be due to range of factors. Bringing the hearing aid into the clinic for a troubleshooting appointment with the audiologist can help. The audiologist can check if the latest firmware is updated inside the hearing aid computer chip for best battery life.
If your hearing aid is connected via Bluetooth to devices, turn off Bluetooth to troubleshoot if the hearing aid is lasting longer with it turned off. If it is, it may be the Bluetooth communication and streaming that is causing it to deplete the battery. If there is no change with Bluetooth on or off, it could be caused by an electrical fault in the hearing aids. We would then, with your permission send them to the manufacturer for repair. No charge if you are on a pension with a maintenance plan. No charge if you are a private client with devices within warranty. A charge of minimum $250 per aid if private client and the aids are not in warranty, the repair charge is determined by the manufacturer when they diagnose the issue.
I bought my hearing aids from another Australian provider, or I have my family members old hearing aids. Can you adjust them for me?
Victorian Hearing is a proudly independent clinic, completely unaffiliated with any specific hearing aid manufacturers. While devices purchased from external sources fall outside of our internal quality control and management processes, we are still happy to assist you with them whenever possible.
In most cases, our audiologists can successfully program externally purchased hearing aids, provided they are from a recognized manufacturer and the software is not locked and that we can source the software.
Before Your Appointment: Please call our clinic to provide the brand and model of your hearing aids. This allows us to verify that the necessary programming software is available in our region before you arrive.
Fees and Consultations
- Pensioners (Hearing Services Program): If you are an eligible pensioner with existing hearing aids under the Government Hearing Services Program, your initial one-hour consultation is provided at no cost. Please note that prior to proceeding with your appointment, you will be required to sign a consent form to transfer your program services to Victorian Hearing.
- Private Clients: For clients not covered by the government program, fitting and programming externally purchased devices incurs an external device fitting fee of $1,000, charged on a pro-rata basis depending on the time and services required.
I bought my hearing aids online, can you adjust them for me?
Victorian Hearing is an independent provider with no affiliations to hearing aid manufacturers. When hearing aids are purchased from external sources, such as online retailers like Amazon or eBay, they do not fall under our strict quality control and management. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that these devices meet the standards and functionality of hearing aids purchased, fitted and verified by a qualified audiologist in Australia. Victorian Hearing does not endorse the purchase of hearing devices through unauthorized online platforms, and as such do not program these devices.
How long do hearing aids last?
Most modern hearing aids last between four to six years with regular maintenance. The lifespan depends on the device model, how well they are cared for and how often they are worn. Typically, in their fourth or fifth year of use, the hearing aid user will observe the sounds are not as sharp as it used to be when first fitted, the device may occasionally cut in and out or have reduced battery life. Victorian Hearing offers ongoing servicing, cleaning and repairs for all brands.
What do I do when my hearing aid is dead?
You can bring it into one of our clinics and we can have an initial look and diagnosis at reception for you. Our front of house staff are all trained in basic hearing aid repairs and may be able to fix it on the spot.
If we can’t be fixed straight away, we suggest a 15 minute troubleshooting appointment with our audiologists who will determine whether it needs to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. There is no charge if you are on a pension with a maintenance plan for this repair. There is no charge if you are our private client with devices within warranty. If you are a private client and your hearing aids are NOT in warranty, repair fees can start from $250 per aid.
What do I do when my hearing aid makes a constant whistling sound?
Whistling is also known as ‘feedback’ experienced from a hearing aid. There is good whistling and unwanted whistling. The good whistling is when the hearing aid is outside of your ear, others may hear the high-pitched whistling, chirping, sounds. This typically means that the hearing aid is functional and can output amplification which is a desired function of the hearing aid.
A hearing aid should not whistle constantly when it is correctly inserted in your ear. When correctly inserted there no gaps for sound to leak back out and re-enter the microphone, causing the whistle to be heard. However in some cases it may still happen when the following:
- Ear wax build up in ears. The safest way to remove wax is via gentle microsuction, which an audiologist can do for you for a fee. No water is used in this method.
- It could be the tube (for BTE aids) or receiver wire (for RIC aids) is broken and needs to be replaced. We can potentially do this at reception for you if we have stock.
- The hearing aid electronics are compromised to which we will send away for a repair, which may incur a cost if outside of warranty or the Government Office of Hearing Services Program.
My custom hearing aid mold is cracked or broken. What do I do?
