Get in Touch With Us
Whether you have questions, need support, or want to explore our services—our team is just a message away.
fhc@ttlc.org
Phone
Phone: (301) 738-1415
Fax: (301) 424-8063
Address
1390 Piccard Dr, Suite 120
Rockville, MD 20850
Comprehensive Testing and Personalized Solutions for Adults
Overview
Hearing connects us to our loved ones, our work, and our community. Our adult hearing assessments provide a detailed understanding of your auditory health and empower you with personalized, evidence-based recommendations. Whether you are experiencing communication difficulties, tinnitus, dizziness, or simply want to monitor your hearing as part of your wellness routine, our expert audiologists will provide compassionate, professional care.
Our Diagnostic Process
Our comprehensive diagnostic process begins with an in-depth review of your hearing and medical history to understand your unique concerns. We go beyond routine hearing testing to uncover the root cause of communication challenges, listening fatigue, or tinnitus. Each appointment allows enough time and attention to thoroughly evaluate hearing sensitivity, speech understanding, and middle ear function, while providing additional specialized assessments when needed — such as auditory processing evaluations, tinnitus or balance screenings, and hearing-in-noise testing. Results are discussed clearly, and we work collaboratively with you to determine personalized next steps for treatment or management.
Next Steps and Treatment Options
If hearing loss is identified, our audiologists will discuss individualized treatment options that may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, communication counseling, or medical referral. Our clinic uses advanced verification tools like real-ear measurement to ensure that hearing aids are precisely fit for each patient’s hearing profile.
Our Philosophy of Care
We believe that better hearing is not achieved through technology alone — it requires education, partnership, and follow-up support. Our audiologists take the time to understand your lifestyle and communication needs, ensuring recommendations that align with your goals.
Ongoing Support
Patients of The Family Hearing Center benefit from continued follow-up care, adjustments, and maintenance. Whether you are a first-time hearing aid user or seeking a second opinion, we are here to support your long-term hearing health.
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care for Children and Families
At The Family Hearing Center, we know that hearing plays a vital role in a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and thrive. Early identification and intervention are key to supporting strong speech and language development. Our pediatric hearing assessments are designed to provide a clear understanding of your child’s hearing health using evidence-based techniques, gentle interaction, and family-focused communication. Whether you’re following up on a newborn hearing screen, exploring speech or academic concerns, or seeking a full diagnostic evaluation, our audiologists offer comprehensive and compassionate care for children of all ages.
Our Approach
We use developmentally appropriate testing methods tailored to your child’s age, attention, and developmental level. Our pediatric-friendly environment, interactive equipment, and patient-centered approach help ensure that testing is both accurate and comfortable for young patients and their families.
What to Expect During the Appointment
Your child’s appointment includes a detailed case history, ear examination, and age-appropriate hearing tests such as Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA), or otoacoustic emissions (OAE). Our audiologists explain each step of the process, review results in clear, supportive language, and collaborate with physicians, educators, and speech-language pathologists as needed.
Why Early Testing Matters
Early identification of hearing loss can profoundly impact a child’s development. Detecting and addressing hearing difficulties as soon as possible supports stronger communication, literacy, and social-emotional growth.
Common Reasons for Pediatric Hearing Testing
Speech or language delay
Difficulty following directions or inattentiveness
Recurrent ear infections or fluid buildup
Failing a newborn or school hearing screening
Family history of hearing loss
Concerns from parents, teachers, or physicians
Follow-Up & Next Steps
If hearing loss is detected, our audiologists guide families through options such as medical referral, hearing aids, assistive devices, or auditory therapy. We partner with families and other professionals to ensure your child receives the full support they need for success.
Our Pediatric Team
Our pediatric audiologists have extensive experience evaluating children from infancy through adolescence. We prioritize trust, patience, and collaboration to help children feel comfortable and parents feel informed.
Ototoxicity, Occupational, and Disability-Related Hearing Care
Some patients require ongoing monitoring of their hearing for medical, occupational, or legal reasons. The Family Hearing Center provides specialized testing designed to track changes in hearing over time and ensure early intervention when needed. Whether your goal is to monitor hearing during medical treatment, meet occupational health requirements, or document hearing status for disability assessment, our experienced audiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to provide accurate, reliable results.
