Hearing Screening Program
 

Hearing Screening Program
 

For more than 23 years Lions Clubs of Venice and Englewood have been serving the residents of Venice, Nokomis and Englewood area who might otherwise not be able to afford proper eye care.

The vision screening program started in 1987 with about 10 clients a month. In 1994 The Venice / Englewood Lions Clubs Vision Center was established at the then Bon Secours - Venice Health Park. Now the number of clients who use facilities frequently exceed 25.

In 1996, Ric Namikas, an audiologist in Venice joined the Venice Lions Club and started screening the participants of the then well established Vision Screening program for hearing loss as well. He obtained his Doctor of Audiology degree in 2003.

In December 2007 Noel Crosby (Au.D) and in September 2008, Richard Tibbils (Au.D) also were recruited to the program.  Vickie Adams (Au.D). joined the program in February 2011.

The doctors take turns at the clinic throughout the year so that each of them has to be away from their busy practices only three mornings a year.
  
      Venice / Englewood Lions Clubs Hearing Screening Program is conducted along with and at the same time as the Vision Screening Program at the Vision Center at the Venice Health Park. Lion Dr. Ric Namikas uses a portable sound booth and all associated equipment for a good evaluation of patients hearing.
      When Ric Namikas joined the Lions Club in 1996 he immediately saw the need for help with hearing of many of the patients who came to our Vision Screening Clinic. After some discussions, both pro and con, he somehow managed to convince the board of this important requirement and the Venice / Englewood Lions Club's Hearing Screening Program was born.    
    The hearing screening starts with a good examination of the patient's ears, for physical damage and disease.
Next the patient is comfortably settled in the sound booth ....
... helped if necessary, with the earphones ...
The test takes just a few minutes .
We of course take good care of our disabled patients ....
      At  the end of the test the patients are advised of their condition and if further treatment is necessary they are directed to our participating doctors, and hearing specialists. If the patients meet the financial and residency requirements, the Lions Clubs of Venice / Englewood will take care of all medical costs incurred.