August 31, 2006

Purdue offers free speech, language and hearing screenings

The screenings, which are free and open to the public for anyone over the age of 18, are performed by clinical instructors and graduate students from the M.D. Steer Audiology and Speech-Language Clinics. The 15-minute screening includes a hearing screening (in which the person responds to sounds) and speech and language screenings (in which a clinician analyzes the person's voice, fluency and articulation ask questions about swallowing).

The screenings are from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sept. 7, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2, in Heavilon Hall, Room B-11. It is recommended that people register by calling (765) 494-4229. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

"These screenings are especially important for anyone with a history of noise exposure, ringing in their ears or recurring ear infections," says Lata Krishnan, a clinical associate professor and director of the audiology clinic. "Students who have difficulty hearing instructors in the classroom should also take advantage of this opportunity to screen their hearing. Anyone who loses their voice easily or has hoarseness or difficulty swallowing should also participate in a screening."

The M.D. Steer Audiology and Speech-Language Clinics also are home to a variety of professional diagnostic and rehabilitative services, including comprehensive hearing, speech and language assessments, fitting hearing aid and assistive listening devices, as well as individual and group therapy for a variety of speech, language and hearing disorders. The clinics are a fee-for-service provider in the community. There were more than 2,000 patient visits in 2005-06, and many of the department's students gained clinical experience while working with these patients.

The Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences is housed in the College of Liberal Arts.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Lata Krishnan, (765) 494-3789, krishnal@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Purdue Speech-Language Clinic

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