The NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is conducting free hearing screenings from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at Golden Years Plaza, 507 E. Taylor St.

Joe DeLorier, an audiologist at NIU, will direct a team of four graduate students from the department of communicative disorders to perform the testing.

“We have performed hearing screenings in various formats at various locations in the past. We felt this was a good way to continue to reach out to the community to provide service,” DeLorier said. “By going to Golden Years, we could provide an initial evaluation to several individuals without those individuals having to come to us.”

DeLorier said by receiving free screenings, patients can identify hearing problems, although a complete test would be necessary thereafter.

“If a hearing problem is identified, then a complete hearing evaluation could be scheduled at our facility, or at any facility,” DeLorier said.

DeLorier said it is important for individuals, especially senior citizens, to get their hearing tested on a once-a-year basis.

To schedule an appointment for a screening at Golden Years Plaza, call the NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at 753-1481. If you are a member of Golden Years, call Margy Scarl, manager of operations/resident initiatives, at 895-4929.