Partnering with Senior Care Communities Across New York
Hearing loss affects nearly two-thirds of adults over 70, yet it remains one of the most under-addressed health concerns in senior care settings. Residents with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience social isolation, cognitive decline, depression, and falls—all of which increase care burden and reduce quality of life.
Pinnacle Audiology offers a structured hearing care partnership for nursing homes, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and geriatric care teams throughout the New York metropolitan area. Our program brings expert audiology services directly to your facility, making it easier for residents to access the care they need.
Who We Partner With
Skilled nursing facilities — On-site hearing screenings and hearing aid support for long-term residents, reducing the need for off-site specialist appointments.
Assisted living communities — Regular hearing wellness visits that help residents stay socially connected and engaged in community activities.
Rehabilitation centers — Hearing evaluations for patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or surgical procedures where communication is critical to recovery outcomes.
Geriatric care teams — Collaborative care with physicians, social workers, and care managers who recognize hearing as a key factor in overall health and independence.
Memory care programs — Specialized support for residents with dementia or cognitive impairment, where untreated hearing loss can worsen confusion and behavioral symptoms.
Our Partnership Program
On-Site Hearing Screenings
We bring portable audiometric equipment to your facility and conduct hearing screenings for residents on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. Screenings identify residents who may benefit from further evaluation or hearing aid fitting, and results are documented for each resident’s care record.
Hearing Aid Support Visits
Many residents arrive at care facilities with hearing aids that aren’t working properly—dead batteries, clogged receivers, broken tubing, or devices that were never programmed correctly. Our audiologists provide regular hearing aid check-up visits to clean, adjust, and troubleshoot devices, keeping residents connected to the people around them.
Staff Education Workshops
We provide training for nursing staff, certified nursing assistants, and caregivers on topics including:
- Recognizing signs of hearing loss in residents
- Effective communication strategies for hearing-impaired individuals
- Basic hearing aid maintenance—battery changes, cleaning, and troubleshooting
- Understanding the connection between hearing loss, falls, and cognitive decline
- When to refer a resident for audiologic evaluation
Family Education Sessions
Hearing loss affects the entire family. We offer educational talks for residents’ families covering how hearing loss changes communication, what to expect from hearing aids, and practical strategies for staying connected during visits.
Communication Environment Assessment
Background noise is the number one barrier to communication for people with hearing loss. We assess your facility’s common areas, dining rooms, and activity spaces and provide recommendations for reducing noise and improving communication accessibility.
Why Hearing Care Matters in Senior Living
Research consistently shows that untreated hearing loss in older adults is associated with:
Accelerated cognitive decline — A 2023 clinical trial (the ACHIEVE study) demonstrated that hearing intervention slowed cognitive decline by 48% in at-risk older adults over three years.
Increased fall risk — Even mild hearing loss triples the risk of falling. Hearing provides spatial awareness cues that help with balance and navigation.
Social withdrawal and depression — Residents who can’t follow conversations at meals or during activities often withdraw, leading to isolation and depressive symptoms.
Higher care costs — Untreated hearing loss is associated with higher rates of hospitalization, longer recovery times, and increased medication errors due to miscommunication.
Addressing hearing loss isn’t just good clinical practice—it improves resident satisfaction, reduces behavioral issues, and supports your facility’s quality metrics.
Our Audiologists
All partnership services are provided by doctoral-level audiologists with expertise in adult and geriatric hearing care:
Eric Nelson, Au.D. — Founder of Pinnacle Audiology, with over a decade of experience in diagnostic audiology, hearing aid fitting, and tinnitus management. Dr. Nelson is committed to bringing high-quality hearing care to underserved senior populations.
Megan Ruth, Au.D. — Specializing in hearing aid technology and patient-centered care, Dr. Ruth brings a warm, detail-oriented approach to working with older adults and their families.
Rebecca Sherman, Au.D. — With a focus on communication strategies and aural rehabilitation, Dr. Sherman helps residents and caregivers develop practical skills for better daily communication.
Get Started
If you manage or work at a senior care facility in the New York metropolitan area and are interested in establishing a hearing care partnership, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how our program can support your residents.
Phone: (646) 436-7590
Email: info@pinnacleaudiology.com
Manhattan Office
421 7th Avenue, Suite 707
New York, NY 10001
Garden City Office
300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 248
Garden City, NY 11530