How can I receive services at your clinic?

The first step is to complete an application for services. You can get an application:

  • On our website 
  • In person at the clinic
  • Mailed or emailed directly to you
When is the clinic open?

We are open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Thursday and 8:00am to 1:00pm on Fridays. The clinic is open during the four academic quarters of the year, and closed for holidays and vacation breaks observed by the University of Washington.

Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to be seen in the clinic?

You can be seen at the clinic without having a referral from an outside clinic or doctor's office. 

What do services cost?

We are a low-fee, donation-supported community clinic. To request a fee schedule or inquire about costs, please contact shclinic@uw.edu  Click here to read about how donations help support the clinic in providing these lower-cost services.

How do I pay for devices and products?

Speech-language pathology services and audiology services and devices can be paid for using credit, debit, and Health Savings cards. Payment is required when you schedule your speech-language pathology services, or at the time you receive your audiology device or product. 

Do you bill insurance companies?

At this time we do not bill insurance companies or Medicare/Medicaid.  For audiology patients, when devices and products are paid for in full by credit card, the clinic will issue an invoice as proof or payment that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement to you.

For speech and language services, the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic is not contracted with any insurance providers. No insurance payment may be made and accordingly, no claims will be submitted to your insurance for these services. 

Once my application packet is received, how long does it take before I am contacted?

You will be contacted by a clinical supervisor to discuss your specific needs. If you have not been contacted within one week, please email shclinic@uw.edu to confirm that your application packet has been received.  If we receive your application during one of the university breaks, it may take longer to respond to you. Thank you for your patience.

Is there a waiting list for Audiology and Speech and Language services?

Depending upon the services you are seeking there may be a waiting list. We are an outpatient teaching clinic whose clinical services are provided by our master's and doctoral level graduate students under the supervision of our clinical faculty. We make every effort to match your evaluation and treatment needs with the educational needs of our students. Depending on the type of service requested, there may be a waiting list. We will keep you posted on your status, should we need to place you on a waiting list. Please contact us for more specific information.

Can I be turned down for service? 

When your application packet is received, it is reviewed by a clinical faculty supervisor.  In some cases, the clinical supervisor may recommend that your specific needs would be better served elsewhere in the community and will make an appropriate referral.  Every effort is made to meet your clinical needs in the most appropriate manner possible.

What Audiology Services do you provide?

We provide hearing testing, new hearing aids, ear molds, hearing aid supplies and repair services, aural rehabilitation, custom hearing protection and musician’s plugs.  We also offer a unique low cost affordable hearing aid program for qualified individuals depending upon financial need.  This unique program utilizes refurbished hearing aids.

How much will hearing aids cost?

Prices will range depending on style and technology.  Generally, the more features or more sophisticated the technology, the great the cost.

In general, the price for a pair of hearing aids will range from $1600 at the low end to $5200 at the high end. For manufacturer and style specific information you will need to talk with an audiologist and time for this discussion will be provided as part of your appointment.

How can I find out about what style of hearing aid would best suit my hearing loss?

Please contact us to make an appointment in our clinic for a hearing aid consultation. At that time, a recent audiogram (hearing test) is needed. This can be completed in our clinic or you can provide one that has been completed elsewhere. This information, along with information about your lifestyle and hearing needs, will be evaluated. Various hearing aid options will be recommended and discussed with you. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about all styles of hearing aids and the pros and cons of each one so that we address your individual needs.

How recent does my audiogram need to be to purchase hearing aids?

Washington State law requires that an audiogram needs to be completed within six months of a hearing aid purchase. This is to protect you, the consumer, so that the hearing aids you purchase meet your current hearing needs.

How much do you charge for a hearing aid consultation?

There is no charge for a hearing aid consultation or hearing evaluation.

How long does it take to get a hearing aid?

From the time of your hearing aid consultation appointment, it will take one to two weeks to be fit depending on the hearing aid style and our schedule.  Hearing instruments that require a custom shell or ear mold typically take two weeks.  At the time of your fitting, you will start a trial period.  A trial period is required by law and is a minimum of 30 days.

What can I do if I can’t afford hearing aids?

There are several options that the audiologist wil review with you. These might include, but are not limited to: 

What is Audiologic Rehabilitation (AR) and how can I benefit from this service?

Audiologic Rehabilitation (AR) focuses on the unique communication needs of individuals living with hearing loss.  We work with you to troubleshoot challenging communication situations and guide you toward successful interactions. Services include:

  • Auditory Training
  • Communication Strategy Training
  • Communication Partner Training
  • Educational Outreach
  • Assistive Listening Device Consultation
  • Lip-Reading/Speech-Reading Therapy