A hearing test is a more detailed examination than a screening. It is usually performed by an audiologist or another professional who specialises in hearing issues.

A screening is a simplified test, usually offered for free, designed to broadly identify the potential for hearing problems. You might be asked to complete a screening after visiting your doctor or other healthcare professional.

Failing a screening is not always an indicator that you have a serious hearing impairment, and screenings offer no diagnosis. Patients who fail a screening are usually advised to undergo a hearing test.