Healthy Hearing screenings are free exams designed to ensure proper audiological care for participating Special Olympics athletes. Led by volunteer professionals, Healthy Hearing also provides tests for cerumen (ear wax) and otoacoustic emissions tests. The amount of hearing loss among Special Olympics athletes is much greater than that found in the general population. Most athletes’ hearing problems are previously undetected or under-treated.
Impact
Healthy Hearing screenings throughout the US have found that a large percentage of Special Olympics athletes have untreated hearing conditions.
- 42% have blocked or partially blocked ear canals
- 29% failed Puretone hearing screening
