Melbourne ENT refers patients to Mr. Andrew Philipatos for Audiology tests. He is co-located at Masada Hospital in East St Kilda for your convenience.
About Mr Andrew Philipatos
Mr. Andrew Philipatos is a tertiary-trained, highly experienced audiologist and bone-anchored implant hearing audiologist practising in Melbourne’s inner south at Masada Private Hospital, St Kilda East. With four decades of experience in diagnostic hearing and rehabilitation care, thirty years in private practice and fifteen years with Hearing Australia(formerly NAL). He has co-authored a published paper investigating hearing and lifestyle benefits of bone-anchored hearing aid solutions.
He provides personalized hearing assessments, implant candidacy reviews, and tailored hearing rehabilitation, including bone-anchored implantable devices. Patients benefit from his hospital-based consulting suite, access to surgical implant services, and comprehensive after-care.
Whether you are experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, or seeking an implantable hearing solution, Mr. Philipatos offers expert evaluation and management in a modern private-hospital setting. His care model emphasizes clear explanations, patient-centred planning, and the latest technology in bone-anchored hearing implants and hearing aids generally.
Book a consultation today at Masada Private Hospital to explore your hearing health and implant options.
Hearing Tests and Tympanometry at Masada Private Hospital
At Mr Andrew Philipatos’s audiology clinic at Masada Private Hospital, we use advanced hearing assessments to check both the function of your hearing and the health of your middle ear.
Hearing assessments are offered for adults, children and infants(from 6mths of age)
One of the most important tests we perform is called impedance tympanometry, often simply referred to as a “tymp” test.
What is Tympanometry?
Tympanometry measures how your eardrum and middle ear respond to changes in air pressure.
A small, soft probe is placed gently in your ear canal and a tone is played while the air pressure changes slightly. The test is painless, quick, and suitable for both adults and children.
This test helps detect problems such as:
- Fluid or infection behind the eardrum
- Blockage or stiffness in the middle ear
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (pressure imbalance)
- Scarring or perforation of the eardrum
- Ossicular chain issues (the tiny hearing bones inside the ear)
The results appear as a graph called a tympanogram, which shows how well your eardrum moves.
Understanding Tympanogram Types
The tympanogram is classified into types based on how the eardrum responds to sound and pressure.
These types help determine whether your hearing problem is caused by the middle ear or the inner ear.
Type 1 (Type A) – Normal Middle Ear Function
- The eardrum moves normally.
- Middle ear pressure and volume are within normal limits.
- No fluid, blockage, or stiffness is detected.
- If hearing loss is present, it usually comes from the inner ear (sensorineural loss).
In short: This is a normal result showing healthy middle-ear function.
Type 2 (Type As) – Stiff Eardrum or Middle Ear
- The eardrum moves less than normal.
- Indicates stiffness or thickening of the eardrum or ossicles.
- Common in conditions such as otosclerosis, tympanosclerosis (scarring), or outer ear infections.
- May cause mild to moderate conductive hearing loss.
In short: The middle ear is working, but sound vibrations are reduced due to stiffness.
Type 2(Type C and Type B)- Reduce middle ear pressure and middle ear effusions
- The middle ear pressure is reduced and can lead to middle ear effusions or “glue ear.”
Type 3 (Type Ad) – Hypermobile or Floppy Eardrum
- The eardrum moves more than normal (over-compliant).
- Can occur when the eardrum is very thin or the ossicles are disconnected.
- Often follows trauma, previous infection, or surgery.
- May cause hearing changes or a sensation of fullness.
In short: The middle ear is too mobile, often from loosened or damaged structures.
What Happens During Your Appointment
- History and Discussion – You’ll be asked about any hearing symptoms, infections, noise exposure, or balance issues.
- Ear Inspection (Otoscopy) – The ear canal and eardrum are checked for wax, perforation, or infection.
- Tympanometry – Measures how your eardrum moves with sound and pressure.
- Pure Tone Audiogram – Checks hearing thresholds across low, mid, and high frequencies.
- Results Review – Dr Philipatos explains the findings and, if necessary, recommends further tests or treatment.
Why This Test Is Important
Tympanometry helps detect conditions that might not cause pain or visible symptoms, such as fluid behind the eardrum or early otosclerosis.
Early diagnosis allows timely treatment or monitoring and helps ensure hearing remains as clear as possible.
Your Next Steps
- If your results are Type 1, your middle ear is healthy; other hearing tests may pinpoint inner-ear causes.
- If Type 2 or Type 3 results appear, you may be referred for ENT review or further diagnostic assessment.
- Follow-up testing can track any changes over time.
Booking an Appointment
Audiology and hearing assessments with Dr Andrew Philipatos are available at:
Masada Private Hospital, Level 1, 26 Balaclava Road, St Kilda East, VIC 3183
For appointment times or referral requirements, please contact the Masada Private consulting suites.