Ototoxicity Monitoring
Certain medications used to treat cancer, infections, or other conditions can affect hearing or balance. Our ototoxicity monitoring program provides baseline and follow-up testing to detect changes as early as possible. We communicate closely with referring physicians and oncology or infectious disease teams to support medical decision-making and protect long-term hearing health.
Occupational and Industrial Hearing Testing
For individuals exposed to workplace noise, we offer OSHA-compliant baseline and annual hearing exams. Our services include:
Baseline testing for new employees in noisy environments
Periodic monitoring to identify early signs of noise-induced hearing loss
Customized reports for employers and occupational health departments
Counseling on hearing protection and prevention strategies
Disability and Medical-Legal Hearing Assessments
We provide comprehensive audiologic evaluations for patients requiring documentation for Social Security disability, Veterans Affairs (VA), or insurance purposes. Our detailed reports include diagnostic audiometry, speech testing, and functional communication measures to ensure accurate, defensible assessments.
Other Specialty Monitoring Services
Hearing Conservation & Education: Community and workplace programs promoting hearing protection and awareness.
Hearing in Noise and Functional Listening Evaluations: For individuals reporting difficulty hearing despite normal thresholds.
Our Commitment to Care
Every monitoring program is tailored to the patient’s medical and personal context. We prioritize precision, consistency, and collaboration — working with patients, physicians, employers, and agencies to ensure the best outcomes and clear communication.
Personalized Solutions for Better Hearing and Everyday Accessibility
Our approach to hearing technology is rooted in precision, transparency, and patient-centered care. Whether you are pursuing your first pair of hearing aids, upgrading existing technology, or seeking support for devices purchased elsewhere, The Family Hearing Center offers comprehensive services to help you hear — and live — your best. We partner with all major manufacturers and take pride in providing individualized guidance, realistic expectations, and ongoing support.
Hearing Aid Evaluation and Consultation
Each journey begins with a thorough discussion of your hearing test results, listening goals, and lifestyle. We include an in-depth evaluation of your listening and communication needs to understand where and when you experience the greatest challenges. Our audiologists work with you to identify the most appropriate equipment or devices — discussing various makes and models so that you can make an informed, personalized choice. We review features, connectivity options, and financing programs to ensure a confident and transparent decision.
Hearing Aid Fitting and Verification
Our fittings use evidence-based best practices, including real-ear verification (REM), to ensure that your hearing aids are programmed precisely to your hearing profile. We take time to optimize comfort and clarity so you can enjoy natural, effortless listening in everyday environments.
Hearing Aid Orientation and Counseling
Education is key to successful hearing aid use. We provide personalized instruction on insertion, care, battery or charging management, and communication strategies. We also address expectations, adjustment timelines, and troubleshooting techniques to promote long-term success.
Follow-Up Visits and Fine-Tuning – Reprogramming
Hearing and listening needs can change over time. Following your fitting, we schedule a series of follow-up visits during the trial period to ensure optimal performance and successful adaptation to your new hearing aids. These appointments allow our clinicians to fine-tune settings, make software updates, and reprogram devices as needed for comfort and clarity. If necessary, patients may return or exchange purchased equipment within our generous trial period to ensure complete satisfaction. While these services are included with all hearing aid purchases through our clinic, we are also happy to provide professional reprogramming and support for hearing aids purchased elsewhere.
Repair and Maintenance Services
We service nearly all major brands of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Many service needs and minor repairs can be completed directly in our office, allowing for quick turnaround and minimal downtime. For repairs requiring manufacturer-level work, our team coordinates all logistics on your behalf — from shipping and tracking to final quality checks — ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Whether your device is in or out of warranty, we work directly with manufacturers to arrange repairs, perform cleanings, and restore performance, regardless of where the hearing aids were originally purchased.
Loaner Hearing Aids
When available, we offer loaner hearing aids for patients whose devices must be sent for repair or are temporarily unusable. Loaners help maintain communication and comfort while ensuring uninterrupted hearing support during the repair process.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
We support and fit ALDs from all major manufacturers, including remote microphones, FM/DM systems, Bluetooth streamers, and TV listening accessories. Our audiologists also guide patients in the candidacy, setup, and use of other accessibility tools such as captioned telephones, visual alerting devices, t-coil looping systems, and smartphone integration.
