“It’s a good opportunity for our students to practise what they’ve learned and to raise awareness about hearing loss and its prevention,” clinical educator says of screenings offered to the public.
If the world around you has started to sound a little muffled, it might be time for a hearing check — or perhaps just a quick inspection to rule out stray toys or bugs. McGill University’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is once again offering free hearing screenings to the public.
Taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday this week in McGill’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders building, screenings will be free and available on a first-come, first-served basis to adults and children three years old and up.
The screenings are conducted by second-year speech-language pathology students at McGill and will be under the supervision of licensed audiologists. Maryse Robidoux-Leonard, clinical educator in McGill’s school of communication sciences and disorder, said the initiative aims to promote hearing health while providing students with valuable hands-on experience.
“It’s a good opportunity for our students to practise what they’ve learned and to raise awareness about hearing loss and its prevention,” Robidoux-Leonard said.
Participants can expect a straightforward process: an ear examination, a check of eardrum movement, and a test of different pitches and volume the person is able to hear. Results are then provided on the day, either confirming healthy hearing or suggesting a follow-up with an audiologist. But not all outcomes are routine.
“We’ve found bugs or toys sitting in people’s ears,” Robidoux-Leonard said with a laugh. “It’s not very common, but remember: Don’t put anything into your ears.”
The event comes amid broader concerns like noise-induced hearing loss, Robidoux-Leonard said, which is a growing issue tied to modern habits like loud music and excessive headphone use.
“The world is a bit noisy. There’s a lot of noise, either at work or people’s daily habits with headphones, and those habits can lead to hearing loss.”
Last year’s screenings drew nearly 300 participants, with about a third referred for further evaluation. This year, Robidoux-Leonard said they hope to match that turnout.
An information booth in the building’s lobby will also provide guidance and answer questions.
Robidoux-Leonard said the event offers an accessible way for people to address their hearing health, whether they suspect an issue or simply want reassurance — without the worry of hidden surprises like bugs or toys.