RIT/NTID Audiology Center opens with increased safety measures

The RIT/NTID Audiology Center, part of the Communications Studies and Services Department, serves RIT and NTID students, RIT employees, and OSHER members. It provides both allied healthcare services and educational support. 

In planning for the center’s reopening Monday, Aug. 31, members of the Audiology Center coordinated with university administration, taskforces, and other departments including Facilities Management Services for building access and custodial services. 

“Since audiologists work in close proximity to students and patients over an extended period of time, this puts them at higher risk than many other RIT employees,” said Amanda Picioli, chairperson of RIT/NTID’s Communications Studies and Services Department. “Appointments can last one to two hours, and certain procedures can stimulate a cough reflex, adding additional risk given the means of coronavirus transmission through respiratory droplets and aerosols.”

A significant percentage of the center’s patients are senior citizens and thus fall into the high-risk category for COVID-19.

Expanded measures for clinical infection control, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting products, and procedural changes to improve social distancing have been implemented.

The Audiology Center now is open and taking the following safety precautions: 

• Appointments will be conducted private spaces 
• All clinic spaces will be disinfected between each appointment
• Appointment times will be staggered to reduce congestion in waiting areas
• Temperature checks will be performed at your appointment
• Audiologists and Speech-Language Professionals follow CDC guidelines for healthcare practices
• All must wear masks at all times and follow RIT procedures during in-person appointments
• Audiologists and Speech-Language Professionals will be in clear masks and face shields

Audiology Services

• Appointments are now required for all hearing aid or cochlear implant services 
• To make an audiology appointment, complete the Audiology Service Request form, email audiology@rit.edu, or call 585-475-6473
• Walk-up services at the Audiology Shop will be limited to scheduling appointments and purchasing supplies
• Audiologists are available Monday-Friday

Speech-Language Services

• Students can sign up for services by completing the signup form
• Individual speech-language appointments may be held in-person or online, as decided between students and their speech-language instructor
• Communication group meetings will be held online