Specialized Audiology Programs And Services
“COMMUNICATION STATION”: A hands-on interactive display of everyday devices (phone, alarm clock, tv) that are visual, tactile, amplified or a combination used by people who are hard of hearing or Deaf. An audiologist will, by appointment, take people through the display and allow them to try various devices to see which best meet the individual’s needs. Devices may be purchased at the Center. Additionally, a catalogue of devices is available by mail. Consumers may be eligible for these products at a reduced rate following completion of a financial application and demonstrated inability to pay full fee.
NURSING HOME OUTREACH: Service delivery is provided at over 50 area nursing homes by an audiologist dedicated to this program. We conduct assessments, fit hearing aids and assistive devices and work with staff and families to ensure successful aural rehabilitation. Patients may be private pay, Medicaid recipients or apply to our “Wilder Fund” for persons needing financial assistance.
PATIENT EDUCATION PROGRAM (PEP): An adult aural rehabilitation class for hearing aid users and their communication partner that combines discussion, activities, and demonstration. The group meets twice per month for a total of 4 hours and covers such topics as emotions and hearing loss, hearing aid maintenance, assertiveness training, speechreading, communication strategies, and managing the environment to maximize hearing. There is NO COST for patients who have purchased hearing aids from the Center. There is a nominal charge for those who are patients elsewhere.
TINNITUS RETRAINING THERAPY (TRT): A program for persons suffering from debilitating tinnitus (ringing, hissing, buzzing noises in the ears). This treatment emphasizes an innovative habituation based approach. TRT incorporates both Directive Counseling and Sound Therapy. Sound generators at the ear level or table model may be recommended.
“WILDER HEARING AID PROGRAM”: A permanent fund established in 1960 by the late Edna Wilder who wished to “provide hearing aids for the hard of hearing who are financially unable to procure them, provided they are approved by the Hearing Speech & Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati.” She further requested that “the hearing aids be given in the name of Edna Wilder”.
WORKPLACE EVALUATION: An audiologist will go to an employee’s place of business to assess the environment. At the conclusion of a tour and interview, the audiologist prepares a report with recommendations on accommodations (behavioral and/or equipment) to maximize the work performance of an employee with hearing loss.
