What to expect at your hearing and audiology services consultation
A guide to your first hearing and audiology services appointment with a audiologist in New Zealand.
Before your appointment
Most New Zealand audiologist practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the audiologist can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.
- • A list of current medications and dosages
- • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
- • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
- • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
- • Comfortable clothing that lets the audiologist assess the affected area
During the consultation
Duration: Diagnostic assessments are typically 60 minutes; hearing-aid fittings 60–90 minutes; follow-ups 30–45 minutes.
A hearing assessment typically includes a history, otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry and speech testing, with tympanometry where indicated. Treatment depends on the cause and may include wax removal, referral to ENT, hearing-aid fitting and verification, assistive listening devices, custom hearing protection or tinnitus management. Children under six are usually seen in DHB or charity clinics; adults are typically seen by community audiology providers.
Questions worth asking
- • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
- • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
- • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
- • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
- • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
- • When should I contact you between visits, and how?
Verifying your audiologist
Audiologist services in New Zealand are a profession that is not currently registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act, although most practising audiologists hold MNZAS membership through the New Zealand Audiological Society — voluntary registration requiring a recognised postgraduate qualification and ongoing continuing professional development. ENT (otorhinolaryngology) is regulated by the Medical Council of New Zealand. Look for an audiologist who holds MNZAS (Member of the New Zealand Audiological Society) status and whose practice is independent of any single hearing-aid manufacturer. Ask whether the clinic does real-ear measurements (REM) for hearing-aid verification — this is the audiology gold standard and not all retail clinics provide it. ENT specialists should be vocationally registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand. You can search the public register at audiology.org.nz at any time.
Plan your hearing and audiology services treatment
Related care
Other health services frequently considered alongside hearing and audiology services:
Hearing and audiology services: questions
What happens at a hearing and audiology services consultation?
A hearing assessment typically includes a history, otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry and speech testing, with tympanometry where indicated. Treatment depends on the cause and may include wax removal, referral to ENT, hearing-aid fitting and verification, assistive listening devices, custom hearing protection or tinnitus management. Children under six are usually seen in DHB or charity clinics; adults are typically seen by community audiology providers.
How long does a hearing and audiology services consultation take?
Diagnostic assessments are typically 60 minutes; hearing-aid fittings 60–90 minutes; follow-ups 30–45 minutes.
What should I bring to a hearing and audiology services consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, any imaging or specialist letters, your ACC claim number if relevant, your private health insurance details, and a list of questions you want to discuss. Wear clothing that allows the practitioner to assess the affected area.
Will I need a referral?
No — community audiology providers accept self-referrals. A GP referral is required for ENT specialist assessment and helps ACC-funded claims by including the relevant work or injury history.