CHC Champions of Better Health and Hearing in the Spotlight
- John Cochary
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 minutes ago
Leading the Future of Hearing Healthcare
The Center for Hearing and Communication is proud to spotlight three of our clinicians—Dominique Calandrillo, AuD, CCC-A, and Nicole Genser, AuD, CCC-A, and Sara Huzar, LMSW—who presented their insights and research at industry gatherings this fall.
Their contributions reflect CHC’s leadership in innovation, accessibility, and whole-person hearing healthcare. From mobile audiology to adaptive clinical tools to mental health in rare disorders, each clinician’s work brings new insight to the field and meaningful impact to the communities we serve.
Coalition for Global Hearing Health Annual Conference
Audiologists Dominique Calandrillo and Nicole Genser attended the Coalition for Global Hearing Health Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on October 24. They presented a poster titled "Expanding Audiologic Access: Mobile Hearing Care in NYC Communities."
Their work highlighted the impact of CHC’s mobile audiology initiative, which brings hearing screenings, evaluations, and education directly into under-resourced neighborhoods across New York City. Audiologists on board the mobile unit provide services to both pediatric and adult populations. They shared early findings on impact data and community engagement, recommendations for scaling mobile services, and insights into how mobility can expand equity in hearing health.
Dr. Calandrillo provided this additional perspective:
Advancements in screening approaches and protocols are expanding our ability to create sustainable programs in communities that continue to encounter significant obstacles to accessing care.
Early data from our mobile audiology program reveals that self-reported hearing difficulty significantly underestimates the true prevalence uncovered through screening and diagnostic testing.
Through continued collaboration and innovation, we can further ensure that hearing healthcare is accessible to all and inspire others to create meaningful changes in their own communities.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention
Audiologist Dr. Nicole Genser also participated in the ASHA Convention, one of the largest gatherings of audiologists and speech-language pathologists, which took place in Washington, D.C., November 20-22. She led two presentations—an educational seminar titled "Modified Listening Scope Options: Clinical Considerations and Resources for Professionals with Hearing Loss” and a poster titled “Modified Listening Scope: A Synthesized Approach to Evidence-Based Selection".
Modified scopes enable deaf and hard of hearing clinicians to confidently and equitably complete listening checks on hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Across both sessions, she shared research findings and introduced a practical decision-making framework to guide clinicians in selecting the most appropriate scope modifications, incorporating both objective and ease-of-use factors.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Genser noted that the presentations “sparked meaningful discussions about accessibility in clinical education and practice, as well as the importance of creative tools designed for professionals with hearing loss.”
Beyond Sound
CHC psychotherapist Sara Huzar participated in "Beyond Sound," a meeting in Saratoga, NY, November 8th hosted by Neurofibromatosis Northeast (NFNE).
Sara facilitated a discussion on emotional health for people with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2-SWN), a genetic tumor disorder which typically leads to deafness in the late teens/early 20s, as well as balance issues, facial nerve paralysis, and sometimes vision problems. Approximately 20 individuals with NF2 were in attendance.
Sara informed us that much of the session was a discussion about "the impact of NF2 on mental and emotional health, including feelings of isolation, loss, shift in identity, and lack of awareness/understanding from others about what the disorder is and how it affects their day to day lives. People were highly engaged and, I think, got a lot out of it."
Contact Us
Thank you to Sara, Nicole, and Dominique for your commitment to improving life with hearing loss. We look forward to providing future updates on the progress of your work.
Seeking more information about any of these topics? Please reach out to us using the button below and the appropriate clinician will be in touch to answer your question.
Bios
Dominique Calandrillo, AuD, CCC-A, provides comprehensive audiological care (conducted in English or ASL) to adults and children of all hearing abilities. With a clinical background that includes private practice, hospital and ENT settings, Dr. Calandrillo, has extensive expertise in hearing evaluations and the latest digital hearing technology. She has a passion for research and evidence-based clinical practice and enjoys helping clients understand and advocate for their hearing health needs. Dr. Calandrillo, holds a Doctor of Audiology from Gallaudet University where she was recognized with the Excellence in Audiology Award.
Nicole Genser, AuD, CCC-A, whose primary clinical interests are amplification, aural rehabilitation, and electrophysiology, provides audiological services to both children and adults. She actively contributes to various CHC outreach and community-education initiatives. With a strong foundation in research and advocacy, Dr. Genser has presented and published at both state and national levels on accessibility for young adults and healthcare professionals with hearing loss in postsecondary settings. She earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Montclair State University and completed her fourth year residency at CHC. She continues to serve as an executive board member with the New Jersey State Hearing Loss Association of America.
Sara Huzar, LMSW is a psychotherapist providing mental health counseling services in English and American Sign Language. Sara’s therapeutic approach focuses on helping clients explore and understand their past, recognize and build on their present strengths, and develop and work toward their goals for the future. She uses an intersectional perspective that makes space for clients to bring all parts of their identity to sessions, including age, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, and other important aspects of the Self. Sara earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University in 2022.