BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. is piloting free hearing tests in select stores via self-serve kiosks located near the pharmacy department.

The food and drug retailer said Monday that 24 stores under multiple banners — including Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market and Tom Thumb — now have diagnostic testing kiosks called the Hearing Touch Machine, developed by Hearing Wellness Network.

To use the kiosks, customers put on headphones and follow instructions on an interactive screen. A video guide walks them through a series of hearing tones for each ear, which takes a few minutes. When the test is done, customers receive a summary of their hearing health, including whether there are any signs of hearing loss. They then can click to get a free consultation with a local hearing professional or have their free hearing report emailed to them.

Albertsons noted that the Hearing Touch Machines build on its health and wellness services by offering customers quick way to diagnose possible hearing problems.

“Hearing health is a very important factor for overall physical health,” Mark Panzer, senior vice president of pharmacy, health and wellness for Albertsons Cos., said in a statement. “Hearing Wellness Network has developed a simple, convenient and effective way to help people learn about their hearing health status and when it’s time to take action. We’re excited to bring this service to our customers.”

Cary, Ill.-based Hearing Wellness Network specializes in raising awareness of hearing wellness and services offered hearing professionals in North America.

“Our goal has always been to bring hearing health awareness to the forefront. Knowing the average person takes over seven years to seek help with hearing loss, we created this program to tangibly improve hearing wellness and reduce this time frame,” stated Ted Nenov, managing partner of Hearing Wellness Network. “By partnering with a major player in the pharmacy and wellness arena, like Albertsons Cos., we can significantly impact hearing health and wellness.”

Overall, Albertsons operates more than 2,200 supermarkets and about 1,760 pharmacies in 36 states and the District of Columbia under 18 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market and Carrs, among others.