Celebrating Service: Dr. Teresa Parsons, Au.D. Leads Special Olympics Healthy Hearing in Winter Garden

On October 5th, Dr. Teresa Parsons, Au.D. of Citrus Hearing Clinic donated her time and expertise as one of the Clinical Directors for Special Olympics Florida, overseeing hearing screenings for 54 athletes at a gymnastics facility in Winter Garden, Florida.

Dr. Teresa, Au.D. shared her experience from the day:

"Today reminded me why I love what I do. Working with Special Olympics Healthy Hearing was such a meaningful experience. Alongside passionate medical, speech, audiology, and nursing students, we screened more than 50 athletes. Their energy and smiles made the day unforgettable. I can't wait for the next event!"

Leadership in Special Olympics Healthy Hearing

Both Dr. Teresa Parsons, Au.D. and Dr. Laura Pratesi, Au.D. serve as Clinical Directors for Special Olympics Florida, a leadership role within the Healthy Athletes® program. As Clinical Directors, they coordinate screening events, recruit and train volunteer health professionals, and oversee the delivery of comprehensive audiological screenings for athletes across the state.

The Clinical Director role requires a minimum three-year volunteer commitment and specialized training through Special Olympics. Directors work to ensure that screenings are accessible and tailored to athletes with intellectual disabilities, while also building partnerships with local clinics for ongoing care.

Supporting Athletes Through Special Olympics Healthy Hearing

The event was part of the Special Olympics Healthy Hearing initiative, a global program that provides free hearing screenings, ear cleaning, and referrals. Research shows that over 39% of Special Olympics athletes have blocked ear canals, and around 27% fail hearing screenings. Many have undiagnosed sensorineural hearing loss that affects communication and quality of life.

Special Olympics Healthy Hearing addresses these needs through comprehensive screenings that may include:

• Ear canal exams (checking for cerumen or obstructions)
• Pure tone hearing tests
• Middle ear screenings
• Otoacoustic emissions tests
• Noise protection education

The program raises awareness among audiologists about the hearing needs of people with intellectual disabilities and creates educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. Special Olympics Healthy Hearing is one of several health disciplines under Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, which includes vision, dental, physical therapy, mental health, and nutrition services.

The Impact of Accessible Hearing Care

Many Special Olympics athletes face barriers to accessing routine healthcare. Healthy Hearing helps by:

• Detecting undiagnosed hearing loss
• Providing referrals for follow-up care
• Educating athletes and families on hearing health and ear hygiene
• Supporting inclusive communication in sports and daily life

A Team Effort

This year's event brought together 12 volunteers, including students from audiology, speech-language pathology, nursing, and medical programs. Their dedication provided athletes with compassionate, high-quality care in a supportive environment.

Get Involved with Special Olympics Florida

Special Olympics Florida continues to grow through the dedication of volunteers like Dr. Teresa, Au.D. and Dr. Laura, Au.D. Whether you're a healthcare provider, student, or community supporter, there are many ways to contribute to this meaningful program.

If you have questions about hearing health or would like to learn more about our commitment to serving diverse communities, contact Citrus Hearing Clinic at 352-989-5123 or visit our Clermont office.

🔗 Learn more about Special Olympics Florida: www.specialolympicsflorida.org