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Hearing checks in Blenheim

If conversations are becoming harder to follow or background noise is making communication difficult, a professional hearing assessment can help clarify what is happening.

Blackmore Audiology provides comprehensive clinical hearing assessments for adults and children aged 5+ across Blenheim and Marlborough.

Comprehensive hearing assessments

We develop a full picture of your hearing using a combination of tests, including those that mimic real-life environments.

Pure tone audiometry

Measures hearing sensitivity across different pitches to identify possible hearing loss.

Tympanometry

Assesses how the middle ear is functioning and can help detect fluid, pressure changes or other issues.

Acoustic reflexes

Evaluates how the ear responds to loud sounds and provides further information about the hearing pathway.

Speech and speech-in-noise testing

Measures how well you understand words and conversations, particularly when background noise is present.

When to consider a hearing check

When to consider a hearing check

Many people first notice small changes in their hearing before seeking advice. These early signs are common and worth assessing.

You may benefit from a hearing check if you:

  • Find it difficult to hear clearly when there’s background noise (e.g. crowded cafes)
  • Ask people to repeat themselves more often
  • Find that voices sound unclear or muffled
  • Turn the television louder than others prefer
  • Experience ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • Have changes in your hearing after noise exposure or illness

Noise exposure is more common than many people realise. In Blenheim and the wider Marlborough region, hearing challenges may arise from years of working around noisy machinery in industries such as farming, forestry, aquaculture and viticulture.

A professional assessment helps clarify what is happening and whether any support is needed.

More than a simple hearing test

Some screening kiosks or free hearing checks only test whether you can detect a basic tone or beep. While this can identify obvious hearing changes, it does not assess how well you understand speech in everyday listening situations.

At Blackmore Audiology, we perform a full diagnostic hearing assessment that evaluates:

This comprehensive approach provides a clearer picture of how your hearing works in real life.

Speech-in-noise testing for understanding conversations

Often, people can hear sounds but struggle to distinguish words when there’s background noise. It can be immensely frustrating to hear and yet not understand what’s being said.

Speech-in-noise testing measures how well you understand conversation when competing sounds are present. This type of testing provides valuable insight into real-world hearing challenges you may face in:

  • Restaurants or outdoor gatherings
  • Community events
  • Family celebrations
  • Workplace discussions

Types of hearing loss

A hearing assessment helps identify which type of hearing change may be present and what steps may be appropriate.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. This type of hearing change is often permanent and may be related to age-related hearing loss, long-term noise exposure or certain medical conditions.

Examples include:

  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Certain medications can affect hearing
  • Illnesses
  • Industrial deafness from years of noisy work
  • Noise exposure from machinery or tools

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel effectively through the outer or middle ear. In many cases, this type of hearing loss may be reversible or treatable.

Common causes include:

  • Earwax blockage
  • Fluid in the middle ear
  • Ear infections

Sudden hearing loss - when to seek urgent care

Sudden hearing loss, particularly sudden hearing loss in one ear, should always be treated as a medical emergency.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) can occur without warning and may be accompanied by ringing in the ear, dizziness or a feeling of fullness.

Our clinic can help assess hearing changes and guide you on the appropriate next steps following urgent medical review.

Prompt medical treatment is important.

If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek medical care immediately.

What happens during your appointment

A hearing assessment at Blackmore Audiology is comfortable, straightforward and designed to help you understand your hearing clearly.

Your appointment typically includes:

1.

Discussion of your hearing concerns, lifestyle and medical history

2.

Discussion of your hearing concerns, lifestyle and medical history

3.

Diagnostic hearing testing and speech assessment

4.

Clear explanation of your results

If further support is needed, we will discuss suitable options and answer your questions. The goal is understanding and guidance, not pressure.

Local audiology care in Blenheim

Blackmore Audiology is a locally owned audiology clinic located at 21 Francis Street in Blenheim.

Our team understands the lifestyle of the Marlborough region, from farming and horticulture work and outdoor events to busy family gatherings and community activities. Hearing assessments are tailored to reflect these real listening environments.

We aim to provide continuity of care, clear explanations and personalised care.

Our team