Rochester Hearing & Speech Center moving audiology services from Webster location

WEBSTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Rochester Hearing & Speech Center announced they are transferring audiology services from its Webster location to other existing offices effective June 28.

These services will transfer to RHSC locations in Rochester/Brighton and Greece. Leaders say this is in response to a nationwide shortage of audiologists and hearing instrument specialists.

“Demand for hearing healthcare continues to grow as the pool of certified audiologists dwindles, making it difficult to fully staff three office locations,” said RHSC president and CEO Bob Russell. “Consolidating services into our Rochester/Brighton and Greece locations allows us to serve more patients with greater efficiency.”

Appointments are not being canceled, and affected patients will continue to see their current providers in another setting.

Russell adds given the challenges the hearing healthcare industry is facing, RHSC is getting creative with hiring and retaining those who qualify.

“We’re having conversations with some of the local universities just to make sure they’re aware this is a possible career path for people, and even getting to talk to high school students to be able to say with an Associate’s Degree, this is a career path you can take,” said Russell. “We’re really looking at this as a way for us to be able to better serve the clientele we have and be able to give them the same quality of care they’re used to with us for over 100 years now.”

Affected patients are being notified by mail to confirm where their appointments will be moved to.

The Early Intervention and Preschool Developmental Services at RHSC’s Webster location will be moved to St. Paul’s Church on Hard Road in Webster.

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