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In the Triton Hearing online shop, you will find a range of quality hearing aid products.

Your hearing is as unique to you as your fingerprint. That’s why Triton Hearing is dedicated to finding the best solution for you, personally. Your journey to hearing is simple, and your Triton Hearing team is here to support you all the way. With over 60 clinics throughout New Zealand, there is a qualified audiology clinician not far from you who is ready to help you take care of your hearing health.

Should I have a hearing test?

Hearing health ensures a good quality of life. Hearing loss can occur at any age, in fact, 1 in 6 people has a hearing loss of some degree here in New Zealand. Problems with hearing increases as we get older and sounds with frequencies in excess of 2,000 to 5,000 Hz are usually the first to be lost. This frequency is barely perceptible to the human ear and only affects the limits of the speaking range.

Gradual onset hearing loss is typically barely noticed at first, but becomes noticeable only when subsequent signs of hearing loss accumulate. Acknowledging hearing loss is not always easy - but it's the first step to better hearing and reconnecting with the sounds and people we love.
 
We all want our senses to work perfectly, and it can be hard that they aren't. Often, it takes someone who cares about them to to help them understand just how much they're missing and help them take the next step. 

Good hearing helps us enjoy the richness of life. From precious moments with loved ones to daily interactions with the world around us, keeping in contact with sounds impacts on your quality of life and emotional well-being. Clinical trials have shown that people who wear hearing aids have significant improvements in social function, communication, state of mind and depression compared to people with hearing loss who did not wear hearing aids.

Our 3-minute online hearing test will give you an initial idea of your hearing ability.
 

Self-evaluation questions:

If you or others think that you have a hearing loss, answer the following questions. They can give you an initial idea of your hearing:
Conversation
  • Are speech and sounds loud enough, but unclear?
  • Does it sound like people are mumbling during a conversation?
  • Do you find yourself asking people to repeat what they've said or speak louder?
Lifestyle
  • Do you have difficulties understanding everything on the telephone?
  • Do you find yourself sitting at the front in theatres or at a concert?
  • Do you find it difficult to follow conversations in large groups?
  • Is it even more difficult with a lot of background noise?
  • Do you find small talk more stressful than relaxing?
  • Do you get anxious about upcoming celebrations and events?
Everyday life
  • Do people ask you why your TV is on so loud?
  • Do you fail to hear the doorbell or telephone occasionally?
  • Do you feel like there are fewer and fewer birds singing outside?
  • As a pedestrian, are you sometimes startled by cars driving past because you haven't heard them coming?
  • Do you often have noises in your ear, such as tinnitus?
If you answered "Yes" to more than two questions, you should book a free, no obligation hearing check with a friendly Triton Hearing expert or call 0800 45 45 43 today. 

What happens during a hearing test?

The audiologist first asks you a few questions. For example: Why do you think your hearing is deteriorating? Are you exposed to very loud noises at work? An initial assessment will be made on the basis of your answers. The test itself is performed under laboratory rather than real-life conditions. In day-to-day situations, your hearing is exposed to different and even greater stress. This is taken into account in the assessment.
 
A hearing test generally takes place in a soundproof room or cabin. Sounds with different frequencies are played to you through headphones. These sounds cover the frequency range from 125 to 8,000 Hertz, i.e. from very low to very high. They are played individually in each ear and start very quietly, in a range that cannot be heard, and then slowly increasing in volume. You will be asked to indicate as soon as you first hear the sound. You will usually have to use a button or key.

At the end of the test with the headphones, the same test may be performed with vibrations on the skull.
This is to determine whether there is any damage to the middle ear.
 
Hearing test is evaluated using an audiogram. This shows test sounds on a scale and provides information on the hearing threshold level in decibels. The ENT doctor or audiologist can then determine the frequencies at which there are deviations from normal hearing. This helps not only to diagnose different types of hearing loss, but also to identify a suitable hearing aid. The hearing test is thus not only an important part of the diagnosis, but also a part of the consultation on purchasing a device. At the end, the audiologist will suggest that you test various hearing aids so that you can check individually which model is best for you.
 
Click here for further information on audiograms.
 

Can I bring a friend or loved one?

Some people may be anxious at the thought of a hearing test. Firstly, because they do not know what to expect, and secondly because they are worried about the result. Our hearing experts are warm and welcoming, please talk to them how you are feeling.

Give yourself plenty of time and try to arrive at the hearing test in a relaxed frame of mind. Ask someone to come with you, to help keep you calm and relaxed. Take and first step towards better hearing today.

Here are a few tips to help you feel less anxious before the test:

  • Listen to an explanation of the procedure while in a quiet setting.
  • Press the button before the start of the test to practice.
  • Ensure that the headphones are well positioned. Remove your glasses if needed, or tuck your hair behind your ears.
  • Try to breathe steadily and sit as comfortably as possible.
  • The speed at which the tone becomes louder can be slowed down. The intervals between the tones can also be increased. Do not be afraid to request a slower pace.
  • Any of the tests can be repeated.

How often should I have a hearing test?

Regular hearing check-ups are important, as hearing loss can occur if your hearing is not trained. We recommend having a hearing test once a year as a precaution. Regular hearing tests can determine whether and how much your hearing has changed. The longer hearing loss remains untreated, the longer it takes for the optimal hearing performance to be restored.

Where should I go for a hearing test?

You can book a free hearing check or full hearing assessment at any of our locations across New Zealand. Find a Triton Hearing clinic near you.

How much does a hearing test cost?

The hearing test provided by our audiologists is free of charge, takes only 15 minutes, and gives you peace of mind.

Tips for relatives – How you can help

You can support people with hearing problems by:
  • Finding out about the symptoms that might occur with hearing loss.
  • If you notice signs of hearing problems in a friend or partner, speak to them about it in a quiet moment. Offer to help them with the next steps, or do an online hearing test together.
  • If hearing loss has been identified and a hearing aid has been prescribed, you can support the person in their decision-making about the hearing aid. Doubts may arise in the familiarization phase, so your encouragement can help!
  • Speaking clearly, distinctly, and slowly, face to face, makes it easier for people with hearing loss to understand you. Try to keep this in mind. If the person you are speaking to does not understand, try rephrasing what you said rather than repeating the same words. Patience and understanding are the best ways to help at this time.
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What is an audiogram?