February 2026

Why is hearing health so foundational to communication, independence, and overall quality of life?

Why Hearing Health is Foundational

"Hearing is really critical to our overall health, our cognitive health, and quality of life."

To schedule an appointment

Central scheduling 412-647-2100

Audiology 412-647-2030

Pitt audiologists launch unique hearing aid dashboard

"Our goal was really to create another pathway and increase access to hearing care."

HearUP: Empowering the Community Through Accessible Hearing Care

In a community-driven initiative called HearUp, the Eye & Ear Foundation is looking to raise $150,000 a year to provide hearing care, including professionally fit hearing aids to people who otherwise cannot afford this care. Hearing aids and associated services often are not covered by Medicare and are rarely covered by private health insurance, so even people who have health insurance may not have access to the care they need.

Bringing Hearing Care to the Community: The Communication Van Initiative

The Eye & Ear Foundation held a key exchange event on Tuesday, September 16^th at the UPMC Mercy Pavilion, future home to the Hearing Institute. Dr. Catherine V. Palmer, PhD, Director, UPMC Audiology, officially accepted the keys to the new Communication Van from Ozzy Samad, President of Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF). BBF donated the van to the Eye & Ear Foundation to be used in the community to provide support to improve communication through clinical and research activities. This will include free hearing screenings and testing as well as free hearing aids.

If you are an eligible and registered Doximity member, please vote for UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery in this year’s U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals survey on Doximity.

Vote Now!

A Vital Partner

The Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, an independent 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1985 to foster philanthropic support for the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. The goal is to keep moving forward, expanding EEF’s support network, and helping the Departments achieve unparalleled distinction in research, education, outreach, and patient care.

OTOVATION is produced in partnership with UPMC