At Victorian Hearing we can assist with your custom hearing aid repairs. We can order a new mold from the previous serial number if it is in our system. If your custom mold was bought at a different clinic and the serial number is still visible on your mold, we can call the manufacturer to see if it is possible for a remake. The process takes about 2 weeks in total. The cost for repairs for pensioners are no charge if they are active on the Government Hearing Services Program with Victorian Hearing and can range between $58-150 for a private client depending on the style of the mold.
Do hearing aids need to be fitted by an audiologist?
Yes, for best outcomes hearing aids should always be fitted and programmed by a qualified audiologist. Real-ear measurement (also known as REM) is when an audiologist places a probe tube in the ear to verify the hearing aid is delivering the right amount of sound for your needs. This is considered best practice in audiology and is performed at Victorian Hearing. Hearing aids purchased online or from retail stores without professional programming are unlikely to provide the correct amplification for your specific hearing loss. Poorly fitted devices can worsen outcomes, causing listening frustration and delay effective treatment.
Can I trial a hearing aid before committing to buy?
Yes. Victorian Hearing offers a trial period for hearing aids so you can experience the difference in your real-world listening environments at home, at work, in noisy restaurants and outdoors before making a decision. For experienced users a short duration trial can be beneficial to determine if a hearing device is suitable, whilst first time users it is preferable to consider a longer term experience as it takes time for the brain to adjust to a new sound.
At Victorian Hearing, all new hearing aid purchases include a credit return period of 60 days, which allows for a generous paid trial period. Within this time the audiologist will work with you to tailor the hearing aid, should you need to change devices there is no fee incurred in this 60-day period. If you do decided to return the whole hearing device package within 60 days and not proceed, you receive a refund minus a $450 fee to cover the making of the hearing aid and appointments. Please speak with your audiologist about the trial process for any device you are considering. It is rare for clients at Victorian Hearing to return devices, as a thorough aid discussion with access to all manufacturers is completed with yourself to determine the most suitable hearing aid for you.
Does private health insurance cover hearing aids?
Many private health insurance extras policies include a benefit for hearing aids, typically ranging from $500 to $2,500 per device over a two to four year benefit period. Coverage varies significantly between funds and policy tiers. We recommend calling your insurer before your appointment and asking specifically about ‘hearing aid benefits under extras cover’ and your current benefit balance. Victorian Hearing can provide an itemised quote to submit to your fund.
What is the Phonak Lyric and how is it different from other hearing aids?
The Phonak Lyric is the world’s only 100% invisible, extended-wear hearing device. It is placed deep in the ear canal by an audiologist and worn continuously for up to 3–4 months including during sleep, showering and exercise. Unlike conventional hearing aids, Lyric requires no daily insertion or removal. Victorian Hearing is an authorised Lyric provider and one of the few clinics in Victoria offering the Lyric Sound Experience trial. Lyric is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
What hearing aid brands does Victorian Hearing fit?
As an independent clinic, Victorian Hearing fits all major international hearing aid brands including Phonak, Oticon, Bernafon, GN ReSound, Signia, Widex, Starkey, Unitron, Beltone, MEDEL and Cochlear. We also fit the Phonak Lyric which is the world’s only 100% invisible, 24/7 extended-wear hearing device. Unlike manufacturer-owned or affiliated clinics, we have no obligation to recommend any single brand, which means you receive unbiased advice on the best device for your specific hearing loss and lifestyle.
Why are hearing aids so expensive?
Hearing aids are a medical device that contains very sophisticated technology compressed into housing the size of a peanut. The cost reflects decades of research and development, rigorous safety testing, quality control and often in clinics it includes the professional time of programming the hearing devices, maintenance and follow up rehabilitation sessions. At Victorian Hearing we are proud our clients are taking steps to look after their hearing health which leads to improved overall wellbeing and thus follow-up appointments in the first year of having the hearing devices are included in the hearing aid package cost.
This is what makes a difference between an Over-The-Counter device which in an instant fit amplifier, compared to a medical grade hearing aid that can be programmed to the hearing loss configuration of each ear separately by a university-trained audiologist. Amplifiers can put one at risk of further damage if the volume coming out of them is not regulated. The best advice for a loved one and yourself is to book an appointment with an audiologist to discuss options.
How much do hearing aids cost in Australia?
