PORT TOWNSEND — An audiologist’s office is offering free hearing screenings and initial appointments with the purpose of improving patients’ overall health.
“If we can’t hear properly, we can’t communicate properly. It’s not just a personal issue,” said Peninsula Hearing’s client coordinator and social media director Mars Riddle, who administers as many as 50 tests in a day.
“It affects anyone you are trying to communicate with and affects us all as a community.”
The practice, owned by Dr. Megan Nightingale and with locations in Port Townsend and Poulsbo, is making the offer to both walk-ins and businesses, which can request a visit from a technician to administer the tests.
The test, which take less than five minutes, determines if patients can hear different frequencies corresponding to standard human speech levels.
Riddle said the free tests are part of a wellness program designed to make people more aware of their hearing and available treatments.
Once the tests are complete, the office will refer the patient to a qualified provider if needed, either on staff at the office or one closer to the patient’s home.
The only exception to the free offer is if the patient apparently suffers from tinnitus, a constant ringing of the ears that requires a more expensive test, Riddle said.
These tests are especially valuable in Port Townsend due to its aging demographic, Riddle said.
While many hearing problems originate from listening to loud music at a young age, it is just as common for them to have a hereditary cause, she said.
Peninsula Hearing is located at 1136 Water St. and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
For more information, visit www.peninsulahearing.com or phone 360-379-5458.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.