Lines of Communication

One of noise expert Arline Bronzaft's most enduring legacies is International Noise Awareness Day (INAD), founded in 1996 in collaboration with the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC). Together, we created a global movement to raise awareness about the harmful effects of noise on hearing and health. What began as a small initiative in New York City has now spread across more than 40 countries.

I was in my 40s when my genetic hearing loss was diagnosed, and I started my journey of learning to cope with this invisible disability. With the holiday season approaching—and the many difficult listening situations it brings—here are some of the things I've learned over these 50 years.

At the Center for Hearing and Communication in New York, our approach to hearing assessment for people with cognitive changes is highly individualized. Some clients may need more time or a different testing approach. We often begin with a preliminary discussion by phone or Zoom that includes the client and a family member to understand specific needs, challenges, and goals. This preparation allows us to create the right accommodations before the in-person evaluation.

Running the New York City Marathon for CHC means the world to me. As a speech-language pathologist at CHC, I see every day how transformative our services are for the individuals and families we support. This marathon is more than just a personal challenge—it’s a chance to give back to an organization whose mission I deeply believe in. Fundraising for CHC allows me to amplify that impact by raising both awareness and essential funds to continue this life-changing work.

CHC will present the CHC Impact Award to Apple in recognition of the company's pioneering leadership in accessibility and inclusive design. Through groundbreaking features that expand communication access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Apple has set a global standard for technological inclusion, transforming how millions connect, communicate, and participate fully in everyday life.

We're pleased to be an Official Charity Partner of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon and proud of our team of six runners training for the big race, November 2nd, while raising funds to support our mission. Sophie Scott, looking to run her first marathon, is a dedicated member of Team CHC who recently had the honor of being named to NYRR’s Team Inspire—a recognition reserved for runners whose stories of resilience and purpose uplift us all.

At the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), we see how important literacy is for learning math. Before a child can add or subtract, they need to understand words that describe math ideas, such as more, less, bigger, and smaller. Families can support this learning by reading together and pointing out math words in stories, using them during daily routines, and reinforcing them through play.

If there's a child in your orbit feeling nervous about September, listen to them and validate their feelings. No one ever got over feeling anxious by being told not to be! And help them balance those worries by seeing the whole picture: What was fun last year that will happen again this year? Any special skills they'll learn or privileges they'll get? What are they looking forward to?

Before you dive into conversation, maybe offer your child with hearing loss some quiet time, along with a snack. Let them know you’re eager to hear about their day and will check in after they’ve had time to settle in at home and relax.  One quick tip: the more specific your question, the more specific the answer. Open-ended questions like “How was your day?” often fizzle, while focused prompts get kids talking.

If you missed last month’s CHC webinar, Understanding Tinnitus: An Introductory Workshop, you can now watch the full video recording. Presented by Michele DiStefano, AuD, CCC-A, CHC’s Director of Audiology, and Dominique Calandrillo, AuD, CCC-A, tinnitus specialist, this informative session offers valuable insights into the causes of tinnitus and evidence-based strategies for managing its symptoms.

I have the good fortune of being able to take advantage of all the hearing technology that has developed over these years—captioning, audio loops, Bluetooth, ever-shrinking and better hearing aids, and the wonder of cochlear implants, to name a few.

Center for Hearing and Communication proudly presents Team CHC—six runners preparing to tackle the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon while raising funds for CHC. We're thrilled for their support and commitment to our mission of empowering people affected by hearing loss, deafness or listening challenges.

Summer is a season for fun—but also for protecting your hearing. At the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), we know that baseball games, concerts, and fireworks are summer staples—but they can also pose a serious risk to your hearing.

When people use Eargasm earplugs, it's a win-win-win: concertgoers can enjoy live music without risking their hearing, CHC can expand our impact by educating the public about noise-induced hearing loss, and Live Nation reinforces its commitment to the long-term wellness of its audience.

Tinnitus Webinar June 12, 2025 - Join the Center for Hearing and Communication for Understanding Tinnitus: An Introductory Workshop featuring audiologist and tinnitus specialist Dominique Calandrillo

Now through June 30, 2025, take advantage of CHC’s "Get Ready for Summer" promotion and enjoy valuable extras when you purchase two hearing aids. Now’s a great time to try out new hearing aid models from leading manufacturers like Starkey, Widex, Phonak, Oticon, and ReSound. CHC proudly offers instruments from nearly all major hearing aid brands—so you’ll have plenty of options to find the right fit for your hearing needs and lifestyle.

Summer is a time for fun—and also a great opportunity for students with hearing loss to strengthen academic skills and stay on track. That’s why the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) is offering Summer Academic Groups, designed to help children build on progress made during the school year while preventing summer learning loss.

People who have a hearing loss seldom acknowledge their disability. It’s easy to hide the fact you can’t hear, especially if you have a spouse, relative or friend who is willing to be your “ears.” Very few people find the courage to be a “somebody” and say, “I have a hearing loss. Please make eye contact with me when you speak and talk a little slower than you usually do.”

CHC hosted the Annual Awards Celebration and Reception on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Sullivan and Cromwell LLP in New York City. With nearly 100 guests in attendance, including our extraordinary clients and their families, CHC honored community members making a difference in the lives of people with hearing loss and celebrated the achievements of our scholarship recipients.  

We’re always thrilled to hear from alumni of our children's program—the latest being Matthew Ricker who reached out to share major new developments in his life. We caught up with Matt in a quick Q&A on the 25th anniversary of his cochlear implant.