JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Regional Medical Center will be celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month this May by providing numerous free screenings May 8th, 9th, and 10th.

JRMC traditionally offers three days of these screenings in May to celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month.

“Every adult should have a baseline hearing exam. Hearing loss can happen at any age, and it is important to have your hearing tested on a yearly basis if there is a known hearing loss,” said JRMC Audiologist, Dr. Marissa M. Leese.

Dr. Leese is a new addition to JRMC and has been in practice for nearly 2 years. She has filled the audiology role after her predecessor, Susan Mattheisen, announced her retirement.

People who work in industries around machinery and in consistent noise are especially at risk for hearing loss Dr. Leese said. In many cases, those industries include manufacturing and agriculture, two common professions in the Jamestown area.

Screenings take about 15-30 minutes. If a full evaluation is needed, JRMC will work with primary care physicians to obtain the necessary referral. The screenings have been scheduled for:

* Tuesday, May 8th, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
* Wednesday, May 9th, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
* Thursday, May 10th, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Has your mom seemed forgetful lately? Or do you have a child that shows signs of language delay? Take advantage of this screening and get answers,” said Speech Therapist Rebecca Gussiaas.

Gussiaas is a Speech-Language pathologist who joined the JRMC team in 2015.

“Hearing and memory are so important to your everyday life, don’t let those areas become afterthoughts in your healthcare,” Gussiaas said.

To schedule your Spring Clean, Free Screen for May 8, 9 or 10, call JRMC Rehab front desk at (701) 952-4800 and specify what screening you are scheduling for.