USM Audiology Clinic Provides Expert Services to Combat Hearing Loss

Wed, 10/04/2023 - 10:27am | By: Van Arnold

October has been designated nationally as Audiology Awareness Month, and professionals at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Audiology Clinic encourage those who might be suffering with hearing issues to take advance of the Clinic’s many services.

The American Academy of Audiology established Audiology Awareness Month in 2008. Dr. Lyerly Christensen, Audiology Clinic Coordinator at USM, points out that the purpose of Audiology Awareness Month is to educate the public about the importance of hearing healthcare and spread awareness about services audiologists provide for hearing loss and hearing protection.

“An audiologist’s role is to connect people with communication as well as educating the public about how to protect your hearing,” said Christensen. “Many are not aware of our field and the benefits of the services that audiologists can provide. The month of October allows us the time to inform the public about audiology and its impact on communication.”

For more than 50 years, the Audiology Clinic at USM has provided outstanding assessment and treatment services to individuals from diverse backgrounds and across the lifespan. The clinic provides services to the community as part of its graduate training program.

Faculty certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) supervise the services provided by graduate student clinicians. The Clinic also provides clinical experiences for undergraduate speech and hearing students to observe and assist in the delivery of services.

The USM Audiology Clinic sees approximately 160-175 patients per month, including ages from newborns to geriatric patients. Audiologists are on staff to help every age group with their hearing needs.

Unfortunately, many people ignore, or sidestep, hearing loss – a choice that can lead to compounded problems later.

“I absolutely feel as though people take their hearing for granted,” said Christensen. “Not only is audiology about diagnosing hearing loss, but also about educating the public about the importance of hearing protection. Many rock stars, such as Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, and Chris Martin, are speaking out about the impact of being in a rock band with loud music.”

Added Christensen: “According to the World Health Organization, one billion people are at risk for permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, such as portable music devices. Noise-induced hearing loss can be avoidable by simply using hearing protecting.”

USM not only features a well-staffed, comprehensive Audiology Clinic, but also offers a Doctor of Audiology program in which students receive expert training from Clinic professionals.

“We are a resource for our community providing follow-up care for newborns who fail their hearing screening at birth; providing educational audiology to help school-age children get all services needed to be successful, and providing services to adults by fitting hearing and hearing protection,” said Christensen. “We also have programs for those who may not be able to afford hearing aids.”

All services are by appointment only Monday-Friday. The Clinic operates in accordance with the USM academic calendar. For more information, call 601-266-5232.