Sound Advice for Your Patients
As a trusted health advisor, if you think your patient is experiencing hearing problems, it’s important to know the options available. It's just as important to refer to other trusted providers. At National Hearing Care our Audiologists and Audiometrists are members of Audiology Australia, the Australian College of Audiology, or Hearing Aid Audiometrist Society of Australia, which are recognised bodies of the Office of Hearing Services (OHS) and state-based workers compensation authorities.
Hearing Loss and Other Medical Conditions
We recommended that patients over the age of 55 have an annual hearing check. And it is important to recognise the psychological impact of undiagnosed hearing loss and understand that those with hearing impairment can present with seemingly unlinked symptoms. Even a mild hearing loss can impact a patient's quality of life. Some common health conditions often associated with hearing loss include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Tinnitus
- Emotional distress
- Social engagement restrictions
Patient acknowledgement of hearing difficulties is the first step to help improve the quality of their lives. There is no need for them to put up with hearing loss in silence.
Who Should Be Referred For A Hearing Assessment?
Adults presenting with the following symptoms should be referred to their local National Hearing Care clinic for a hearing assessment:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Self reported hearing problems
- Difficulty following conversations
- Difficulty hearing in noise
- Tinnitus
National Hearing Care accepts referrals for all adults who require a hearing test or an audiological assessment due to concerns about their hearing. Your local clinic is able to see:
- Office of Hearing Services eligible clients
- Clients eligible for workers compensation who have worked in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales and who may have a noise induced hearing loss
- Privately paying individuals, including those requiring pre-employment hearing assessments.