Beyond technology, we assist patients, schools, and employers in acquiring accommodations and accessibility equipment under ADA guidelines to ensure equal communication access in classrooms, workplaces, and public settings.
Our Commitment to Ongoing Care
We believe that technology is only as effective as the care that supports it. Every fitting includes personalized counseling, long-term service, and professional accountability — with a focus on helping each patient hear better and live more fully.
Tailored Comfort, Protection, and Performance
The Family Hearing Center offers a complete range of custom ear products designed for comfort, safety, and superior acoustic performance. Whether for hearing aids, musicians, swimmers, or occupational protection, each piece is crafted from a precise impression of your ear to ensure a secure fit and reliable performance. We partner with top manufacturers to offer the latest materials and designs for every lifestyle and need.
Custom Earmolds for Hearing Aids
Custom earmolds provide optimal comfort, retention, and sound quality for patients using behind-the-ear or receiver-in-canal hearing aids. Our team ensures a perfect fit by taking precise ear impressions and selecting the most appropriate acoustic style, material, and venting for your specific hearing needs and preferences.
Custom Hearing Protection
We offer both recreational and occupational hearing protection options, designed to safeguard your hearing without compromising sound quality or communication.
Recreational Protection: Sleep plugs, concert and music plugs, watersport plugs, travel and flight plugs, DIY and home improvement plugs, motorsports, shooting and hunting protection, and sports-related earplugs.
Occupational Protection: Custom earplugs for factory, dental, medical, farming, construction, aircraft, roadway, electrical, paper & pulp, mining, oil & gas, carpentry, railroad, and military or police applications.
Our hearing protection solutions can include flat-attenuation musician filters, impulse filters for shooting sports, or communication-enabled earpieces for high-noise industries.
Swim Molds
Custom swim molds keep water out of the ears and help prevent irritation or infection, especially for children with ear tubes or individuals prone to swimmer’s ear. They’re available in a variety of fun colors and floatable materials, offering both comfort and durability.
Custom Musicians’ Monitors
For musicians, sound engineers, and performers, we offer custom in-ear monitors that deliver high-fidelity sound and reliable isolation on stage or in the studio. These products can be tailored to your listening preferences, with options for multi-driver configurations and detachable cables.
Specialized and Other Custom Ear Products
In addition to standard earmolds and plugs, we also provide:
Custom Communication Earpieces: For pilots, broadcasters, security professionals, and first responders.
In-Ear Monitors for Audiophiles: High-resolution earpieces offering studio-quality sound for personal listening.
Custom Bluetooth Earpieces: For users seeking a comfortable, stable, and acoustic-sealing fit for wireless communication.
Filtered and Vented Plugs: Reduce noise while preserving speech clarity in variable environments.
Materials and Options
Our earmolds and earplugs are available in multiple materials (silicone, acrylic, or vinyl) and can be customized for color, texture, and acoustic properties. Soft medical-grade silicone options provide durability and comfort even for extended wear.
Care and Maintenance
We provide cleaning tools and maintenance kits to extend product life and maintain hygiene. Replacement schedules and refitting are recommended periodically to ensure ongoing protection and performance as your ears or needs change.
Guarantee and Warranty
We stand by the quality and precision of our custom ear products. Each item is backed by a satisfaction guarantee and manufacturer warranty. We guarantee a comfortable, secure fit and will work closely with patients during the warranty period to modify, adjust, or remake custom products as needed to ensure comfort, performance, and satisfaction. Our team coordinates all warranty-related service directly with the manufacturer when necessary, ensuring seamless support and timely resolution.
Giving the Gift of Hearing Since 2008
Mission
To provide free, high-quality hearing healthcare — including hearing evaluations, hearing aids, and ongoing audiology services — to children and adults for whom care may otherwise be financially out of reach. We believe hearing is a fundamental part of human connection and should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury.
