Programs & Products

PRODUCTS

The Hearing Help Center
provides consumers with the very best hearing health care (including free hearing tests).  We have “state of the art” equipment, in addition to the world’s finest affordable hearing instruments.

The Hearing Help Center is Tampa Bay’s ONLY non-profit hearing center and can help you find hearing solutions that make sense for you.... solutions that fit who you are and the way you live. For more than 16 years, we at the Hearing Help Center have done more than sell hearing aids. We have given people the opportunity to experience a more rewarding visit with family members, a day at the beach, or a walk in the park. The Hearing Help Center offers a complete line of hearing instruments from conventional to programmable and digital hearing aids.  Hearing tests; hearing aid service; sales and many other services to fit the needs of our customers at discount prices are also available.

Call 727-399-9983 Voice or 727-399-9422 TTY or Email us at HearingAids@dhctb.org to schedule an appointment today! Sit with us and let us listen to your needs, apprehensions and aspirations. We'll find a hearing solution that's right for you.

Hearing Equipment and Accessory Resource
Hearing Equipment and Accessory Resource (HEAR) is a complete assistive listening device store; providing sales, training and service of assistive devices for deaf and hard of hearing people.

At this facility, all types of assistive devices can be seen, tested and purchased. Equipment available includes flashing, shaking and audible signals, alerting the user's attention to the door, phone, smoke detector, security system, baby cry device or alarm clocks. Also available are amplified telephones, accessories or attachments, voice and hearing carryover phones, cell phone accessories, new or used TTY's, computer software and TV clarification/amplification devices.

The HEAR store displays and sells a wide variety of educational tools and novelties related to deafness, sign language and speech reading for all ages. Available books, dvds/video tapes and novelty items make great gifts and teach deaf culture along with communication tips and methods

Knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and direct you to the device best suited for your particular need. For additional information, call 727-399-9983 voice or 727-399-9422 TTY in Pinellas County or Email us at Info@dhctb.org. Orders are shipped via UPS.  Acceptable methods of payment are: cash, check,  Visa or MasterCard.

PROGRAMS

Telephone Equipment Distribution keeps people connected to the community and each other through the distribution of amplified telephones, ring signalers and other specialized telecommunications equipment from Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc (FTRI).  There is no charge for this equipment or for training for qualified applicants.  For more information on how this program is funded go to: www.ftri.org.

In addition, equipment is distributed at our Seminole office by appointment Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For additional information, phone 1-888-832-4314 in Hillsborough or 727-399-9983 in Pinellas or Email: ftrirdc@dhctb.org

Community Education

Community Outreach and Education enhances the understanding of: hearing related issues and the consequences for our community; the importance of appropriate communications strategies; and the availability of programs for persons affected by hearing loss.

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or late deafened, as well as members of their families, can receive consumer training through the Deaf and Hearing Connection. These sessions target issues not addressed by any other agency in the community. Sign language classes at the facility are also available to the general public at a nominal fee.

Community service providers such as health care resources, lawenforcement agencies, local businesses, and other social service organizations are able to receive sensitivity and awareness training as well as specialized presentations on a variety of topics related to deafness, advocacy and laws relating to the rights of consumers. It is the charge of this program to be a resource to the entire community on the need to identify and implement appropriate accommodations.

The entire DHCTB staff works to ensure that all members of the service population receive equal access to local, state and national resources. To this end, the DHCTB maintains a Community Resource Library specializing in books, videotapes and periodicals available for loan to any local individual or organization associated with deafness.

For additional information and course schedules contact the agency at Info@dhctb.org or 727.399.9983 (Voice), 727.399.9422 (TTY).

Counseling

Mental Health Counseling makes it possible for clients to integrate into society and lead productive lives by: dispelling myths and irrational beliefs about hearing loss; creating realistic expectations regarding the impact of hearing loss on their lives and helping them develop appropriate coping skills; and assisting clients affected by depression, anxiety and isolation that can result from hearing loss.

Lois Maroney, LMHC at pjmlnm@aol.com is a late-deafened, licensed mental health counselor who specializes in individuals and family members experiencing the impact of hearing loss.  With Masters Degrees in both Education and Rehabilitation Counseling, she provides the skills needed to teach people how to better cope with their loss.  Lois is nationally recognized in the late-deafened community through her work with the Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA, Inc. President, 2004).

To schedule an appointment with Lois, email her at pjmlnm@aol.com

Case Management

Case Management helps clients become self-sufficient by working with them to create an individualized action plan that enhances their ability to overcome setbacks and barriers to living independent and productive lives. This program also links eligible hard of hearing and deaf clients with the community services and programs that they need.
 
This program is supported in part by CCDA, Florida Department of Children and Families a grant from Pinellas County Social Action Funding.  To be considered for this program, please contact Michael Yelapi at 727.399.9983 (Voice), 727.399-9422 (TTY), 727.933.9910 (VP) or myelapi@dhctb.org to set up an appointment.

Community Activities  - The Deaf and Hearing Connection provides a place for deaf and hard of hearing people to gather for social activities, business meetings and educational programs. Our community room is available to deafness related groups at no charge and for a nominal rental fee for other groups.