By Cheri Perazzoli
The world needs more programs like Western Washington University’s Audiology Program and Hearing Clinic. I was reminded of that when I attended their first Hearing Clinic Benefit event on May 14, 2026.
At the event, I had the privilege to meet the outstanding staff and faculty, such as clinic director Andrea Reed, and also several audiology students who shared their capstone projects with us.
Larry Wonnacott (HLAA-NWWA President) and I stayed so long talking to everyone we could see that they almost had to ask us to leave. Everyone was so friendly and engaging. I’d trust my ears with them anytime.
Audiology graduate student Haeli Simmelink showed us her capstone project: a mobile van that would provide hearing care and hearing aid support to people in NW Washington State. Haeli explained that mobile audiology could help address health disparities, especially for people who have transportation and socioeconomic barriers to getting hearing care and hearing aids. We’d love to help her find funding to make it happen.
“Haeli’s project was the cherry on top,” Larry noted. “I think it’s such an important and worthwhile project.”
If you need any kind of audiology services, or you want to be an audiologist (yay!), please know that this program offers so much…
- A hearing clinic. This clinic has no fees and is tuition supported/funded. Donations and hearing aid purchases help prevent tuition increases and support clinic program costs.
- A hearing aid bank for people who might not be able to afford hearing aids on their own
- Pediatric audiology services
- A speech-language clinic
- An aural rehabilitation clinic
- A stellar audiology AuD program, which includes an externship in the fourth year
I truly hope this program inspires other universities and communities around the world to create a similar space for students and patients.
About the Author
Cheri Perazzoli is a hearing loss advocate and philanthropist. She’s the founder of Loop Seattle, the current president of HLAA-WA, and member of the national HLAA board of directors. She’s won multiple awards for her leadership and accomplishments on behalf of people with hearing loss here in Washington State and across the country.