Audiology & Balance Testing in Sydney

Audiology at Central Sydney ENT provides comprehensive assessment of hearing function and tinnitus, with on-site audiological assessment by Neurosensory. Our ENT surgeons use a full range of diagnostic tools, including audiometry, tympanometry, speech discrimination testing and otoacoustic emissions, to accurately diagnose conditions and guide treatment decisions.

Hearing Assessments

Hearing loss affects approximately one in six Australians. It can occur at any age and may develop gradually or suddenly. Accurate diagnosis requires formal audiological testing, which goes beyond a simple screening to measure the type, degree and configuration of hearing loss in each ear.

Pure Tone Audiometry

Pure tone audiometry is the standard hearing test. Performed in a soundproof booth, it measures the softest sounds you can hear across a range of frequencies (pitches) from low to high. Results are plotted on an audiogram, which provides a detailed picture of your hearing ability in each ear. Both air conduction (sound delivered through headphones) and bone conduction (sound delivered through a vibrator placed behind the ear) are tested to determine whether hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural or mixed.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is a quick, non-invasive test that assesses the function of the middle ear. A small probe is placed in the ear canal and changes air pressure while measuring how the eardrum moves in response. This test helps identify conditions such as middle ear fluid (glue ear), eardrum perforation, eustachian tube dysfunction and otosclerosis. It takes less than a minute per ear.

Speech Discrimination Testing

While pure tone audiometry measures the softest sounds you can detect, speech discrimination testing evaluates your ability to understand words at a comfortable listening level. This is particularly important for assessing how well a patient will benefit from hearing aids and for detecting problems with the auditory nerve or central auditory processing.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

OAE testing measures sounds generated by the outer hair cells of the inner ear (cochlea). A small probe placed in the ear canal delivers quiet sounds and records the echo produced by healthy hair cells. This test is used in newborn hearing screening and can help differentiate between cochlear and neural causes of hearing loss in adults.

Tinnitus Evaluation

Tinnitus, the perception of ringing, buzzing, humming or other sounds in the ears without an external source, affects up to 20 per cent of the population. While tinnitus itself is a symptom rather than a disease, it can significantly impact quality of life and may indicate an underlying condition that requires investigation.

A tinnitus evaluation at Central Sydney ENT includes a comprehensive hearing assessment, clinical examination of the ears, review of medical history and medications, and when indicated, imaging (MRI) to rule out conditions such as acoustic neuroma. Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and may include:

Hearing aids: amplifying external sounds can reduce the prominence of tinnitus
Sound therapy: using background noise or specialised sound generators to mask or habituate the tinnitus signal
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): addressing the emotional and psychological response to tinnitus
Medical management: treating contributing conditions such as Meniere's disease, ear infection or medication-related tinnitus
Lifestyle modifications: reducing caffeine, improving sleep and managing stress

When to See an ENT Specialist

You should seek a referral to an ENT specialist for audiology or balance assessment if you experience:

Gradual or sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
Persistent or bothersome tinnitus
Episodes of vertigo (room spinning)
Unexplained unsteadiness or recurrent falls
Ear fullness or pressure with hearing changes
Hearing loss that differs between the two ears (asymmetric hearing loss)
Failure of a newborn hearing screen

Our Specialists

Our ENT surgeons manage hearing conditions and can refer for on-site audiological assessment. Our team includes:

Related Conditions

Hearing Loss: conductive, sensorineural and mixed types
Tinnitus: ringing or buzzing in the ears
Vertigo & Dizziness: inner ear and vestibular causes of imbalance
Otosclerosis: abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causing progressive hearing loss
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: ear pressure and hearing changes from tube dysfunction

Common Questions

Audiology & Balance FAQ

What happens during a hearing test? +

A hearing test (audiometry) is performed in a soundproof booth. You wear headphones and press a button or raise your hand when you hear a tone. The audiologist tests different frequencies and volumes to determine the softest sounds you can hear in each ear. Additional tests may include tympanometry (middle ear pressure testing) and speech discrimination (understanding words at different volumes). The entire assessment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

What causes dizziness and balance problems? +

Dizziness and balance problems can be caused by conditions of the inner ear (such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, or Meniere's disease), neurological conditions, cardiovascular issues, or medication side effects. The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which is responsible for sensing head movement and position. An ENT specialist can determine whether the cause is related to the ear and recommend appropriate treatment.

Can tinnitus be treated? +

While there is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, effective management options exist. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include hearing aids (which can reduce the perception of tinnitus by amplifying external sounds), sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle modifications, and treating any contributing conditions such as hearing loss or Meniere's disease. An ENT assessment is important to rule out treatable causes such as middle ear pathology or acoustic neuroma.

Do I need a referral for a hearing test with an ENT specialist? +

Yes. A GP referral is required to see an ENT specialist at Central Sydney ENT. This referral allows you to claim Medicare rebates for both the consultation and any diagnostic tests performed. Your GP can fax the referral to (02) 9747 1499 or email it to reception@centralsydneyent.com.au. You do not need a referral to see a private audiologist, but ENT assessment is recommended for unexplained hearing loss, sudden hearing changes, or associated symptoms like dizziness or tinnitus.