Appointments available for free hearing screenings

St. John’s Lutheran Hospital plans to offer free hearing screenings from Sept. 21-25 as part of National Rehabilitation Awareness Week.

Health-care professionals estimate that one-quarter of all Americans between the ages of 65 and 75 suffer from some degree of hearing loss. The number increases to 75 percent for those over age 75.

A licensed speech-language pathologist will administer the screenings using a portable audiometer. If an individual does not pass a hearing screening, then further testing by a certified audiologist will be recommended. Passing a hearing screening indicates that there is not a significant hearing loss present.

To schedule a hearing screening, call the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Rehabilitation Services Department at 293-0154 to make an appointment.