Who It Serves
The Help Others Hear program supports low-income individuals in Montgomery County and surrounding areas who experience hearing difficulties but may not have the financial resources to access necessary treatment and support. Our goal is to remove barriers to hearing healthcare and improve communication, education, and overall quality of life through compassionate, community-driven care.
What It Offers
Free Advanced Hearing Aids: Each device is selected and programmed to the recipient’s hearing profile.
Audiology Consultations and Fittings: Comprehensive hearing care provided at TLC’s Family Hearing Center.
Follow-Up Visits and Repairs: Ongoing adjustments, maintenance, and support for recipients to ensure long-term success.
Why It’s Needed
Hearing aids are not covered by most insurance plans, and the average cost of a pair of hearing aids often puts them out of reach for many individuals. Hearing loss affects every aspect of life, from learning and employment to personal relationships. By addressing this gap, the Help Others Hear program transforms lives through restored connection and confidence.
Program Impact
While The Family Hearing Center has supported the community and worked to make hearing healthcare accessible since 1964, the Help Others Hear program was formally established in 2008. Since then, we have consistently provided services to new patients on a financial-need basis and have continued to offer follow-up care and long-term support to ensure sustained hearing health.
Since its inception in 2008, the Help Others Hear program has made a lasting difference in our community:
Over 377 hearing aids distributed as of mid-2024.
More than $530,000 raised, including $161,000 in grants from the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation.
Supported by generous donors such as the Samuel Burtoff Foundation and Bob and Barbara Evans.
Recipients frequently report life-changing improvements in communication, work performance, and family relationships — reflecting the program’s core mission of accessibility and inclusion.
How to Apply
Contact The Family Hearing Center to initiate intake into the HOH program.
Contact the HOH at hoh@ttlc.org determine eligibility based on income and household expenses.
Provide or Schedule a Hearing Evaluation at TLC.
Approval and Fitting: Eligible applicants receive hearing aids and personalized follow-up care.
Our team reviews each application carefully to ensure support reaches those most in need, with compassion and confidentiality.
How to Help
You can help give the gift of hearing by making a tax-deductible donation. Contributions directly fund hearing aid purchases, fittings, and follow-up care for those in need.
Donate Online: www.ttlc.org/donatenow
Mail Donations: The Treatment and Learning Centers – Family Hearing Center, 14901 Piccard Road, Rockville, MD 20850
Your generosity makes it possible for every person to access the care they deserve.
Testimonials
“I hadn’t realized how much I was missing until I could hear my grandchildren again. The Family Hearing Center changed my life.” — Program Recipient
“Thanks to the Help Others Hear program, I can hear my students clearly and feel confident in my classroom again.” — Local Teacher and Recipient
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Managing Listening Difficulties
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA, 2005), Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) refers to deficits in how the brain processes auditory information within the central auditory nervous system. These difficulties are not due to hearing loss, language differences, or cognitive factors, but rather to challenges in the way auditory signals are interpreted and organized by the brain.
Individuals with APD may experience poor performance in one or more areas such as sound localization, auditory discrimination, pattern recognition, understanding speech in noise, or interpreting degraded acoustic signals. In everyday terms, this means a person may hear sounds clearly but have trouble making sense of what they hear—especially in noisy, fast-paced, or multi-speaker environments.
At The Family Hearing Center, we specialize in evaluating and treating APD in children and adults using evidence-based assessments and personalized care. Our goal is to help each patient improve listening, comprehension, and overall communication in everyday life.
Common Signs of APD
Signs of auditory processing difficulties can vary widely and sometimes overlap with other conditions. Common indicators may include:
Difficulty localizing where sounds come from
Trouble understanding speech in noisy or echoing environments
Longer response times or frequent requests for repetition
Inconsistent or inaccurate responses during conversations
Difficulty following complex or rapid spoken instructions
Challenges with reading, spelling, or remembering verbal information
It’s important to note that multilingualism or cultural communication differences do not indicate APD. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether listening difficulties are due to auditory processing or other underlying factors.
Our Testing Process
Our comprehensive APD evaluation goes beyond basic hearing tests. We use a specialized test battery that may include measures of speech-in-noise understanding, dichotic listening, temporal processing, and pattern recognition to determine how the auditory system processes sound. Testing typically takes one to two hours and is tailored to the individual’s age, language proficiency, and needs.
