Programs for Adults

We aim to increase the early identification of hearing loss, support participants in accepting this loss, and connect them to services that can provide treatment and help them to thrive. We partner with senior-focused organizations and community centers throughout the Bay Area to provide free hearing screenings and other important services to their clients and residents.

The Hearing and Speech Center aims to address hearing and communication challenges in a way that is culturally sensitive, adaptive, and accessible to people of all income levels.

Counseling & Ongoing Support

Our team is dedicated to providing life-long professional services to support all people with hearing loss or communication difficulties in achieving their goals. The counseling department provides the essential emotional and psychological support that many individuals and families with hearing loss and communication difficulties need.

We have a special group of counselors on staff who have the training, background, experience, and skills to counsel Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. These counselors understand that being Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or late-deafened is a unique experience. They also have a background in mental health that enables them to provide comprehensive assessments and make referrals for other services, if needed.

Our counseling and ongoing support services include:

Individual and family psycho-social counseling
Home visits
Information and referrals
Case management
Help understanding cochlear implants, deafness and hearing loss

Employment Resources

Young people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may often lack accessibility to employment training and information due to language barriers. The Hearing and Speech Center has provided a list of available resources to assist with your job search. If you have recently been laid off, click the links below for more information.

Hearing Education & Rehabilitation | HEAR U

A series of classes about hearing loss, hearing aids and assistive devices taught by audiologists and professional staff.

Even with a well-fit hearing aid, communication can still present a problem for many hard-of-hearing individuals. We strongly encourage you to come to HEAR U for information about hearing health and strategies to help you communicate better. Check our events calendar for upcoming HEAR U classes!

Introduction to Hearing Loss Series

Understand what your audiogram means and learn communication strategies. Great for those who are new to hearing loss and want to learn about hearing aids before making a purchase.

Cognition and Hearing Series

Understand brain function and what happens when we hear. Learn brain training games, music listening methods and other strategies to improve your auditory cognition.

Apps and Assistive Listening Device Series

Come in to learn about apps for your phone or tablet and Assistive Listening Device (ALD) technology. Class features hands-on demonstrations of technology that helps you in hard-to-hear situations.

CHAT Weekly Meetings

CHAT is a training session to review proper care and maintenance of your hearing aids. We will cover hearing aid use and trouble-shooting techniques.

HEAR U is provided at no cost to participants, but donations are gladly accepted. Your support helps us continue our educational programs.

Adult & Senior Outreach

Our team also provides support for adults and seniors with hearing loss within the community. Our outreach services include:

Individual counseling and psycho-social support
Hearing screenings throughout the Bay Area
Educational presentations and events for community members on topics such as effective communication strategies, assistive listening devices and signs that someone may have a hearing loss
Outreach and education at events and health fairs
Home visits
Monthly and quarterly support group meetings