We take pride in always providing the most up-to-date, research-based hearing and balance care and working alongside you to help you meet your goals.
We are making some changes in our clinical policies to better serve you and enable our team to always be able to offer the most expedient service, whether on the phone or in person.
Hannah Simon, Audiology Assistant, has been a vital part of our team for the past six years. Hannah has a B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a Minor in Linguistics from Cleveland State University. She began with us as a Patient Care Coordinator in 2017 and stepped into a dual role by becoming our Audiology Assistant in 2019.
Hannah is a Certified Audiology Assistant with the NC BOESLP/A and a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist. Hannah has amazing skills when it comes to troubleshooting hearing aids, solving Bluetooth problems, and ensuring that your hearing aids are working at their best.
Hannah now has dedicated patient appointment times to see you. This will enable her to continue in this dual role and not sacrifice patient care while simultaneously keeping our front desk operations running smoothly.
What does this mean for you? We are moving to an appointment-based system now if you need hearing aid troubleshooting, Bluetooth/phone pairing assistance, or an in-office repair. Please call us at 919-445-6744 (or email UNC-HCC@med.unc.edu) and we will find a time for you on the schedule. The HCC will no longer be accepting on-the-spot walk-ins. We appreciate your patience and grace as we transition to this new system.
What if I have an emergency? If you have an emergency, you can still drop off your hearing aid(s) but we can no longer troubleshoot your hearing aid(s) in the moment if you arrive without an appointment. We will of course still do everything we can to have a quick turnaround and be thorough. Our 4th year doctoral extern, Jamie Carroll, and our Graduate Assistants, Sydney and Nicole, will continue to help process any hearing aids that are dropped off and we will contact you for pick up as soon as they’re ready. Our goal of exemplary patient care is still the same – it’s just by appointment now.
What if I need supplies, can I just stop by? It is still extremely helpful for you to call us to let us know what you need before you stop in. We cannot always step away from the desk to retrieve these items if you just pop in. Additionally, sometimes we are out of stock. By calling us first, we can be sure we have what you need and get it ready. Additionally, we can mail your supplies to you and save you the trip.
What if I get voicemail when I call? Sometimes our front desk team is in the process of checking people in and out, as well as handling multiple phone calls, so your call may go to voicemail. Don’t be dismayed – we listen to all our messages. If you get voicemail when you call, please leave a detailed message and we will call you back. Even if it’s after hours, we will get your message on the next business day and return your call. Alternatively, you may email requests to UNC-HCC@med.unc.edu.
With the holiday season upon us, please think ahead if you need supplies before you travel or if you need a hearing aid check-up. Please give us a call (or email) to ensure that you have everything you need to have the best communication possible with your friends and loved ones during the holiday season.
Thank you again for your continued support of our non-profit training clinic.
Yours for better hearing,
Stephanie Sjoblad, Au.D.
Clinic Director
Professor