By Michele Miller, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Malachi Miller, 4, sneaks a peek at the equipment as he waits for the beep while having his hearing tested recently at Quail Hollow Elementary School.
WESLEY CHAPEL
Sallie Auld is placing earphones over some tender ears as she again helps test children's hearing in schools throughout Pasco County.
The volunteer stint with the Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation is one she adores, one she has been doing for four years now.
"I love it," said Ms. Auld, 72, in between testing 4-year-old students in the Head Start program at Quail Hollow Elementary. "I just love working with the children, and it makes me so happy when they can hear."
Of course, children this age sometimes need a little coaxing, but a colorful sticker often helps. And they don't always understand the instructions to "raise your hand when you hear the beep."
Not a problem, according to Ms. Auld, who has volunteered in the schools ever since her now-adult children were elementary students in Miami.
"You just watch their eyes," she said. "They may not raise their hands, but you know they hear it when their eyes light up."
>> More volunteers are needed to conduct hearing screenings at remaining schools. To help, call (727) 834-5479 or toll-free at 1-866-999-2443.