Information for GPs
When you’re seeing a patient who exhibits signs of hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis or vestibular issues, referring them to an Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologist should be your first point of call.
Your role as a GP
You role is essential to providing timely referral for your patient to see an audiologist if they are exhibiting signs of hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, or other hearing and vestibular (balance-related) conditions.
Once referred to an audiologist, your audiologist will work with you to ensure that your patient is provided with appropriate support to assist with prevention, treatment or management of their condition.
How to help your patients manage their hearing
1. Organise a routine hearing check-up
It’s important that you regularly refer your patient to an audiologist so they can provide timely support before their condition worsens.
The nearby table provides a recommendation of when your patient should see an audiologist.
| Patient | Frequency of hearing check |
|---|---|
| Infants and young children | Typically screened at birth and during early childhood |
| Adults over 50 | Every 2-3 years |
| Workers in loud environments (construction workers and musicians) | Every 1 year |
2. aSSIST older adult patients
In older adults, hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit. The consequences of hearing loss can be substantial and include social withdrawal and isolation, functional decline with increased risk of falls and depression, and poor quality of life. Despite this, hearing loss is often under-recognised and poorly managed, possibly because of the common belief that it is a part of normal ageing.
While it is common, it does not mean it should not be addressed.
3. Notice signs of hearing loss, and refer
Not all hearing loss is obvious. You should discuss potential signs of hearing loss with your patient when:
- they are aged 60 and over.
- patients complain of difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
- family members notice communication struggles.
- there are signs of social withdrawal or cognitive decline.
The association between hearing loss and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis means patients presenting with these conditions should also be asked about their hearing.
Sudden onset hearing loss in patients of any age requires a rapid response, as early treatment (typically with oral steroids) improves chances of recovery.
Think your patient might have hearing loss?
Print and download the Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory – Screening (RHHI-S) screening tool to determine if you need to refer your patient to an audiologist for a hearing test.
RHHI-S Scoring System
A combined score of:
≥ 6 = Requires referral to an audiologist, as it indicates a self-reported hearing difficulty.
< 6 = Does not indicate a self-reported hearing difficulty, but please continue to monitor.
Why patient referral is so important
Help your patients claim Medicare Rebates
You should provide a written referral for diagnostic audiology services to ensure Medicare rebates apply.
A GP referral is required EACH time a client visits an audiologist to claim MBS items. As such it is important that referrals are completed in full and outline all the required tests, by name, otherwise they cannot be claimed.
Your local audiology clinic may have an online GP referral form to speed up the process. Otherwise please print and download our referral form here.
Contact your local audiologist by visiting our Find an Audiology search tool to learn more.
Financial support options
Ensure your patient receives detailed assessment
The following tests may be required to be performed by an audiologist:
- Pure-tone audiometry: Measures hearing sensitivity at different frequencies.
- Tympanometry: Evaluates middle ear function.
- Speech discrimination tests: Assesses clarity of speech understanding.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): Checks inner ear (cochlear) function.
Read about the Medicare rebates for these and other tests here
Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologists in the Find an Audiologist Search Tool
Contact us
If you have any questions about the role of an audiologist or how Audiology Australia can help your GP clinic, please get in touch.