A new Poudre School District audiology lab offers more accurate testing for hearing loss among PSD students.

The lab, located in the Barton Early Childhood Center, is part of PSD’s Audiology Services, which serves about 800 students from birth to 21 years of age during the year. PSD Audiology Services conducts hearing screenings in all 50 PSD schools in the fall and spring.

PSD audiologist Ashley Piccone said students who don’t pass their hearing screening are referred to the lab to be tested with more diagnostic equipment. The lab also serves students with a known hearing loss who need their hearing checked every few months to detect changes.

“We need to have reliable results so kids can be fitted appropriately with hearing aids so they can hear in the classroom,” said Piccone.

The new lab, purchased with American with Disabilities Act funds, replaces an outdated hearing lab in the district.