Free hearing screenings are being offered by the NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic for NIU students and the community.

The screenings take place every third Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the clinic, located in front of University Health Services. The screenings are meant to determine whether or not an individual needs further hearing testing.

Assistant clinic director Karen Munoz said that the tests are like those people had in elementary school. People who suspect their hearing has changed should come in for the tests.

“People might have difficulties in situations they didn’t have before,” Munoz said. “Possibly, they’re finding they’re not doing certain activities they used to do.”

The hearing screenings will determine if the person needs to come in for an evaluation. The screening uses different frequencies and requires the person to raise their hand when they hear the beep.

Difficulty hearing doesn’t always mean one has hearing loss.

“Sometimes people think they have a hearing loss, but as gross as it sounds, it could be a wax build up,” said Emiko Pope, a Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic employee.

If one does need a full evaluation, the procedure is free for NIU students, but costs $90 if the patient is under 60 years of age and costs $80 if they’re over 60 years of age.

Although going to a concert won’t harm a person’s hearing, repeated exposure to loud noise could hurt people differently.

“Different people have different susceptibilities to noise,” Munoz said.

Hearing loss also can be caused by genetics, age and strong medications taken during serious illness.

Freshman Wen Yuan Shaw, a pre-early childhood education major, isn’t exactly sure where she would seek help if she had hearing loss.

“I would consider going to a doctor because I’m not sure about the clinic,” Shaw said.

The screenings are for people of all ages. To schedule an appointment, visit the clinic or call 753-1481.