Newsletter

Issue: # 5

July/2008 

Department of Education Conference: Partners Building Bridges

June 2-4, AUDIENT attended the annual conference for State Coordinators for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing that work in Rehabilitation Services with the US Department of Education. Hard of hearing people turn to these services for help to continue in or return to the workforce.  AUDIENT partners with rehabilitation counselors to help clients find the hearing care they need at an affordable cost.

Sharon Kerpel, AUDIENT's Director of Operations, gave a presentation to the state coordinators about the advantages of the three-sided cooperation:  vocational rehabilitation counselors, state certified hearing care providers, and the AUDIENT alliance.  Nearly one third of conference attendees were present and asked very important questions.  We all learned that our goal is the same but the pathways are varied.  No matter which path is taken, what is paramount is respect for the hearing care provider's professional needs, as well as respect for the vocational counselor's budget limitations.  AUDIENT is honored to facilitate this communication when and where it serves the goal of the local community.


Hearing Loss Association of America Convention

June 11-14, AUDIENT exhibited at the annual HLAA conference. We were happy for the chance to meet some of the members that regularly refer patients to our program. A number of folks stopped by our booth to say hello, as well as a number of people that wanted to find out more information about the program.

Since we operate almost entirely by telephone and email out of Seattle, Washington, this was a great opportunity for us to interact with those in the hearing loss community. There were so many people that approached us, seeking information on how they can let others know about our program. We were impressed by the dedication of those that want to help others with hearing loss and we are proud to be involved in this community.

What are AUDIENT patients saying about our program?

"Thanks to AUDIENT, our daughter Tanya was able to afford greatly improved hearing. The University of Washington told us about the AUDIENT program and suggested we try to get assistance since the State Social and Health Services would only provide one hearing aid. AUDIENT directed us to a top professional audiologist and Tanya was able to be fitted with two aids. AUDIENT helped immensely and the personnel who worked with us at AUDIENT were the best!"

-- Don, Lakewood, WA

"I was very pleased to be helped by AUDIENT. People are very polite and helpful. I have a hearing aid through you and I was so pleased I recommended your services to my sister in Cleveland, Ohio. I just heard that she was just fit with a pair about a week or two ago. Thank you for your services."

-- Tom, Tukwila, WA