Audiology

Happy Ears on Taylor Street

Happy Ears on Taylor is UI Health’s comprehensive cochlear implant service. We provide a range of services for children (as young as 1 year old) and adults in the multifaceted, complex journey they face, from the onset and diagnosis of hearing loss through management of the condition. Our multidisciplinary team consists of specialists in many areas:

• Neurotology
• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Developmental Therapy-Hearing
• Education

We work closely with early-intervention (age 0–3 years) speech language therapists, the Chicago Public Schools, and other professionals who provide services for those with hearing impairment, including the Children of Peace School on Taylor Street. Some Happy Ears on Taylor patients work with us for many years, throughout their childhood and into adulthood!

Telemedicine

UI Health’s highly regarded cochlear implant program offers a range of services via telemedicine, a technology that allows real-time remote treatment. Via telemedicine, patients have access to the cochlear implant team without having to travel. Our program and its practitioners are certified under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), guaranteeing patient privacy and confidentiality of electronic health information. Our telehealth program cares for cochlear implant patients in smaller communities and remote areas through our Rockford partner, the Center for Sight and Hearing. Telehealth services also are provided for suburban Chicago patients through UI Health Audiology’s Elmhurst office.

Cued Speech

Some hearing-impaired patients have difficulty hearing a spoken language or for whom learning a language is challenging. Cued speech, which aligns the spoken word with hand symbols that communicate symbols, helps these patients and families communicate by making languages that are traditionally spoken by making language visually accessible.