Hearing Screenings

Quick pass/fail check to identify potential hearing loss

What Is a Hearing Screening?

A hearing screening is a basic check to identify whether you might have hearing loss. It's not a diagnostic test — think of it like a blood pressure check versus a full cardiac workup. Screenings provide a pass/fail result that indicates whether you should pursue comprehensive testing.

Hearing screenings test pure tones at a few key frequencies. If you can hear the tones at a certain volume, you pass. If you can't, the screening indicates potential hearing loss and suggests follow-up with a comprehensive hearing evaluation.

Complimentary screening available: Hearing screenings can be provided at no charge when scheduled in conjunction with any other appointment. Must be agreed upon before the appointment so that the appropriate devices can be brought.

Screening vs. Comprehensive Test

Hearing Screening

  • 15-20 minutes
  • Pass/fail result only
  • Tests a few key frequencies
  • No diagnostic detail
  • Identifies potential hearing loss
  • Complimentary as add-on

Comprehensive Test

  • 60 minutes
  • Full diagnostic audiogram
  • Tests full frequency range
  • Otoscopy, tympanometry, speech testing
  • Detailed hearing profile
  • $285

When to Get a Screening vs. Comprehensive Test

Choose a screening if:

  • You just want a quick check and have no known hearing concerns
  • You're adding it to another appointment (complimentary)
  • You're not experiencing any specific hearing difficulties
  • You want a baseline pass/fail result

Choose a comprehensive test if:

  • You suspect you have hearing loss
  • You're having difficulty hearing conversations or phone calls
  • You're considering hearing aids
  • You want detailed diagnostic information
  • You need a medical-grade audiogram for records
  • You've failed a previous screening and want to know more

What Happens During a Screening

During a hearing screening, you'll wear headphones and listen for tones at different pitches. When you hear a tone, you'll signal (usually by raising your hand or pressing a button). The tones are presented at a specific volume threshold. If you can hear them at that level, you pass. If you can't, the screening indicates potential hearing loss.

The entire process takes 15-20 minutes. Results are immediate. If the screening indicates potential hearing loss, we'll discuss next steps, which typically involve scheduling a comprehensive hearing test.

Screenings Are Not Diagnostic

It's important to understand that screenings don't provide enough information to diagnose hearing loss, fit hearing aids, or create a treatment plan. They're a first step — a way to identify whether there's a problem worth investigating further.

If you already know you have hearing concerns, or if you're considering hearing aids, skip the screening and schedule a comprehensive hearing test instead. You'll get the detailed information you need without the extra step.