From February 3-7, School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD) students, faculty, and alumni traveled to Guatemala for the annual Help Guatemala Hear service trip. Led by Dr. Selena Snowden, their initiative targets outreach and training for future professionals by providing hearing services to the community abroad.

During the trip, the audiology team contributed over 140 hours of training and service, providing hearing healthcare to 214 patients, including 62 returning individuals. They fit 174 hearing aids, performed ear cleanings, and fit a bone-anchored hearing aid. 

This year, SCSD received substantial funding from donors including the Florida State University (FSU) Foundation Board of Trustees, which expanded opportunities for students and patients alike. Dr. Selena Snowden, founder of the Guatemala Hears trip and director of audiology services at FSU, said, “With such a need for audiologic services in this area of Guatemala, I am extremely grateful for this year’s funding. The students work very hard to fund their trips, and I’ve seen first-hand how thankful they are for the scholarships they’ve received toward this year’s expenses. Thank you!”

She further emphasized how this initiative is a team effort made possible by donors, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, ensuring both improved patient outcomes and invaluable training for students. 

Senior Grace English also expressed gratitude to the FSU Foundation Board of Trustees for their support, especially toward the funding for the audiometer. “The trip to Guatemala was so eye-opening to populations who need audiological care. It was so impactful to give back to those and how grateful and patient they were for us,” she said. “It was my very first time testing bone-conduction on a live patient, and it helped me connect what was talked about in class with hands-on learning.”

“My highlight of the week was when I fit the cutest little girl with a pair of devices. She came into the clinic very quiet and sheltered. After she was given the devices and was fit, she could not stop laughing or smiling the whole time I saw her,” FSU alumna and current University of Florida graduate student Katie McGrane shared. 

“I was inspired and educated throughout the week and returned to the States with a fresh outlook and new perspective. I learned that it’s the little things in life that carry the most weight,” said graduate student Catherine Steele.

The undergraduate and graduate students that participated were Anya Chatani, Brooke Self, Hayley Krush, Grace English, Grace Frerking, Blaire Zeiba, Julia Weinberg, Taylor McConnell, Catherine Steele, Annabella Jajuga, Mia Finigan, Katie McGrane, Chloe Molinaro, and Katelyn Peterson. Clinical audiologists Dr. Chelsea Alexander, Dr. Monica Walker, and Dr. Ricardo Gauthier also participated.