A Full Diagnostic Hearing Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing and ear health. At Bellbird Hearing, our experienced MNZAS Audiologists and Audiometrists provide professional hearing tests in Christchurch and Timaru to identify hearing loss, investigate possible causes, and guide the next steps for treatment or management.

In addition to assessing how well you hear, we also check for medical or ear-related issues that may require further investigation or treatment.

Whether you are experiencing difficulty hearing conversations, struggling in noisy environments, noticing ringing in the ears, or simply wanting a baseline hearing assessment, our team can help.

During your hearing assessment, we complete a series of detailed tests to assess both your hearing ability and ear health.

Your appointment may include:

• A detailed hearing and medical history
• Ear canal examination
• Immittance audiometry, including tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing
• Air and bone conduction hearing tests
• Speech audiometry, including speech understanding in quiet and background noise 

We use up-to-date diagnostic equipment to investigate hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pressure, and other ear-related symptoms.

Following your assessment, your clinician will:

• Explain the type and degree of any hearing loss
• Discuss whether the hearing loss is permanent or potentially treatable
• Recommend appropriate next steps and treatment options
• Discuss hearing aids if appropriate
• Arrange onward referral to your GP or specialist if required
• Provide a comprehensive written report for you and your doctor and/or specialist

As a registered ACC provider, we can also apply to ACC for hearing loss cover for eligible people who have worked in noisy environments.

A hearing test may be recommended if you:

• Notice difficulty hearing conversations
• Frequently ask people to repeat themselves
• Struggle hearing in background noise
• Experience ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Have ear-related symptoms such as pressure, pain, or balance concerns
• Work or have worked in noisy environments
• Need hearing testing for Civil Aviation (CAA), workplace requirements, or specialist referrals
• Want a baseline hearing check

Early identification and management of hearing loss can help improve communication, listening confidence, and overall quality of life.

We offer two appointment options depending on your needs.

45-minute hearing assessment

This appointment is best suited for:

• Ear health concerns without significant hearing difficulties
• Hearing tests requested by GPs or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) hearing tests
• Workplace hearing assessments

75-minute hearing assessment

This longer appointment allows additional time to explore hearing management options and personalised support.

Ideal if you:

• Know or suspect you have hearing loss
• Want to discuss how hearing difficulties affect daily life
• Would like information about hearing aids and communication strategies
• Want to discuss hearing aid funding options
• Need assistance with ACC, Ministry of Health, or Veterans’ Affairs applications 
  

Our comprehensive hearing tests are either 45 or 75 minutes, depending on your hearing concerns and the level of support required.

When booking your appointment, our team can help determine which option is most suitable for you.

Part of your appointment may involve discussing communication difficulties and strategies to improve hearing in everyday situations.

If possible, we recommend bringing along a family member, partner, or close friend. This helps us better understand your listening challenges and provide practical advice tailored to your lifestyle.

We provide professional hearing assessments and hearing loss testing at our Christchurch and Timaru clinics.

Our audiologists are members of the New Zealand Audiological Society and approved assessors for ACC, Veterans’ Affairs, and the Ministry of Health.

If you are concerned about your hearing, early assessment is important.

• Book a hearing assessment
• Hearing aids in Christchurch & Timaru
• Ear wax removal

Our team is here to help you better understand your hearing and find the right solution for your needs.