What happens at an audiologist appointment?

The audiologist will ask about your hearing difficulties and history, then look in your ears (otoscopy) to check for wax or other issues. The main test is pure-tone audiometry, where you respond to tones at different pitches and volumes to produce an audiogram. They may also do tympanometry to check the middle ear and speech testing to see how well you understand words. If hearing loss is found, they will discuss options including hearing aids, and whether you should also see an ENT doctor.

When is hearing loss a medical emergency?

Sudden hearing loss in one ear — occurring over hours to a few days — is a medical emergency, because prompt treatment can sometimes restore hearing, but the window is short. Seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Hearing loss accompanied by severe dizziness, or one-sided hearing loss or tinnitus, also needs prompt medical assessment, often by an ENT doctor, to exclude treatable or important causes.

Can earwax cause hearing loss?

Yes. A build-up of earwax is one of the most common and easily reversible causes of reduced hearing, along with a feeling of fullness or muffled sound. An audiologist or doctor will check for this during the examination. Earwax can be removed safely by a professional. Avoid pushing cotton buds into the ear, which can worsen impaction, and do not attempt removal if you have ear pain, discharge, or a known perforated eardrum — see a clinician instead.

Do I need a referral to see an audiologist?

It depends on your location and health system. In many places you can see an audiologist directly for a hearing assessment, while in others a GP referral is preferred or required for subsidised services. In Australia, eligible people access subsidised assessments and devices through the Hearing Services Program. If your hearing loss is sudden, one-sided, or comes with dizziness or tinnitus, you should also be assessed by a doctor, so it is worth checking the right pathway for your situation.

How to Prepare for an Audiologist Appointment

Quick answer: Before seeing an audiologist, note when your hearing problems started, whether one or both ears are affected, and the situations you struggle in (background noise, phone, TV). Bring a list of any noise exposure (work, music, shooting), medications, and previous ear problems. If you have ringing (tinnitus) or dizziness, describe it. Bring a family member if you can — they often notice patterns in your hearing you may not.

An audiologist assesses hearing and balance and fits hearing devices. Because hearing loss usually develops gradually, the people around you often notice it first — which is why a clear account of when and where you struggle, ideally with input from a family member, makes the assessment far more accurate.

Get Your Free Appointment Checklist

Join free and download specialist preparation checklists — tell us your specialty for a personalised guide.

Free. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

What to Track and Bring

Onset and pattern: when it started, gradual or sudden, one ear or both
Situations: where you struggle most — noisy rooms, phone calls, TV volume, group conversations
Tinnitus: ringing or buzzing — one side or both, constant or intermittent
Dizziness or balance problems
Noise exposure: occupational, music, machinery, firearms
Medications and history: some drugs affect hearing; note previous infections or ear surgery. A appointment notebook helps you capture this.

Important: When to See a Doctor First

Sudden hearing loss in one ear is a medical emergency — it can sometimes be treated if seen quickly, so do not wait for a routine appointment. The same urgency applies to hearing loss with severe dizziness, or one-sided hearing loss or tinnitus, which should be assessed by a doctor (often ENT) as well as an audiologist.

What the Appointment Involves

Otoscopy: looking in the ear (wax is a common, easily treated cause of reduced hearing)
Pure-tone audiometry: the standard hearing test, producing an audiogram
Tympanometry: checks how the eardrum and middle ear are working
Speech testing: how well you understand words
Hearing aid assessment and fitting if appropriate

Helpful for this appointment

ear wax removal kit — earwax is a common, reversible cause of reduced hearing (use gently, and not if you have ear pain or a perforation)
appointment notebook — to note when and where your hearing is worst

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Questions to Ask

What does my audiogram show, and how significant is my hearing loss?
Is the cause treatable (like wax) or is it nerve-related?
Would hearing aids help me, and what are my options and costs?
Should I see an ENT doctor as well?
How do I protect the hearing I have?

Regional Notes

Singapore: Audiology services at restructured hospitals and private clinics; hearing aids available privately with some subsidy schemes for eligible seniors.

Australia: Hearing Services Program provides subsidised hearing assessments and devices for eligible groups (pensioners, veterans). Audiologists are widely accessible.

United States: Audiologists seen directly or via referral; over-the-counter hearing aids are now available for mild-to-moderate loss. Coverage varies by plan.

KEY SOURCES

RELATED GUIDES

A related inner-ear condition

Preparing for Appointments with Vertigo

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and preparation purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.