Center For Hearing and Communication
Staff
Michele DiStefano,
AuD, CCC-A
Director, Audiology Services
Dr. Michele DiStefano is the Director of Audiology at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC). She joined CHC in 2017, with expertise honed at Beth Israel Medical Center, Clarke Schools, and New York Eye and Ear. A CUNY-Brooklyn College graduate, Dr. DiStefano sees adult and pediatric clients for comprehensive diagnostic testing, amplification/FM system fittings, post-fitting counseling, and Early Intervention for both children and adults. She emphasizes family collaboration for pediatric care and treats all clients with the same care she'd expect for her own family. Dr. DiStefano is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and serves on the Board of Directors for the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NYSSLHA) as VP of the Audiology Board and a member of the Government Affairs committee.
Susan Adams,
MS, CCC-A
Senior Audiologist
Susan E. Adams is an accomplished audiologist at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) with extensive experience in hearing testing, hearing aid evaluation and fitting, as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to sound) management. As the supervisor of CHC’s Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center, she specializes in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), an effective method for alleviating severe symptoms. A graduate of Ithaca College with further studies under Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, Susan serves adult clients and is recognized as one of NYC’s leading audiologists in her field.
Sandra Delapenha,
AuD, CCC-A
Senior Audiologist
Dr. Sandra Delapenha is an audiologist at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), specializing in audiological evaluations and the fitting of hearing aids and other devices for both adults and children. She has extensive experience in evaluating auditory processing disorders and conducting AEP testing. Before joining CHC, Dr. Delapenha refined her expertise at Mount Sinai Union Square and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. She excels in diagnostics and is deeply committed to understanding her clients by actively listening and recognizing the impact of hearing loss on their lives. This enables her to recommend the optimal hearing solutions for each individual. Dr. Delapenha earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from A.T. Still University and holds a Masters and B.A. from Hunter College, CUNY.
Shelby Platia,
AuD, CCC-A
Audiologist
Dr. Shelby Platia of the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) is a topflight audiologist with unmatched proficiency in the latest digital hearing technologies and adept at identifying the best solutions to address your specific hearing health needs. During her graduate studies, she completed a capstone project titled "Experience and Satisfaction with Hearing Aid Services Delivered via Tele-audiology in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review," which was accepted in April 2021. Additionally, Dr. Platia is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), with specialized training and certification in caring for individuals with dementia.
Dominique Calandrillo,
AuD, CCC-A
Audiologist
Dr. Dominique Calandrillo of the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) offers comprehensive audiological care to adults and children of all hearing abilities, with services available in both English and ASL. Her clinical experience spans private practice, hospital, and ENT settings, giving her extensive expertise in hearing evaluations and the latest digital hearing technologies. Passionate about research and evidence-based practice, Dr. Calandrillo is dedicated to helping clients understand and advocate for their hearing health. She earned her Doctor of Audiology from Gallaudet University, where she was honored with the Excellence in Audiology Award.
Terrence Williams,
Asst. Director, Technology , HIS
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Terrence Williams is a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) with over 25 years of experience at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) specializing in all types of hearing devices. His technical expertise is essential in the repair, testing, and fitting of hearing aids, as well as providing ongoing follow-up care and counseling. Terrence is also well-versed in assistive listening and alerting technologies that enhance safety and communication for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Location
Reviews
Healthy Hearing posts all positive and negative reviews that meet publishing criteria.Read 16 verified patient reviews for Center For Hearing and Communication! Their average review score is 4.81 () from 16 reviews.
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“In all of my visits to the Center have been a positive and productive experience. The entire team that I had worked with were professional, attentive to my needs and concerns. I walked out of the Center completely satisfied with my visit and how I was treated with such professionalism and kindness. I would strongly recommend the Center to anyone who is looking for help with hearing needs.”
Received 01/10/2025Official Response from Center For Hearing and Communication:“Thank you for writing this recommendation and for entrusting the Center for Hearing and Communication with your hearing health care needs. We're pleased that you have been satisfied with the quality of our care. ”
“Shelby was terrific. She took the time to provide full detail on the various tests, cleaned and reprogramed my hearing aids, talk thru options going forward and was delightful to interact with. ”
Received 10/09/2024Official Response from Center For Hearing and Communication:“We're so glad that we could meet your needs. Thank you for letting us know.”
“Shelby Platia is an extraordinary audiologist of great competence and perfect "bedside" manners. She is smart, thorough, direct, honest--a true professional. If all medical care were like hers, we would live in a perfect world.”
Received 10/09/2024Official Response from Center For Hearing and Communication:“Patient-centered care is what we're all about. Appreciate your taking the time to share kind words about Dr. Platia.”
