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Hearing Van

Coming Soon: The University of Pittsburgh Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery proudly introduces the Hearing Van, a state-of-the-art mobile clinic dedicated to bringing hearing healthcare directly to those who need it most. Outfitted with a fully functional exam room, the Hearing Van travels around Pittsburgh, focusing on underserved and historically overlooked communities.
Mock up design of the Hearing Van
A conceptual mock-up showcasing the design and layout of the Hearing Van.


ACCESS

This initiative addresses a critical need: access. Many individuals face significant barriers to hearing care, including transportation challenges, lack of insurance, or simply not knowing where to go. By eliminating the need to travel to a traditional clinic, the Hearing Van brings professional hearing evaluations straight to neighborhood centers, senior residences, schools, and community events — meeting people where they are.

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.

AWARENESS

Additionally, the Hearing Van helps raise awareness about hearing 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 hearing care is a right, not a privilege.
Ultimately, the Hearing 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 Hearing Van, please email us at CommunicationVan@upmc.edu