Free Hearing Screening at Bloomington-Normal Audiology

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Appointments are Required

What is the difference between a hearing screening and a hearing exam?

• A hearing screening is a preliminary test to determine whether you have hearing loss or not. Your results are a simple yes or no (otherwise known as pass/fail).
• A hearing exam is for those who know or suspect they have hearing loss, and need more detailed testing and results to determine the type and severity of loss, and recommended options to treat it.

What happens during a hearing screening?

• A screening begins with a brief review of your medical history and concerns.
• The doctor will look in your ears to make sure there are no obstructions and the ear is healthy.
• You will sit in a soundproof booth with headphones.
• You will listen to a series of tones presented at the limit for acceptable normal hearing.
• You will indicate if/when you hear them.
• Results and recommendations are presented at the end of the screening.

If I have hearing loss, can I buy a pair of hearing aids at my screening?

No, you will not be able to buy prescription hearing aids immediately following a hearing screening. There are very specific legal requirements for diagnostic testing and a written prescription to be completed prior to purchasing prescription hearing aids. After your screening we’re happy to talk through next steps.

What happens during a hearing exam?

Also called an audiologic or diagnostic evaluation, it is a more comprehensive test that measures the type and degree of hearing loss in each ear.

• A diagnostic exam begins with a detailed review of your medical history and concerns.
• The doctor will look in your ears to make sure there are no obstructions and the ear is healthy.
• You will sit in a soundproof booth with headphones.
• You will be asked to respond to different tones to find the softest level you can hear each pitch in each ear.
• You will also be asked to repeat words to assess your comprehension.
• Afterward the doctor will sit down with you to review your results and make recommendations.

Is a free hearing screening appropriate for a child?

At BNA, our free hearing screenings are appropriate for children who can sit still and reliably raise their hand when they hear a sound. This level of participation is important to ensure accurate results. In most cases, these screenings work best for children age 8 and older.

For younger children, or for children who may not yet be able to complete this type of screening successfully, we recommend a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation. Our audiologists provide diagnostic testing for children of all ages, including infants and toddlers, using age-appropriate methods that give more detailed and reliable information.

If you are unsure whether a free screening or a diagnostic test is the best fit for your child, our team will be happy to guide you.

How do I know what type of exam I need?

Detailed exams have varying costs because of the depth of the testing, equipment involved, and whether they involve recommendations from your doctor.

At BNA, we will suggest the appropriate exam based on your unique situation, however, you can also view these in more detail on our Services & Pricing page.

Schedule an appointment or call our office and our team can explain the differences and options available to you.

Let us help get you on a path to better hearing.

Request an Appointment

Appointments are Required