OPERATION CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Operation Can You Hear Me? is an audio screening program for preschool age children in cooperation with El Paso County Health Department-Special Needs Program and local certified audiologists. Assistance League of Colorado Springs volunteers screen the children at their preschool. Those students who do not pass two screenings are referred to local audiologists for further testing.

Screenings

Screenings are scheduled in the spring. In 2019 our members screened 933 preschoolers for hearing problems. An audiologist from School District #11 trains Assistance League of Colorado Springs members every 2-3 years and gives updates as needed. Our chapter owns 8 audiometers which are professionally calibrated at the end of each screening year. Approximately 8% of students tested are referred for further testing.

History

This program was started in 1985 in partnership with a local audiologist.
Hearing screening is normally provided when children enter elementary school.
Hearing deficit may affect school performance.

One student referred on for further testing was found to have a bean in his ear!

Directors from various preschools often express appreciation for our program being instrumental in helping them have what can be a difficult conversation with families.