By Jay Headley, Associate Director Of Marketing and Communications
Reynita Alcisto, AuD, the clinical director of the House Children’s Hearing Center (HCHC), brings over 16 years of experience in pediatric audiology. She is dedicated to serving children and families from underserved communities and providing them with the most comprehensive care possible.
As the clinical director of HCHC, Dr. Alcisto’s vision is simple: to make hearing healthcare accessible to all. She speaks passionately about the need for timely interventions, especially for children from underserved communities. “Families report that they wait up to four months for an appointment,” she laments. According to the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing 1-3-6 guideline, children should have a hearing screening by one month, a hearing evaluation by three months, and early intervention by six months. Without proper access to sounds, a child is at risk of delays in acquiring speech and language skills and will likely fall behind in their academics. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent this. At HCHC, every child is welcomed with open arms and provided comprehensive care tailored to their needs. From newborn screenings to cochlear implants and rehabilitation, including auditory-verbal therapy, the center offers a lifeline to families navigating the challenges of hearing loss. Beyond clinical expertise, it is the personal touch that sets HCHC apart.
“We try to make them feel like part of our family,” Dr. Alcisto shares. “We know that we’ll be seeing them until their child is 21 years old, so it’s important for them to feel comfortable with everyone on the team.”
We have a dedicated Family Services department that helps families navigate the multiple appointments often needed when a child is first diagnosed. Family Services provides psychoeducational counseling and family support, parent and patient education in the proper handling and care of the patients’ hearing devices, social service resources, mental health referrals, and partners with complementary agencies and non-profit organizations for a collaborative approach to care.
Dr. Alcisto’s dedication extends far beyond the walls of the clinic. She and her team actively seek out opportunities to reach communities in need, whether it’s through free clinic events or partnerships with local organizations. “The majority of our patients come from low socio-economic backgrounds, and we don’t turn anyone away.”
One can’t help but be moved by the stories of transformation that unfold within the halls of HCHC. A recent patient, Ava (15), had been wearing hearing aids that were seven years old. Ava’s hearing aids would turn off intermittently throughout the day, which resulted in her often missing her teachers’ words, or conversations with friends. Her insurance did not cover new hearing aids, and she did not qualify for help from the state. Hearing aids could cost her family up to $7,500. Dr. Alcisto recalls how her eyes lit up with joy when she was fitted with new hearing aids through our Hearing Aid Access Project.
Dr. Alcisto is thrilled about the possibilities on the horizon. With a dedicated team by her side, she envisions a future where every child, regardless of background, has access to the care they deserve. “What’s exciting is that we’re working so closely between the pediatric care, research, education, and global health teams,” she shares.“Working with such passionate and innovative people is a privilege.”
