MOOSE JAW — The Prairie South School Division (PSSD) is offering a free hearing screening clinic for children aged three to 18 years to help identify potential challenges that could impact learning and development, thanks to an ongoing community partnership.
The screening will take place at the Moose Jaw Early Learning Family Resource Centre on a drop-in basis from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 5. No appointment is necessary.
The initiative aims to ensure that children have access to early hearing assessments, which are essential for effective communication, social development, and academic success.
“We are excited about the partnership between the Moose Jaw Early Years Family Resource Centre, East Side Audiology, and the PSSD for a free drop-in hearing screening event…,” said Tara Schauenberg, a speech-language pathologist with PSSD.
Experts emphasize the importance of early detection in hearing health. Even mild hearing loss can make it difficult for children to follow classroom instructions, engage with peers, and fully participate in learning activities — setbacks that can be addressed once identified.
“Early detection of hearing difficulties is crucial because untreated hearing loss can affect a child’s speech, language, cognitive development, and academic performance,” Schauenberg explained.
Hearing loss is not always obvious, and some children may develop coping mechanisms to compensate. This makes it difficult for parents or teachers to notice a problem.
Some common signs of hearing difficulties in children include frequently asking for repetition or clarification, difficulty following verbal instructions, speaking loudly or inappropriately adjusting their volume, complaints of ringing or muffled sounds, and struggling with speech clarity.
Children who receive early intervention for hearing issues often experience significant improvements in their ability to learn and communicate effectively.
Studies have shown that even minimal hearing loss can cause academic challenges, particularly in environments with background noise — such as the typical classroom setting. Early screening helps ensure that students receive any necessary accommodations or interventions before hearing issues impact their education.
“The goal of offering free hearing screenings for children is to identify potential hearing issues early, ensuring that any concerns are addressed promptly to support the child’s overall development and well-being,” she said.
“By offering free screenings, (we aim) to provide parents and caregivers with access to professional services without wait times for appointments or financial barriers, to promote early intervention, and ensure that children receive the support they need.”
The screening itself will be conducted by trained professionals using age-appropriate methods to assess hearing ability. If further evaluation is recommended beyond the free initial test, parents will receive guidance on what steps to take next by East Side Audiology staff.
No registration or appointment is required for the free drop-in screening test, making it accessible for all families in Moose Jaw and the surrounding area. Each test is expected to take around 10 minutes to complete.
Tests will be held at the Moose Jaw Early Learning Family Resource Centre, located at 1250 Eleventh Avenue Northwest.
