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Hard of Hearing Services

hardofhearing

Did you know hearing loss strikes at any age? Some are born with hearing loss and one in five teenagers and adults experience loss. Statistics show that 48 million Americans live with some level of hearing loss. According to World Health Organization, the findings show that by 2050, nearly one in four people will have some kind of hearing problem. In Utah alone, there are approximately 600,000 people who have a hearing loss of some sort.

What are some of the signs of hearing loss?

  • Hearing voices but no understanding everything being said
  • Have a hard time understanding dialog on the phone or watching television
  • Needing repeats often
  • Difficulties at large gatherings or meetings
  • Experience isolation because it’s hard to hear
  • Tinnitus, ringing in the ears, can be a sign of hearing loss

We can help! We offer many different resources that include: classes and presentations to help change communication habits for those with hearing loss and their family members (or families and friends?) help in understanding hearing aids better, available accommodations and more. We have an Assistive Technology Resource Room with different assistive listening devices for Utahans to try before they buy.

We have Hard of Hearing specialists around the state that can help.

Hard of Hearing Specialists available in various Utah Counties

  • Northern Utah: Janice Roberts
  • Southern Utah: Michelle Bertaccini
  • Salt Lake City and surrounding areas: Andi Fuller
  • Teacher: Sue Ordonez
  • Statewide Hard of Hearing Program Supervisor: Kelly L. Boehmer

Resources

Assistive Technology

DSDHH has an assistive technology resource room where you can come and see what is available from alert devices such as alarm clocks, doorbell alerts, fire alarm alerts, multiple assistive listening devices. We offer a 30 day loan program to try before you buy. We do not sell any of these items but can provide you with a list of companies where you can purchase yourself.

Below are some short video demonstrations of assistive listening devices shown below:

  • PockeTalker
  • Neck loops

    Contact us to learn more about these devices and other devices available at the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Sanderson Community Center.

Hearing Loss Videos

In May of each year, the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing celebrate the Better Hearing and Speech Awareness month. It's an opportunity to raise awareness about people with hearing loss. 

Support Groups

  • Support Groups Flyer
  • Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) - Salt Lake City Chapter
    HLAA-SLC Website
  • Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA)
    ALDA Website
  • Say What Club
    Say What Club Website
  • Coffee Chat
    Informal support group meeting on Fridays (except holidays) from 10 to 11:30 A.M. online via Google Meet regardless of where you are located sharing frustrations and success with hearing loss.  No agenda. 
    Register here to be on the email list: jobs.utah.gov/usor/dhh/events/registration.html

    Contact

    Utah Hard of Hearing Facebook

    Kelly Boehmer
    Hard of Hearing Supervisor
    385-414-3841 v/text
    kboehmer@utah.gov

    Janice Roberts
    Northern Utah Hard of Hearing Specialist
    435-295-0832 v/text
    jaroberts@utah.gov

    Andi Fuller
    Hard of Hearing Specialist
    Salt Lake City and surrounding areas
    435-260-9961 v/text
    afuller1@utah.gov

    Michelle Bertaccini
    Hard of Hearing Specialist
    435.652.2456 v
    385.271.6220 v/text
    mpequignot@utah.gov

    Sue Ordonez
    Teacher
    sordonez@utah.gov

    Two Locations

    Sanderson Center 
    5709 S 1500 W
    Taylorsville, UT 84123
    801-657-5200

    South Center
    1067 E Tabernacle, #10
    St. George, UT 84770
    435-216-9305