Healthy Hearing
Healthy Athletes
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The Healthy Hearing program is a free hearing screening designed to ensure proper audiological care for Special Olympics athletes.
Led by volunteer professionals, Healthy Hearing provides tests for ear wax and inner ear health.
Screening Process
Healthy Hearing screenings take approximately 10 minutes and the process may include:
Examination of ear canals for the presence of earwax
Measurement of sounds in the inner ear to test for hearing impairment
Middle ear screening
Pure tone screening
Noise protection universal earplugs or make custom fitted earplugs
During the screening, clinicians will also assist with hearing aid repair, answer any questions, and work with the families to improve any conditions that may impede an athlete’s hearing. The clinicians will use the following techniques during the screening:
- Placing a small soft plug in the athlete’s ear for one minute to check their hearing
- Athletes will wear earphones and raise their hands when they hear a soft beep
- A tiny flashlight will be used in the athlete’s ears to look for unusual things that may be stuck in the ear