About 20 people attended UF’s Speech and Hearing Clinic, located at 1405 NW 13th St., to receive a free hearing screening Wednesday.
“It gives people an easy way to make sure their hearing is normal,” said Dr. Ryan Baker, a clinical audiologist. “It’s also a quick and easy way for early identification of a hearing problem.”
Patricia Kricos, a UF professor specializing in communicative disorders, recommends getting screened at least every three years, adding that the amount of screening needed depends on a person’s lifestyle.
Kricos said about half of the people screened have a legitimate hearing problem, while the other half shows up because of concern.
“A lot of people come because they’ve noticed they’re hearing words wrong or having trouble hearing at work or in the classroom,” she said.
But hearing loss is not always to blame, Kricos said. Auditory processing problems, which occur when a person’s brain struggles to process sound, may be the cause.
Three more screenings are scheduled for this semester: March 31, April 7 and April 28. No appointment is necessary.