Results are explained clearly and include written recommendations for home, school, and work. We also coordinate with families, teachers, and employers to ensure that accommodations and supports are implemented effectively.
Treatment and Management Options
APD management is individualized and may include:
Aural Rehabilitation & Auditory Training: In-house therapy designed to strengthen listening and comprehension skills through structured auditory exercises.
Low-Gain Amplification: Specialized hearing technology to enhance speech clarity and reduce listening fatigue, even for those with normal hearing thresholds.
FM/DM & Remote Microphone Systems: Improves the signal-to-noise ratio in classrooms and workplaces by transmitting speech directly to the listener.
Environmental and Communication Strategies: Personalized recommendations to optimize listening environments at home, school, or work.
Counseling and Support: Education for patients and families on practical communication strategies and available resources.
Collaboration and Accommodations
We work closely with schools, employers, and allied professionals to advocate for appropriate accommodations under IDEA and ADA guidelines. This may include classroom amplification, testing modifications, written instructions, or preferential seating. Our goal is to empower every individual with APD to achieve their highest potential in academic, professional, and social settings.
Ongoing Support
Hearing and auditory processing needs can evolve over time. We provide follow-up evaluations, periodic re-assessment, and ongoing therapy as needed to monitor progress and adapt treatment plans.
Our Team-Based Approach
At The Family Hearing Center, we follow ASHA’s guidance in providing person- and family-centered care through an interprofessional team approach. Each APD evaluation and treatment plan is developed in collaboration with the patient, their family, and other professionals as appropriate. Depending on individual needs, our team may coordinate with speech-language pathologists, educators, occupational therapists, psychologists, physicians, and other specialists.
This collaborative process ensures that every aspect of a patient’s communication and learning environment is considered — from academic and workplace accommodations to emotional and social well-being. We believe that successful management of APD requires not only accurate diagnosis and effective therapy but also ongoing partnership among patients, families, and care providers.
Relief through understanding, sound management, and support
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds without an external source. Hyperacusis is increased sensitivity to sound, where ordinary noises can feel uncomfortably loud. Both can affect focus, sleep, and quality of life. Our audiologists use evidence-based methods to evaluate these conditions and develop personalized strategies for relief.
Evaluation
Each visit includes a review of your hearing and medical history, a full hearing test, and when needed, additional measures such as tinnitus pitch matching, masking levels, or loudness tolerance testing. We take time to understand how sound affects your daily life and coordinate with medical providers when necessary.
Treatment Options
We focus on helping patients manage rather than “cure” tinnitus or sound sensitivity. Our clinic follows a Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) approach — a structured, evidence-based framework that combines education, sound therapy, and individualized support to reduce the impact of tinnitus and improve daily functioning. Treatment may include:
Education & Counseling: Understanding the condition helps reduce distress and improve coping.
Sound Therapy: Gentle background sound, sound generators, or apps to lessen the contrast of tinnitus and ease sound sensitivity.
Hearing Aids: For those with hearing loss, amplification can improve clarity and reduce tinnitus perception.
Tinnitus Retraining or Progressive Tinnitus Management: Structured programs that combine counseling and sound therapy.
Hyperacusis Support: Gradual sound desensitization and healthy hearing protection strategies.
Collaboration & Follow-Up
We work closely with ENTs, mental health providers, and other specialists as needed. Follow-up visits help track progress and adjust your plan for continued improvement.
Skilled, Safe Ear Cleaning for Better Hearing
Earwax (cerumen) helps protect and clean the ear canal, but excessive buildup can cause blockage, discomfort, or reduced hearing. At The Family Hearing Center, we offer skilled earwax removal using gentle, professional techniques to restore comfort and clarity.
When to Seek Removal
You may benefit from professional ear cleaning if you experience:
Fullness, pressure, or discomfort in the ears
Muffled or reduced hearing
Feedback or poor performance from hearing aids
Persistent itching or ringing
Our Approach
We use the safest method for each patient—manual extraction or gentle irrigation—based on ear anatomy, wax consistency, and comfort. Each visit includes a thorough ear exam, and every procedure is performed under direct visualization to ensure safety.
