Two dozen audiology and speech-language pathology students took part in Sunday’s Hearing Loss Association of America Walk 4 Hearing in Boston. The Doctor of Audiology and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology students walked with MGH Institute Communication Sciences and Disorders instructor Annie Holland, Associate Professor Sofia Vallila Rohter, and Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Audiology program Emily Venskytis,
“What stood out during the event was the commitment to all of the facets of living with hearing loss,” said Venskytis. “Hearing loss isn’t just about devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants. They had ASL interpretation, live captioning that all attendees could access with their phone, and tables set up with other resources for people with hearing loss.”
Hearing Loss Association of America’s Walk 4 Hearing is a nationwide campaign that brings hope to people with hearing loss with events in 21 cities across the U.S. The event also raises money for local programs that support hearing health. The audiology students chose to walk for Mass Eye and Ear's refurbished hearing aid program, which provides hearing aids for people who cannot afford them. The speech students walked on behalf of the MGH IHP National Student Speech Language Hearing Association Alliance.
“We were so excited and impressed by the turnout of people,” said Holland. “Events like Walk 4 Hearing continue to develop our sense of community as a department as well as build students' experiences in the role of healthcare providers within our broader community.”