ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For many, hearing is an essential part of our lives.

The World Health Organization reported over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.

“It's due to listening to really loud music and using AirPods and things like that,” clinical audiologist Dr. Krishna Rodemerk said. “And so it's really important to stress that that can actually cause permanent damage and it doesn't really show up. It kind of sneaks up on you later on in life.”

The Rochester Hearing and Speech Center is now offering free hearing screenings to implement early detection throughout December in conjunction with its partnership with the Monroe County Department of Public Health at community-based locations.

They are allowing participants to walk-in and receive a consultation with audiologists.

“I was studying in the library and saw they had free hearing screenings and was told my left is a little bit weaker than my right, but they're both under 25 decibels,” participant Tyler Miles said. “I believe this car, and it was a beautiful experience, allowed me to gain some information about my health, which is always good.”

It takes just several minutes of their day to intervene on any long-term diseases.

“Just learning about the body and performing head-to-toe assessments on different individuals was me and, you know, guided me into more of a healthier lifestyle,” Miles said.

They are hoping to continue to do more free ear examinations to improve access to healthcare and educate the community.

“We have a whole bunch of audiologists at Rochester Hearing and Speech Center that are happy to help you on your hearing journey,” Rodemerk said.