Hearing aid prices in Victoria range from approximately $2000 to $12,000 per pair, depending on the technology level and style. It’s important to note that not everyone needs the most expensive hearing aid and a skilled independent audiologist will be able to discern the appropriate technology for your listening needs honestly.
Entry-level devices start around $2000–$3,000 per pair. Mid-range devices suitable for most lifestyles are $3,000–$6,500 per pair. Premium devices with the latest AI, advanced wireless features and speech in noise enhancements range from $6,500–$12,000 per pair. The price of a hearing aid reflect the complex technology and digital signal processing involved. Eligible pensioners and DVA clients can access fully subsidised devices at no cost through the Hearing Services Program. Victorian Hearing provides a transparent price list at all aid discussion appointments with our audiologist guiding you through tailored solutions for your listening and communication needs.
Ear Wax Removal
Should I use ear drops before my microsuction appointment?
Using an olive oil or CleanEars Spray for a period of 3–5 days before your appointment can soften the wax and make removal easier. If the wax is very hard and impacted, it may be more comfortable to soften it first. Ask our team for advice when booking if you are unsure.
Do you do wax removal for children?
Microsuction ear wax removal is a safe procedure to be completed on both adults and children. However, safety is determined by the ability of the child to be able to sit very still for a period of 30 minutes, with small microsuction tip that the audiologist holds at the entrance of the ear. Whilst microsuction is very effective, gentle and safe, the procedure can be loud, as it is suctioning at the ear canal level. As a result, at Victorian Hearing we have found that rather than age being a limiting factor for the procedure, the child needs to be able to calmly sit still, not move their head and tolerate a loud sound next to their ear. It is best to complete it at our Clayton clinic where we have a screen that can show videos to entertain the child as the procedure is completed.
If you are unsure, please contact our clinic and ask to speak to one of our expert audiologists to determine if wax removal is the suitable or necessary procedure for your child.
What is microsuction ear wax removal and is it safe?
Microsuction is the safest and most effective method of ear wax removal and is the technique recommended by ENT specialists. It uses a fine medical-grade suction device under direct magnified visualisation of the ear canal to gently remove wax without water or irrigation. The audiologist can see inside your ear throughout the procedure and would either use a magnified headlamp or medical microscope to complete the procedure. Unlike ear syringing, microsuction carries a very low risk discomfort or damage to the eardrum. It is suitable for most patients including those with a perforated eardrum or previous ear surgery.
How much does ear wax removal cost in Melbourne?
Microsuction ear wax removal at Victorian Hearing costs approximately $140–$160 per appointment. This is not covered by Medicare or the Hearing Services Program, but some private health insurance extras policies include a benefit for ear wax removal under ‘audiology’ or ‘health aids’. The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes, whether it is one or both ears. Occasionally, for deep impacted hard wax an individual may require a second paid appointment to have it all removed. Your audiologist will advise you if this is necessary.
Tinnitus
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus often known as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds in the ears has many possible causes including noise-induced hearing loss, age-related hearing changes, ear wax blockage, middle ear infections, Meniere’s disease, certain medications (ototoxicity), head or neck injuries and jaw problems. In most cases, tinnitus is associated with some degree of underlying hearing loss. A thorough hearing assessment is the first step in understanding and managing tinnitus.
Can tinnitus be treated or cured?
While there is currently no current universal cure for tinnitus, it can be effectively managed so that it has minimal impact on daily life. Victorian Hearing offers comprehensive tinnitus assessment and management, including sound therapy, hearing aid fitting (which has been shown to significantly reduce tinnitus perception), counselling, and tailored strategies. The Phonak Lyric extended-wear hearing aid has also been shown to reduce tinnitus annoyance more quickly than daily-wear devices due to its continuous sound stimulation where you wear the devices at throughout the night.
Children’s Hearing
What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is where the brain has difficulty understanding speech and accurately interpreting and processing the auditory information in the presence of other sounds in the environment. Children with APD often struggle to follow spoken instructions, have difficulty in noisy classrooms and may be misidentified as inattentive or having learning difficulties. Victorian Hearing offers comprehensive APD assessment for school-aged children, administered over two sessions of approximately 90 minutes each.
My child failed a school hearing screening, what should I do?
