When I First Received My Hearing Aids
01
This was one of my first experiences navigating hearing technology, and I remember how welcoming and accommodating the environment was. As a child receiving hearing aids for the first time, I found the process overwhelming, but the staff made sure I felt comfortable and supported. I still remember receiving stickers and candy as rewards for my patience and cooperation, which made the experience feel positive and encouraging. Dr. Predmore was encouraging, and her jolly personality helped calm my nerves during our appointments together.
Lisa C. Predmore, AUD
1165 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY 11030
(516) 627-7600
Individual and Group Speech Therapy
02
CHC has played an important role in helping me develop my communication, academic, and social skills. Through speech therapy, I was able to work through the challenges caused by my speech delay and continue building my confidence.
I moved to CHC in my later years of elementary school because they offered both audiological and speech services on site. It saved us a lot of time because I could service my hearing aid the same day I received speech therapy. The greatest benefit of having both my audiologist and speech therapist on site was that they worked closely together and shared notes to better support me. If the therapist felt something was off with my equipment, we could easily go down the hall and have my audiologist troubleshoot.
The education staff (speech therapists and hearing education teacher) helped me improve my articulation, vocabulary, expression, and ability to communicate effectively in different environments. Their support went beyond speech; they helped me feel more confident expressing myself. They also shared vital information on how I could make the most of hearing devices, which is why they suggested I get a cochlear implant.
They helped my mom and I plan the process from beginning to end. Their dedication and warmth helped one of the most stressful times of my life pass with a few good memories! I am still connected with CHC today, but in other supportive ways. I recently attended their months-long college workshop that helped me gain clarity in the college application process as someone with hearing loss. Their detailed workshops helped me understand what to prioritize when applying to colleges and how to approach the journey ahead!
Cochlear Implant Surgery and Continued Support
My cochlear implant journey began at NYU Langone, where I received my implant at age seven. I was a late candidate compared to those who receive a cochlear implant at birth, but the supportive staff at CHC decided it was my time to get one too! Dr. Daniel Jethanamest performed the surgery at NYU Langone Hospital. The staff at the hospital tried their best to make me feel comfortable, but I can still remember the post-surgery pain. I was crying from the pain and the heavy bandages they applied to my head and ear. I cried often from pain, but the nurses always worked to make me feel better. Not to mention, they were super gentle in removing the bandages post-surgery. Having my family around helped a lot, too!
As for success with the CI, I am still working to use it to the best of my ability. I continue to work with the speech therapist to strengthen the CI so I can hear optimally. Balancing CI speech work with school was difficult as a child and remains hard with the high demands of high school. But I use any time I have off during summer break to practice and improve my CI hearing skills.
Since the surgery, I have continued receiving yearly check-ups and audiology support. My audiologist and the staff have supported me throughout every stage of my journey.
When I was younger, appointments could sometimes feel frustrating, especially during programming sessions. However, the staff always found ways to encourage me, whether it was distracting me with blocks, starting conversations, or helping me feel comfortable.
They consistently ensured my cochlear implant was properly programmed while encouraging me to challenge myself by improving my listening skills, advocating for my needs, and wearing my equipment more consistently.
03
Elementary School Support
04
My experience at PS 186 was unique because it was the first time I was surrounded by students who shared similar experiences. I attended this program during third and fourth grade, and being in a space where I didn't feel like an outsider was incredibly important as I built my confidence.
This experience also deepened my curiosity about accessibility and how I could improve the lives of others with hearing loss.
One aspect I especially valued was the opportunity to connect with older students who shared similar experiences. Just like my mentors, they inspired me and showed me what was possible.
After this program, I transitioned into an ICT General Education classroom with two teachers. This environment taught me the importance of empathy, understanding different experiences, and respecting others' needs.
My teachers recognized my effort and dedication, and I was honored to be nominated as Student of the Month. However, transitioning into a different school afterward was challenging. Without my teachers' support and reassurance, adjusting would have been much harder.
Because of them, I began believing in my own academic abilities.
D75 Auditory Oral Program @ Castlewood, P.S.186Q
05
Mentor/Mentee Program at CHC
As a child, I always enjoyed being around older individuals because I admired how they carried themselves and found inspiration in their confidence and maturity.
Connecting with a mentor who was also hard of hearing gave me hope. Seeing someone with similar experiences succeed helped me realize my hearing loss wouldn't prevent me from achieving my goals. It let me imagine a future where I could keep growing, learning, and succeeding.
D75 Auditory Oral Program @ Castlewood, P.S.186Q
Middle School Support
06
PS/IS 266 was the first time I was consistently placed in an ICT General Education classroom without transitioning between academic levels.
This experience taught me to advocate for my learning needs and reminded me that I should never feel guilty about speaking up when something isn't working for me.
It also taught me how to balance academics while continuing my speech development on my own.
During middle school, I participated in NYU Langone virtual speech sessions after school. This was extremely convenient because I no longer had to travel long distances to continue working on my communication skills.
Compared to my childhood, when I sometimes had to leave class early to attend speech sessions, this format allowed me to maintain a better balance between school and therapy.
The speech therapists were incredibly knowledgeable and made each session effective, even online. They understood which skills to focus on and helped me continue making progress.
PS/IS 266 and NYU Langone Virtual Speech Sessions
High School Support
07
I currently attend Bard High School Early College Queens and am a rising senior.
Bard provides students with the opportunity to earn an associate degree during 11th and 12th grade while completing their high school requirements during 9th and 10th grade.
This school has changed my life. It has strengthened me academically and socially and helped me grow into the young woman I am today.
I owe so much to this school, my incredibly supportive teachers who pushed me even when I doubted myself, and the intellectual, ambitious community around me.
Bard has taught me how to think critically, challenge perspectives, and approach the world with curiosity.
Most importantly, Bard helped me move past ableist comments and gain confidence as a hard-of-hearing student. My teachers and peers encouraged me to reach my full potential without letting my hearing loss define my abilities, even in moments when I struggled to believe in myself.
Bard High School Early College Queens
08
These bi-monthly College Enrichment Sessions, led by CHC staff, introduced students with hearing loss to different aspects of the college application process.
The sessions guided students through the application process while considering the unique experiences and needs of students with hearing loss.
They also featured other hard-of-hearing students who successfully navigated the college process, attended universities, and built meaningful careers. Seeing their journeys reminded me that hearing loss does not limit future possibilities.
CHC College Enrichment Sessions
Forest Hills Audiology is where I receive support for hearing-related needs, including hearing aid tube removal, occasional earwax removal, mapping tests, and additional guidance related to hearing loss.
For individuals who live closer to Forest Hills, this may be a more convenient option for receiving hearing support and services.
I hope these resources serve as a starting point for anyone looking for support, guidance, or a community that understands their experiences.
Remember: you do not have to navigate your journey alone.