Why Professional Care Matters
Home tools and cotton swabs can push wax deeper or damage the ear canal. Professional removal ensures safe, effective cleaning and allows our audiologists to screen for infections or other ear concerns.
Support for Hearing Aid Users
Earwax can block hearing aid components and reduce performance. Regular cerumen checks are included in our follow-up care for hearing aid users to maintain clear, consistent sound.
Ongoing Care & Collaboration
If chronic wax buildup or medical ear issues are present, we coordinate care with ENT or primary care providers. Preventive ear checks are recommended for patients who experience frequent accumulation.
Empowering Communication Through Education, Technology, and Support
Aural Rehabilitation (AR) helps people with hearing loss make the most of their hearing and communication abilities. At The Family Hearing Center, our AR services are provided collaboratively by audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to support both the auditory and communication aspects of hearing health. Whether you use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices—or simply want to improve everyday listening—our goal is to help you reconnect with the world around you.
What Aural Rehabilitation Includes
AR is highly individualized and may include:
Individual and Group Sessions: Focused on practical listening strategies and communication confidence.
Communication Counseling: For patients and families, emphasizing clear strategies for conversations at home, work, and social settings.
Auditory Training: Structured exercises to strengthen listening skills, improve speech understanding, and enhance sound recognition.
Hearing Loss Support Groups: Peer-led discussions that offer encouragement, education, and shared experiences.
What to Expect
Your AR plan begins with an in-depth discussion of your hearing test results, communication goals, and listening environments. Together, we create a personalized plan that may include:
Training to improve understanding in background noise
Use of hearing assistive technology (HAT) like remote microphones or captioned phone systems
Education for family members on how to best support communication
Integration of visual cues and speechreading techniques
Collaboration with Speech-Language Pathology
Our AR program is offered in conjunction with TLC’s Speech-Language Pathology team, ensuring a comprehensive approach that addresses both the hearing and communication aspects of listening. This team-based model promotes smoother conversation flow, stronger communication strategies, and improved confidence in daily interactions.
Support Beyond the Clinic
We encourage ongoing engagement through hearing loss support groups and self-care education. Patients also learn about community and workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring access and inclusion in all communication settings.
Our Philosophy
We believe that hearing care doesn’t end with a hearing aid—it begins with empowering individuals and families to communicate effectively. Aural rehabilitation provides the tools, training, and support to make that possible.
Hearing Care That Meets You Where You Are
The Family Hearing Center offers convenient, secure telehealth options for patients who prefer to receive hearing care from home. Through our teleaudiology services, many aspects of audiologic care—including counseling, hearing aid programming, and follow-up visits—can be delivered remotely without sacrificing quality or personal attention.
What We Offer via Teleaudiology
Our telehealth platform allows us to provide several services virtually, including:
Remote Hearing Aid Programming and Adjustments: Fine-tuning and troubleshooting of most major hearing aid brands through manufacturer-supported teleaudiology software.
Counseling and Aural Rehabilitation: Education, communication strategies, and hearing health counseling for individuals and families.
Hearing Aid Support and Troubleshooting: Guided assistance for cleaning, pairing devices, app support, and performance checks.
Mail-In Service and Repair Coordination: For devices needing in-office or manufacturer-level service, patients can mail hearing aids to our clinic for inspection, repair, and return shipping.
Benefits of Teleaudiology
Convenient access to professional audiology services from the comfort of home.
Reduced travel time and scheduling barriers.
Continued care for patients with mobility limitations or living farther from the clinic.
Secure, HIPAA-compliant technology to protect patient privacy.
Who Can Use Telehealth
Teleaudiology services are available to both new and returning patients, depending on the type of care needed and your device compatibility. Some services, like initial diagnostic testing or ear examinations, still require in-person appointments. Our team will help determine which format best fits your needs.
How It Works
Schedule a Telehealth Appointment: Contact us by phone or online to request a remote session.
Connect Securely: We send a secure video link or remote programming invitation.
Receive Personalized Care: Our audiologist guides you through adjustments, counseling, or troubleshooting in real time.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to making hearing care accessible, flexible, and patient-centered. Whether in person or online, you’ll receive the same professional, compassionate care that defines The Family Hearing Center.