Pediatric Hearing & Communication Program

Our pediatric specialists provide comprehensive assessments and tailored care plans for children with hearing loss.
Pediatric Hearing & Communication Program

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One-stop, multispecialty hearing care

At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer family-centered care and support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our multispecialty program is one of only a few in California that brings together hearing loss experts in:

  • Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat care)

  • Audiology

  • Speech-language pathology

  • Psychiatry and psychology

  • Genetics

  • Social work

During your visit, we spend one and a half to two hours with your family. Our team does an in-depth assessment to make or confirm a diagnosis and help you better understand your child's hearing needs. After your visit, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address all your child's hearing-related needs.

We will follow up with you to discuss our recommendations and also provide them in writing. You can invite others involved in your child's care to join this discussion, such as their primary care provider, school staff and early intervention provider. Our goal is to help children thrive at home, in the classroom and in their communities.

Some of our areas of expertise include:

  • Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

  • Aural atresia and microtia

  • Cochlear implant evaluation, care and follow-up

  • Sensorineural hearing loss

If you think your child may have hearing loss or a speech and language delay, contact our pediatric audiology program to learn more about testing and get started.

Hearing loss treatments and services

At UCSF, we connect each child with the specialized care and support they need, including:

  • Hearing aids

  • Surgically implanted devices, such as cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids

  • Ear reconstruction surgery

  • School support, such as classroom accommodations, assistive listening devices and interpreters

  • Sign language education

  • Speech-language therapy (virtual visits are available for California residents)

Providers

Awards & achievements

Recognized nationally for excellence, we pair world-class medical expertise with compassionate care to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
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  • U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals 2026-2027, ranked in 11 specialties

    Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

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Related conditions & treatments

  • Conditions
  • Treatments
    • American Sign Language (ASL)
    • Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid Surgery
    • Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)
    • Cochlear Implant Hearing Aid Surgery
    • Cochlear Implants
    • Hearing Aids
    • Speech Therapy

Hearing care for adults

At UCSF Health, we meet the changing needs of people with hearing loss as they transition from pediatric to adult care. Our services are designed to provide medical, emotional and developmental support at every stage of life.