The Healthy Hearing discipline provides hearing examinations and follow-up recommendations to Special Olympics athletes. The objective of the screenings is to inform the athletes, their parents, their coaches or caregivers about the detection of possible ear and hearing problems and to recommend follow-up as needed. Through the screening process, athletes are educated about the importance of regular ear and hearing screenings. The Healthy Hearing program offers healthcare professionals and students in health care the opportunity to work with people with intellectual disabilities to improve their practical skills in working with this population.

Screening Process

• Examination of ear canal for the presence of earwax
• Measurement of sounds in the inner ear
• Pure tone screening
• Noise protection education

Healthy Hearing screenings take place at selected regional competitions or as a stand-alone event in Nevada. The screenings take about 10–30 minutes to complete and are performed between the athletes competing. Athletes pass through the various stations, and at the conclusion of the screenings, the athlete is given a report on the results of the test and recommendations for follow-up should any be needed. 

Clinical Director