University Times

For people who want to test their hearing, a free screening is a phone call away.

The UPMC Eye and Ear Institute's Department of Audiology and Hearing Aids has established a two-minute hearing screening via recorded message that can be accessed anytime by dialing 647-2400.

When individuals dial this number, a series of four tones for each ear will sound. If the caller does not hear all the tones, he or she is advised to seek a more comprehensive hearing test. The recorded message also provides information on symptoms associated with hearing loss and a referral for further information.

The service, called Dial-a-Hearing Screening Test, is available at select centers nationwide, but UPMC is the only Pittsburgh-area center providing the hearing test.