As he sits in the lobby 65 years later Steve Farmer, a patient who is deaf, recalls his first days at the organization as part of the first Speech Pathology class in 1953. “I’ve been coming here for so many years, I can’t even really remember where we started," said Mr. Farmer. "I have followed the Speech & Hearing Center from before Oak Street to this location. I was one of the first deaf patients at The Speech & Hearing Center and keep coming back.”
He has continued to receive hearing aid services and support ever since. In 1953, The Speech & Hearing Center opened its doors to help those with hearing loss and speech challenges. To celebrate this milestone, they will be remembering where they came from but also starting anew.
After more than 40 years in their Holtzclaw Avenue location, the staff, Board of Directors and patients at The Speech & Hearing Center are looking forward to a new era for the organization. Beginning in January of 2018, the 65 year old nonprofit group will open its doors at the newly renovated 6016 Shallowford Road, Suite 1500. This office in Friar’s Branch Crossing, which sits right on Highway 153, will become the new home to hearing health services ( and hearing aids), industrial mobile testing for OSHA and the speech and language therapy that the center provides.
With demand from Cleveland and Ooltewah, North Georgia and Hixson/Soddy Daisy growing, the group knew a more common thoroughfare with convenient parking and visibility was paramount.
The speech and hearing group which offers all levels of hearing aids from basic affordable options ranging to the most cutting edge high tech hearing aids believes everyone in the area no matter what their income level, deserves access to the best care.
The Speech and Hearing Center primarily provides speech therapy to children who have articulation, language development needs and helping older Americans navigate hearing loss by providing hearing aids and support about the technologies. They also serve adults who have speech needs.