Healthy Hearing

The Healthy Hearing program is a free hearing screening designed to ensure proper audiological care for Special Olympics athletes.

Led by volunteer healthcare 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 ear wax
• Measurement of sounds in the inner ear to test for hearing impairment
• Middle ear screening
• Pure tone screening
• Providing noise protection universal earplugs and custom fitted earplugs.
• Referring athletes to follow-up care as needed, which may include receiving free hearing aids.

During the screening, clinicians may 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.