Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Center for Audiology is offering curbside hearing aid services.
Patients can drive to JFK Johnson, 65 James St., Edison, and place a broken hearing aid in a paper bag and place it on the bench in the circular driveway outside the facility. An audiologist, wearing a mask and other personal protective equipment, will collect the device.
Repairs are done inside while the person waits in the car.
Then, it is put back on the bench, where the person can retrieve it.
The Center for Audiology treats patients of all ages — from the youngest to oldest —with a range of hearing and balance-related problems, including tinnitus. The center provides state-of-the art testing for hearing loss, balance problems and communication impairments. The doctoral level, New Jersey licensed and certified audiologists/hearing aid dispensers often develop long-term relationships with their patients.
“Not all, but many, of our patients are older and they really must be socially distant during this time,” said Anne M. Eckert, Au.D., MBA, administrative director of Rehabilitation, who came up with the idea to connect with patients, according to a statement prepared by JFK. “And we know it’s so important now that our patients be able to talk on the phone, or Zoom or Skype with family. They want to listen to music, or may have programs they want to watch. We don’t want our patients to become withdrawn because their hearing aids are in need of repair.”
The curbside audiology service is for existing patients who need troubleshooting with their hearing aids. The center can repair many hearing aids on-site, although some devices may have to be sent out for more substantial repairs. The center is accepting appointments for new patients, though they will be made for a later date, when JFK Johnson returns to accepting outpatient appointments. Outpatient appointments are currently suspended during the pandemic.
Gavin said the response to the curbside program has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients are receiving the services they need without leaving their car or entering a medical facility.
“The way we do things was completely disrupted by COVID-19,” Gavin said in the statement. “But we came up with creative solutions because we still want to be there for our patients.”
