From ABC, 17 Jan. 08
NEW HEARING TEST AVAILABLE OVER THE PHONE
A new hearing test is now available to all Australians using a 24 hour toll-free telephone number.
Last year Australian Hearing developed the automated program, which allows people to determine whether they have a hearing loss by responding to sounds played over the phone.
Human Services Minister Joe Ludwig, who launched the new test today, says the new version of the program uses breakthrough technology.
"It's a far more sophisticated test and it will help," he said.
"We know that about one in five Australians suffer from a hearing loss, and it gets worse as unfortunately you grow old.
"So this really helps people, in the privacy of their own home, to be able to access the system."