Hearing Screening

Audiology services at UnityPoint Health provide comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative hearing services for infants, children, adults and patients with special-needs. Our team of specially trained professionals ensures the best care and provides you with the resources needed to make informed decisions. Audiologists are highly trained healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss.  

Evaluation and Diagnosis of Hearing Loss

Audiometric testing helps to identify any current hearing issues. This hearing evaluation allows for a thorough understanding of the capabilities and limitations of an individual to communicate in a variety of different listening situations. The information learned in the evaluation enables the audiologist to develop a treatment plan that will improve the patient's quality of life. Our audiologists are an important part of the care team and work closely with doctors when necessary.

Adult Screening Recommendations

  • At the age of 50, have your hearing screened every three years.
  • Prior to age 50, receive a screening every ten years.

Pediatric Screening Recommendations

  • In the United States, all children are required to be screened for hearing loss by one month of age.
  • For any child who does not pass their hearing screen at birth, our goal is to do a diagnostic test by age 3 months.
  • Any child who is found to have hearing loss, should receive treatment (hearing aid(s) and early intervention) by age 6 months.
  • Children at risk for acquired, progressive or delayed-onset hearing loss should have at least one additional hearing test by 2 to 2 ½ years of age.
  • Children who have a family history of hearing loss, Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Meningitis.

Services

Depending on your location, services may include: 

Evaluation

  • Newborn and infant hearing tests (Otoacoustic Emission and Auditory Brainstem Response)
  • Behavioral hearing tests (Pediatric and Adults)
  • Immittance measures such as tympanometry
  • Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing
  • Hearing conservation services

Rehabilitation

  • Hearing aid evaluation, fitting and management (including bone conduction hearing device candidacy)
  • Services related to remote microphone and other assistive technology