New ABR Equipment and Sound Booth Coming to MOSD
At Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD), we know that early identification and intervention are critical in helping children with hearing loss develop listening, spoken language, and communication skills. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, MOSD will soon be expanding its audiology services with both new Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) equipment and a new sound booth.
The new ABR equipment has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of David and Beth Pickler and Jonathan and Desiree Bawcum of Trigon Sports, given in honor of their daughter, Nola Bawcum, a proud MOSD alumna. Their gift will help ensure that children and families have access to advanced diagnostic hearing evaluations right here at MOSD.
What is an ABR?
An Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) evaluation is a specialized hearing test that measures how sound travels from the ear through the auditory nerve to the brainstem. Unlike traditional hearing tests, an ABR does not require a child to actively respond to sounds, making it an invaluable tool for infants, toddlers, and children who may not yet be able to participate in conventional testing.
ABR evaluations help audiologists:
- Identify hearing loss at an early age
- Determine the type and degree of hearing loss
- Guide recommendations for hearing technology and intervention
- Provide families with critical information as early as possible
Early and accurate diagnosis allows children to begin receiving the support they need during the most important years of language development.
Powered by a Generous Community
MOSD is also thrilled to announce the addition of a new sound booth, made possible through the generous donations to the Hearing Heroes Campaign during SpeakEasy 2026.
The Hearing Heroes Campaign united our community around a shared goal: ensuring children with hearing loss have access to the best possible hearing healthcare and educational opportunities. Thanks to the overwhelming support of donors, sponsors, attendees, and community partners, MOSD raised the funds needed to bring this important resource to our campus.
The new sound booth will provide a controlled testing environment that allows our audiologists to conduct precise hearing evaluations, monitor progress, and support children throughout their listening and spoken language journey.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Together, the addition of new ABR equipment and a new sound booth will expand MOSD's ability to serve children and families throughout the Mid-South with comprehensive audiology services under one roof.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to David and Beth Pickler, Jonathan and Desiree Bawcum, and every individual who contributed to the Hearing Heroes Campaign. Your generosity is helping create brighter futures, stronger outcomes, and greater opportunities for children with hearing loss.
Because of you, more families will receive answers sooner, more children will access the services they need, and more young learners will have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Different Hearing. Same Potential.
