Center For Hearing and Communication

Dr. Michele DiStefano is the Director of Audiology at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC). She joined CHC in 2017, with expertise honed at Beth Israel Medical Center, Clarke Schools, and New York Eye and Ear. A CUNY-Brooklyn College graduate, Dr. DiStefano sees adult and pediatric clients for comprehensive diagnostic testing, amplification/FM system fittings, post-fitting counseling, and Early Intervention for both children and adults. She emphasizes family collaboration for pediatric care and treats all clients with the same care she'd expect for her own family. Dr. DiStefano is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and serves on the Board of Directors for the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NYSSLHA) as VP of the Audiology Board and a member of the Government Affairs committee.

Susan E. Adams is an accomplished audiologist at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) with extensive experience in hearing testing, hearing aid evaluation and fitting, as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to sound) management. As the supervisor of CHC’s Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center, she specializes in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), an effective method for alleviating severe symptoms. A graduate of Ithaca College with further studies under Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, Susan serves adult clients and is recognized as one of NYC’s leading audiologists in her field.

Dr. Sandra Delapenha is an audiologist at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), specializing in audiological evaluations and the fitting of hearing aids and other devices for both adults and children. She has extensive experience in evaluating auditory processing disorders and conducting AEP testing. Before joining CHC, Dr. Delapenha refined her expertise at Mount Sinai Union Square and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. She excels in diagnostics and is deeply committed to understanding her clients by actively listening and recognizing the impact of hearing loss on their lives. This enables her to recommend the optimal hearing solutions for each individual. Dr. Delapenha earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from A.T. Still University and holds a Masters and B.A. from Hunter College, CUNY.

Dr. Shelby Platia of the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) is a topflight audiologist with unmatched profiency in the latest digital hearing technologies and adept at identifying the best solutions to address your specific hearing health needs. During her graduate studies, she completed a capstone project titled "Experience and Satisfaction with Hearing Aid Services Delivered via Tele-audiology in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review," which was accepted in April 2021. Additionally, Dr. Platia is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), with specialized training and certification in caring for individuals with dementia.

Dr. Dominique Calandrillo of the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) offers comprehensive audiological care to adults and children of all hearing abilities, with services available in both English and ASL. Her clinical experience spans private practice, hospital, and ENT settings, giving her extensive expertise in hearing evaluations and the latest digital hearing technologies. Passionate about research and evidence-based practice, Dr. Calandrillo is dedicated to helping clients understand and advocate for their hearing health. She earned her Doctor of Audiology from Gallaudet University, where she was honored with the Excellence in Audiology Award.

Terrence Williams is a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) with over 25 years of experience at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) specializing in all types of hearing devices. His technical expertise is essential in the repair, testing, and fitting of hearing aids, as well as providing ongoing follow-up care and counseling. Terrence is also well-versed in assistive listening and alerting technologies that enhance safety and communication for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.