“I am so glad to have my hearing issues solved. From the beginning the Center For Hearing helped me get hearing aids and has helped me maintain them. Every time I have contacted them they have been very willing to help. I recommend them enthusiastically!”
Received 10/01/2024Official Response from Center For Hearing and Communication:“We're glad to have been a help to you in your hearing journey. Thank you for your enthusiastic recommendation.”
“I have been dealing with Tinnitus for a few years, and it was recommended to visit the Center for Hearing and Communication for assistance. At the center, I met with audiologist Shelby and her intern, Nicole. They thoroughly explained the purpose of each test during CHC's comprehensive testing process. After the tests, I had several questions, which Shelby patiently answered. The team at CHC is understanding and provided helpful suggestions to manage my Tinnitus. I am excited for a long and healthy collaboration with the CHC team.”
Received 10/01/2024Official Response from Center For Hearing and Communication:“We're pleased your experience at CHC was a positive one and look forward to many years of collaboration. ”
Clinic details
Center for Hearing and Communication
Over 110 Years of Service and Leadership
Providing Audiology, Speech-language Pathology and Emotional Health and Wellness to People of all ages with hearing loss and listening challenges.
Our providers and support staff at the Center for Hearing and Communication, are committed to providing you and your loved ones with exceptional care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. With locations in New York City and Ft. Lauderdale, the Center for Hearing and Communication is known for the highest quality of comprehensive services for people with hearing loss. We believe that our patients deserve the best care, and we make an effort to make sure you always feel welcome and at ease.
From a simple checkup to a more complex treatment regimen, our dedicated team of health practitioners have the skills and resources to manage all your health needs. We can’t wait to help you feel better today.
Our Mission Provide high-quality, comprehensive services, empower people affected by hearing loss, deafness, or listening challenge. Our Vision Communication Without Limits
Photos
Hearing care services
The Center for Hearing and Communication offers comprehensive care and state-of-the-art solutions for adults and children with hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis.
NYC Audiology Services
Shelley Steven Einhorn Audiology Center Services Include:
- Hearing screening and comprehensive hearing test
- Hearing aid consultations and orientation
- Hearing aid technology available includes, background noise reduction, enhance speech sound, Bluetooth technology to pair or connect wireless to a smartphone, tablet, or TV and more.
- FM systems evaluation
- Auditory processing disorder evaluations (CAPD testing)
- Tinnitus (described as a ringing in the ears by most) retraining therapy and hyperacusis relief
- Auditory evoked potential testing
- State-of-the-art Listening Studio (hearing aids programming) is a resource that helps audiologists fine-tune hearing aid settings
Berelson Hearing Technology Center Services
- Hearing aids, devices, and accessory sales
- FM dispensing
- Emergency repair (loaner hearing aids when available)
- Custom earmolds
- Assistive listening devices (ALD) demonstrations
- Custom hearing protection and headphones/Bluetooth earpieces
- Hearing aid connectivity consultation
- Hearing aid checks
CHC's Pediatric Center - Comprehensive care for children of all ages
infants to teenagers - who are deaf or hard of hearing.
For our 65+ Community - Our team of professionals will help you make sense of all of the options out there and provide a customized solution to meet your specific needs and budget.
- 10% off any hearing aid purchase
- 5% off HLAA chapter members
- Additional discounts for PS-HOPs members (for more information, contact the Penn South Senior Services program)
- Remote services
- Informative and impactful educational programming
- Clinical diagnosis and evaluation services
- An array of treatment options to help senior adults with hearing loss
Telehealth/Express Pick-up Services
- Annual hearing test from home for our existing clients
- Clinicians can troubleshoot issues with your hearing aids to determine how best to resolve the concern
- Potential to program your hearing aids remotely
- Express Drop-off and pick-up is now available for a repair If you don't need to see a clinician
Amenities
Convenient parking
Wheelchair-accessible
Service pets welcome
Hearing implants
Assistive listening devices
Pediatrics
Financing available
Telehealth services
American Sign Language
Tinnitus
Screen/test at home
Remote hearing aid programming
Clinic links
Hours of operation
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8 am - 5 pm by appointment |
| Tuesday | 8 am - 5 pm by appointment |
| Wednesday | 8 am - 5 pm by appointment |
| Thursday | 8 am - 5 pm by appointment |
| Friday | 8 am - 5 pm by appointment |
| Saturday | Closed |
Amenities
Convenient parking
Wheelchair-accessible
Service pets welcome
Hearing implants
Assistive listening devices
Pediatrics
Financing available
Telehealth services
American Sign Language
Tinnitus
Screen/test at home
Remote hearing aid programming
Accepted forms of payment
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- Cash
- Check
- Debit