If you’ve been wondering, “Do I need a doctor’s referral for a hearing test?” you’re not alone. Many people put off checking their hearing simply because they’re not sure where to start. The good news is that it is super simple to get a hearing test in New Zealand.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for a hearing test?
If you think you could benefit from wearing hearing aids, you can either choose to go through the public system or contact a private provider, such as Resonate Health. Whether you go publicly is a personal decision, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Private providers do not require a GP referral for a quick hearing check/screening, or for a full diagnostic assessment. Private hearing healthcare allows you to be seen sooner at a time and place that suits your schedule. The cost of private audiological assessments can vary by provider but generally ranges from $70 to $120. More specialised assessments for conditions such as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) come with a higher cost. If you believe you have APD, please get in touch with your local Resonate studio or GP for more information on who to contact and how to get tested.
Your local DHB may provide publicly funded hearing assessments, but you’ll need a referral to access this service. Each DHB has different rules on who they accept referrals from, but GPs are generally the first point of contact. If you are pursuing the public route, it is also important to know that only the hearing assessment is covered publicly; hearing aids and assistive technology are not included.
When should you see your GP?
You should see your GP if you have experienced sudden hearing loss. This is considered a medical emergency and needs to be treated as quickly as possible. You can either see your GP or, if you can’t get an appointment, go to the Emergency Department. For further information and advice, call Resonate Health on 0800 737 662 to speak with our audiological team.
Conclusion
Your hearing affects so many areas of your life, including doubling your risk of dementia later in life. That’s why, if you think you have hearing loss, we recommend booking an assessment as soon as possible, even if you do not feel ready to wear hearing aids.
While you can contact your GP for a referral to the public system, paying for hearing aids privately means that you’ll receive the support you deserve faster, at a time that suits you. The Unlimited hearing aid subscription is New Zealand's only hearing aid subscription service, offering top-of-the-line ReSound Vivia 9TM devices for just $90 per month. If you’d like to learn more, please give us a call on 0800 737 662 or book your Ear360 online today.
I’m James, a Tassie-born audiologist who moved to Aotearoa six years ago and never looked back.
