Sonus Westside Launches Back-to-School Hearing Health Campaign 

October 15, 2012 -- As summer winds down and kids get into the swing of things at school, Sonus Westside is working to promote hearing health in the community by educating parents and their children about hearing loss. In October, Sonus Westside hearing care professionals will perform free hearing screenings and consultations for kindergarteners at their three locations in southwest Portland, Lake Oswego and King City. 
 
The free Back-to-School Hearing Health clinics will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the southwest Portland location; Saturday, Oct. 20 at the King City location; and Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Lake Oswego location. Appointments must be made in advance and will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. 
 
“While many states, including Oregon, suggest that our children receive hearing tests, many don’t receive routine screenings due to a lack of enforcement at the state level or a lack of funding at the education level,” said Peter Charuhas, Sonus Westside co-owner and audiologist. “Through our Back-to-School Hearing Health clinics, we’re encouraging parents to become aware of hearing loss in children, so that together we can keep children living healthy lives in and out of the classroom.” 
 
At the complimentary screening, Sonus Westside hearing care professionals will perform a brief hearing exam and consultation. During the exam, the presence or absence of hearing loss will be determined. If hearing loss is identified, Sonus Westside hearing care professionals will advise parents on suggested next steps.
 
“A child’s ability to hear affects communication and behavioral skill development, ultimately determining how a child experiences education and social interactions,” said Charuhas. “Delays in language and speech, for example, can occur if hearing loss goes undetected or is diagnosed late, potentially comprising a child’s academic performance.”
 
Studies show that nearly 15 percent of children ages 6 to 19 suffer from low- or high-frequency hearing loss in one or both ears. This loss can occur gradually and can be difficult to detect, which is why hearing care professionals recommend routine hearing screenings throughout childhood.  
 
To make an appointment for a free Back-to-School Hearing Health screening and consultation at participating offices, contact the Sonus Westside location nearest you. 
 
Sonus Westside – Southwest Portland
9155 SW Barnes Rd., Ste. 401
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 297-1600

Sonus Westside – King City
15405 SW 116th Ave., Ste. 200
King City, OR 97224
(503) 684-1583
 
Sonus Westside – Lake Oswego
3975 Mercantile Dr., Ste. 215
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(503) 697-3600