General Practitioners: Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is one of the most common long-term health conditions associated with ageing. In Australia, one person in five over 60 years old will have a hearing loss; over the age of 70, one person in three.
However, the percentage of respondents with a self-reported hearing loss (SRHL) is 11.8% (AustraliaTrak 2021).
Your patients may not be aware that they have developed a hearing loss.
A gradually progressive, age-related hearing loss is difficult to self-diagnose. Your patient’s mild/moderate hearing loss may not be evident in your quiet consulting room.
A reduced capacity to communicate has a significant impact on relationships, social connection, independent living and quality of life. An unmanaged hearing loss has an effect on cognitive health, increases the risk of dementia and increases the risk of falls. Details here.
Early detection has been found to be critical to allow timely intervention and improve hearing health outcomes.
Consider recommending a hearing test for all your patients aged 60 and up. Encourage regular ongoing hearing checks.
Help your patients understand that hearing loss is manageable and can be well supported. A diagnosis is a positive step towards improving communication with loved ones as well as quality of life.
Hearing tests at our clinic are eligible for a Medicare rebate on referral from a GP, ENT Specialist or Neurologist. Patients can also be referred as part of a Team Care Plan to receive a Medicare rebate.
Specialised services at DWM Audiology: Medical Practitioners
We are recognised Australia-wide and internationally as leaders in our specialised fields of tinnitus, hyperacusis (abnormal sound intolerance), tensor tympani syndrome (TTS), acoustic shock, and misophonia.
We provide tinnitus evaluation and therapy appointments at our clinic, which will include a hearing assessment.
Our clinic is committed to seeing acoustic shock patients urgently, to help contain the development and escalation of post-acoustic shock hyperacusis: Acoustic shock and TTS guide for medical professionals.
Online consultations for hyperacusis, TTS, acoustic shock and misophonia evaluation and therapy are available via Coviu, an encrypted video link for telehealth designed by the CSIRO.
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