When traditional hearing aids no longer provide enough support, people with hearing loss often face limited options. A new partnership in Greater Cincinnati aims to change that.
The Hearing Speech and Deaf Center, UC Health and the Cochlear Provider Network have joined forces to offer expanded access to implantable hearing solutions – giving more patients a chance to hear clearly again.
This collaboration allows patients to go through the entire process – from initial evaluation and surgery to device activation and follow-up care – with a consistent team guiding them every step of the way.
“Hearing Speech and Deaf Center has been providing communication equity in Greater Cincinnati for 100 years,” said Kristen Hyden, clinical audiologist at HSDC. “When we had the opportunity to become part of the (Cochlear Provider Network), we knew it would help us continue to carry out our mission. We’re pleased to be a part of the Cochlear Provider Network with UC Health because it allows us to expand the solutions we can offer a patient along their hearing journey.”
Improving care through partnership
The process starts with a hearing assessment at HSDC. If a patient meets the criteria for cochlear implants, the team refers them to a UC Health surgeon for a medical evaluation. Once approved, patients return to HSDC to choose their device and accessories. UC Health surgeons handle the outpatient procedure, and three to four weeks later, HSDC activates the device and continues care.
For Chelley Seibert, a local musician and one of the first patients to complete the new process, the results were transformative.
“As a musician, losing my hearing in one ear was quite a challenge,” Seibert said. “Receiving my cochlear implant from UC was an absolute game changer. Not only can I get back on stage with my band, but I’m also more confident in everyday conversations.”
This partnership builds on the University of Cincinnati’s long-standing leadership in hearing health. “University of Cincinnati has a distinguished track record of being at the cutting edge of hearing healthcare, with the earliest cochlear implantation program in the region,” said Dr. Daniel Sun, division director and associate professor at UC.
By keeping patients connected to the same audiologists before and after surgery, the team ensures greater comfort, continuity, and confidence – all of which are critical to long-term success.
“A team-based approach is critical for successful hearing restoration,” Sun said, “and we look forward to helping more people with hearing loss by bringing this technology even closer to home.”
Hearing Speech and Deaf Center
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