Audiology — Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti
Audiology is a service that assesses hearing and hearing disorders and helps people in Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti cope with and improve their auditory and balance problems.
On this page
Contact us
To contact the audiology department at Wellington Regional Hospital:
- phone 04 385 5999 extension 5132
- email wellingtonaudiology@ccdhb.org.nz
To contact the audiology department at Kenepuru Community Hospital:
- phone 04 385 5999 extension 2817
- email audiologykph@ccdhb.org.nz
Services we provide
Our audiology department offers the following services for tamariki and adults.
- auditory brainstem response electrophysiological test of hearing
- otoacoustic emissions test of cochlear function
- acoustic immittance measures of middle ear function
- visual reinforcement audiometry
- play audiometry
- pure-tone audiometry
- speech testing.
What happens at an audiology assessment — for tamariki
Prepare your tamariki for a trip to the audiology department with this storyboard.
Treatment
Treatments for hearing loss range from the removal of wax in the ear canal to complex surgery, depending on the cause of the hearing loss.
One of the most common treatments for hearing loss is the use of a hearing aid. The type of hearing aid you get depends on the cause of your hearing loss and how bad it is, as well as what your preferences are in terms of:
- comfort
- appearance
- cost
- lifestyle.
If your hearing loss is severe to profound and in both ears, you may be suitable for a surgical procedure known as a cochlear implant.
In this procedure, a small cut (incision) is made behind your ear and a device is implanted that can bypass the damaged parts of your ear. The surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia (you sleep through it). You may be able to go home the same day or have to spend 1 night in hospital.
Hearing aids and assistive listening devices
We fit hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
Hearing aids and rehabilitation services for tamariki are free if you are a citizen or resident of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hearing aid eligibility for adults is determined by hearing severity and financial need.
Our team also fits:
- ear moulds
- swim plugs
- noise protector ear plugs.
Tinnitus assessment and counselling
We provide tinnitus assessment and counselling.
Tinnitus is sometimes described as a ringing in the ears, and can affect your quality of life. Our audiologists will assess your experience, and can work with you to minimise the effects through counselling and sound stimulation.
Hearing aid repair clinics
The team runs drop-in hearing aid repair clinics for tamariki and adults who were fitted with hearing aids by our service. Bookings are not necessary.
Clinics are held:
- 1pm to 3:30pm, Thursdays at the Wellington Regional Hospital audiology department
- 1pm to 3:30pm, Tuesdays at the Kenepuru Community Hospital audiology department.
Ear, nose and throat support clinics
Our audiologists also support the ear, nose and throat clinics at Wellington Regional Hospital and Kenepuru Community Hospital.
These clinics run:
- every day at Wellington Regional Hospital
- every day except Thursday at Kenepuru Community Hospital.
Referral information
A referral for this service must come from a healthcare provider such as:
- GP
- medical specialist
- hearing therapist
- community healthcare worker.
Referrals are also accepted from learning support at Ministry of Education.