Those in need of a hearing checkup don’t have to leave Humber College’s North Campus thanks to a student-run hearing clinic that has just launched.

The Hearing Clinic is staffed by students in their third semester of the Hearing Instrument Specialist program who offer treatment as part of their work-integrated learning. The clinic is free and open to the Humber community as well as anyone from the public who is 18 years or older.

The clinic is new to Humber, having opened for the first time earlier this month, said Lauren Riley, associate dean, Integrative and Allied Health at Humber.  

A variety of services are available in the clinic. Those looking for a hearing health checkup can book an appointment for a free hearing test along with a discussion of the results.

Humber students in the trades or entering a profession with high noise level exposure can get a free baseline hearing test and learn how to safeguard their hearing from potential noise damage.

Anyone with hearing aids can receive free hearing aid services, which includes cleaning, moisture removal and functionality checks. This can potentially extend the lifespan of the hearing aids and ensure they’re working optimally.

Rachel Riaboy, professor and program coordinator with the Hearing Instrument Specialist program, said one of the reasons they wanted to start the clinic was to ensure students had opportunities for work-integrated learning on campus before their external placement in the final semester. This further supports Humber’s goal of producing career-ready graduates.

“We wanted to provide the students with this really supportive learning environment so they could gain practical work-integrated learning experience with supervisors and faculty they’re already familiar with so they can really build that confidence,” said Riaboy.  

Riaboy added they have received positive feedback about how early the students are given that real-world experience.

Opening up the clinic to the public was a decision made to help support neighbouring communities.

“If you look at where Humber’s North Campus is situated, we’re in a neighbourhood with high needs. So, if we can offer supports, we can start making Rexdale and Etobicoke a healthier place as hearing loss contributes to so many other health issues,” said Riley.

Riaboy said hearing loss can be a factor in social isolation and the withdrawal from daily living activities. She added studies have linked hearing loss as being the leading modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia later in life.   

To book an appointment, visit the Hearing Clinic’s webpage.