The Eye & Ear Foundation is pleased to introduce the Communication Van. Clinicians and faculty from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and faculty from the Department of Communication Science and Disorders will be using the Van to bring hearing, speech, language, and voice clinical and research outreach to surrounding communities.
Inside the Communication Van
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Outfitted with a fully functional exam room, the Communication Van will travel around Pittsburgh and surrounding communities, focusing on underserved and historically overlooked communities. These communities not only miss out on important services, like hearing care, but also are not represented in studies of communication challenges, so their needs continue to go unmet.
Learn more about the design and specifications of the Communication Van.
Access
This initiative addresses a critical need: access. Many individuals face significant barriers to hearing and communication care, including transportation challenges, lack of insurance, or simply not knowing where to go. By eliminating the need to travel to a traditional clinic or research lab, the Communication Van brings professional hearing and communication evaluations straight to neighborhood centers, senior residences, schools, and community events — meeting people where they are. This allows these populations to participate in important research initiatives and ensures that research truly represents a wide variety of individuals.
Benefits
The benefits for the community are far-reaching. Early detection and treatment of hearing issues can dramatically improve communication, social engagement, mental health, and overall quality of life. For children, identifying hearing problems early can help avoid delayed hearing, speech, and learning. For older adults, it can reduce isolation and the risk of cognitive decline. Speech, language, and voice care are essential for supporting communication at all ages. Communication connects people with other people and supports mental health, education, employment, and social interactions.
Awareness
Additionally, the Communication Van helps raise awareness about hearing and communication health, encouraging proactive care rather than reactive treatment. By providing free or low-cost exams, the program also reduces the financial burden on families, ensuring that communication is a right, not a privilege.
Ultimately, the Communication Van is more than a mobile exam room — it’s a bridge to better health, equity, and empowerment for the Pittsburgh community.
For more information or to connect with the Communication Van, please email us at CommunicationVan@upmc.edu or call us at 412-647-5356.