UF department offers free hearing screenings this month
May 11, 2009
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association will offer free hearing screenings during the next two weeks.
As part of the celebration of Better Hearing Month, the screenings will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on May 13, 18, 20 and 27. No appointment is necessary. The screenings will be done in the department’s offices at 1405 N.W. 13th St., Suites B and C.
“Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises; ear infections, trauma, or ear disease; harm to the inner ear and ear drum; illness or certain medications; and deterioration due to normal aging process,” said Dr. Michelle Colburn, clinical associate professor and director of clinical audiology for the department.
Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices and hearing rehabilitation.
Hearing loss currently affects more than 36 million Americans. Although hearing problems are commonly associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing-impaired persons are younger than 65. With the increased use of personal music players (MP3s) and ear buds, the number of Americans experiencing hearing loss at a younger age is growing.
The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is a hearing evaluation by an audiologist. UF audiologists have a variety of specialties including:
- Performing hearing evaluations on newborns and infants
- Prescribing and fitting hearing aids
- Assisting with cochlear implant programs
- Performing ear- or hearing-related surgical monitoring
- Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs and newborn hearing screening programs
- Providing hearing rehabilitation training such as:
• Auditory training
• Speech reading
• Listening skills improvement