Frequently Asked Questions

General

Is the Hearing & Speech Center part of Gallaudet University?

Do you treat residents in Washington, DC in addition to students at Gallaudet University?

Why is the Gallaudet University Hearing & Speech Center the best selection for me?

If you are drawn to a client-centric practice in an academic environment that stresses evidence-based, state of the science techniques, GUHSC is a good fit. Our clinicians are bi- and tri-lingual, able to provide services in spoken English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, and our graduate level students participate in treatment as we strive to train the next experts in the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology. As our client, you will be immersed in the academic training environment that ensures the highest standard of clinical services.

Do you take health insurance?

Here are the insurances we currently accept:

Amerihealth DC
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Care First
United Healthcare
Cigna
Health Services for Children with Special Needs
Novitas Medicare
Tricare - Health Net Federal Services (HNFS)
Care First CHP
United Health Care

Insurance coverage of hearing, speech, and language testing and therapy depends on a client’s diagnosis and specific insurance plan. Insurance companies may require a referral, a prescription, a co-pay, a deductible, co-insurance, and /or pre-certification for a certain number of visits each year (depending on the type of service) or a specific period of time.

GUHSC also accepts self-pay and offers community benefits.

How may I contact or make an appointment with the Gallaudet Hearing & Speech Center?

How is Gallaudet University Hearing & Speech Center’s audiology approach unique?

Do you treat clients who do not know sign language?

Audiology

What is an Audiologist?

How do I know if a hearing assessment is needed?

There are some common symptoms of a hearing loss or deficit, including difficulty following conversations or understanding words, requiring high volumes on the radio or television, missing details provided in a classroom, office or some other environment. At GUHSC, we provide comprehensive hearing testing and a customized review and recommendation based on each individual’s unique needs. If you suspect you or your child should have a hearing assessment, please click here to contact us or schedule an appointment.

Do you provide hearing aid services?

What kind of hearing aid should I use?

There are many brands and styles of hearing aids. Numerous factors are considered when selecting the aids most suitable to your needs. Among those factors are the degree of hearing loss you are experiencing, the daily activities in which you engage, your budget, your level of manual dexterity ability, and cosmetic concerns. At GUHSC, our professional audiologists share information and explain all options with the goal of satisfying each individual’s unique needs. Click here to contact us or schedule an appointment.

Do you provide cochlear implant services?

Speech & Language

How do I know if a speech and language evaluation is needed?

What qualifications do your professional speech and language clinicians have?

All speech language pathologists at GUHSC have met the standards for national certification, state licensing and adhere to the guidelines set forth for continuing education. Becoming a speech pathologist requires a master’s level education at an institution accredited by the national board, the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). A speech pathologist must also pass both college and national boards and earn an additional certification called the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), which is awarded after completing a minimum of 9 months working under the supervision of another ASHA certified SLP.

What should I expect from a speech and language evaluation?

Our evaluations are tailored to each client’s strengths and needs in order to provide a thorough assessment of speech and language skills. Evaluations are often conducted by a team of graduate students practicing under the supervision of a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). At the end of the evaluation, you will be given verbal information regarding the evaluation findings, as well as recommendations and goals for therapy, if necessary. A comprehensive written evaluation report will be provided within 3 weeks of your appointment.

What should I expect from a speech and language therapy session?

Speech and language therapy sessions are tailored to the client’s individual strengths and needs. Therapy sessions are offered in an individual or a small group setting. Sessions run for 50 minutes and are typically provided on a weekly basis. Our services are often provided by a graduate student under the supervision of a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) or a direct service provider.

Therapy sessions are conducted based on the client’s individualized plan of care. Progress is typically evaluated every three months (or as insurance requires), at which point therapy is continued or deemed no longer necessary.

Will I be able to participate in the speech therapy session if I am not the one receiving services?

Do you offer any specialty or community groups?