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Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders offering free monthly audiology screenings to public in 2023

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The West Virginia University School of Medicine Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders will offer free audiology screenings to the public on the first or second Friday of each month through the remainder of 2023.

The screenings will take place from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the WVU Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, located in Room G100, within the WVU Applied Human Sciences Building at 375 Birch Steet, in Morgantown. Screenings will be held on the following dates:

  • Sept. 1
  • Oct. 13
  • Nov. 3
  • Dec. 1

Leah Morse, AuD, CCC-A, an assistant professor for the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, explained that audiology screenings consist of patients answering some yes-or-no questions, having their ears examined, and being asked to respond to presentations of tones at one volume in both ears in one of the clinic’s sound-treated booths.

Morse said audiology screenings help indicate if an individual has a hearing problem and if a full diagnostic hearing evaluation is recommended. The hearing evaluation is a more in-depth examination that determines the extent of an individual’s hearing problem, according to Morse.

Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders associate professor and vice-chairperson of audiology, Nancy Aarts, Ph.D., stressed the importance of scheduling an audiology screening, saying hearing loss is more common than people may think.

“According to the World Health Organization, hearing loss is the third-most common chronic physical condition in the United States, with as many as one in 10 people having hearing loss that is severe enough that it requires rehabilitation,” Dr. Aarts said.

Aarts added that since hearing loss often progresses slowly, people often may not even be aware that they have trouble hearing.

“With how gradual hearing loss is, it can almost become an invisible condition that you may not even notice yourself,” Aarts explained. “However, your family and friends have probably noticed. If you or your family are concerned about your hearing, I urge you to schedule a free screening at our clinic.”

Individual screenings last no longer than 20 minutes, and pre-registration is required. To schedule a screening, call 304-293-4241. To learn more about the services offered at the WVU Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, visit health.wvu.edu/clinics/speech-language-and-hearing-clinic/speech-language.