A failed school hearing screening is a prompt to book a full diagnostic hearing test with an audiologist, as a screening is not a definitive diagnosis. Many children fail screenings due to temporary conditions such as a cold, fluid in the middle ear (glue ear / otitis media with effusion), or ear wax. It could have also been tested in an area with background noise interfering. As a result, a comprehensive assessment will determine whether hearing levels are within normal limits, whether a middle ear condition is present, whether further investigation or management is needed. Early assessment leads to better outcomes.
How long will my child’s hearing test appointment be?
A full diagnostic child’s hearing assessment at Victorian Hearing takes approximately 45 minutes and includes a case history discussion, otoscopy (visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum), pure tone audiometry (testing how well you hear different pitches and at different volumes), speech audiometry (testing your ability to understand speech), and tympanometry (assessing middle ear health). Your audiologist will explain your comprehensive results immediately and recommend next steps.
At what age can a child have a hearing test?
Children can be tested at any age. In Victoria children would typically receive an Infant Hearing Screen at birth in the hospital to rule out anything worse than a mild hearing loss. At Victorian Hearing our testing starts from 8½ months of age. Our paediatric audiologists use age-appropriate techniques for all stages of development, such as Behavioural Observation Audiometry as required, Visual Reinforcement Audiometry for children aged approximately 8½ months to 2 ½ – 3 ½ years, Play Audiometry for school aged children and standard audiometry for older children. Early identification of hearing difficulties is critical for speech, language and learning development. We also have Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Audiometry that is an objective test administered to find out how well the inner ear and cochlea works. It is commonly used to assess younger children who have identified risk factors for future hearing concerns.
Funding & Government Programs
Is Victorian Hearing an NDIS provider?
Yes, Victorian Hearing is a registered NDIS provider. We support NDIS participants with hearing-related goals including hearing aids, assistive listening devices, hearing rehabilitation, and auditory processing assessment. Our audiologists work collaboratively with support coordinators and participants to ensure hearing services are aligned with individual NDIS plan goals. Contact us to discuss how we can support your plan.
Can I top up to a better hearing aid under the Hearing Services Program?
Yes. If you are an eligible HSP client, you can choose to ‘top up’ from a fully subsidised device to a higher-technology device by paying the difference in price. Victorian Hearing will clearly explain the costs and benefits of both options so you can make an informed choice based on your hearing needs, lifestyle and budget.
What is the Hearing Services Program (HSP) and am I eligible?
The Hearing Services Program (HSP) is an Australian Government program that provides subsidised hearing services to eligible Australians. You may be eligible if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, DVA White Card (for hearing conditions), or are receiving Sickness Allowance. Eligible clients can access free comprehensive hearing tests, free or fully subsidized hearing aids (from the approved device schedule) and follow-up care at no cost. Victorian Hearing is a fully accredited HSP provider across all 11 clinic locations.
Hear more about HSP eligibility: call us on (03) 9558 8842
Victorian Hearing — Our Locations
Does Victorian Hearing speak at conferences, and can we invite you as a guest speaker?
Yes. Victorian Hearing is proud to be involved in community, and our qualified audiologists are often invited to speak at industry events including the Audiology Australia Conferences, where we teach and train fellow audiologist around the country.
Victorian Hearing provides hearing health education sessions to various local clubs, including Probus, Rotary, Bowls, and Community Centres. In these sessions, we provide information about how we hear, how to care for our ears, signs of difficulties hearing, the effects of an untreated hearing loss and what to do if you think you or a loved one has a hearing loss. Through these sessions, we empower people to understand their hearing health and take care of it. If you want to book a hearing health education session for your club or community group, call us on (03) 8566 9991 or use our online form.
Find out more: https://victorianhearing.com.au/community-support/
Do you offer home visit or mobile audiology appointments?
Whilst we do not do home visits, we will do our best to accommodate clients who face significant difficulty attending a clinic in person. Some clinics have larger rooms and accessible access to assist. Please contact us on (03) 9558 8842 to discuss your individual circumstances.
Where can I find a Victorian Hearing clinic near me?
Victorian Hearing operates 11 clinics across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria: Brighton, Clayton, Essendon, Geelong, Malvern, Melbourne CBD, Mornington, North Balwyn, North Fitzroy, South Yarra, and Werribee. Each clinic is staffed by university-qualified audiologists and provides the full range of Victorian Hearing services. Use the Clinics page on our website to find your nearest location, opening hours, parking information and public transport access.
Find a clinic: victorianhearing.com.au/clinics