Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Ullauri and Amy Weber.
Alejandra and Amy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Two years ago, Amy and I decided to join our different areas of professional expertise and co-founded Chicago Hearing Care. I hold a doctorate of Audiology, and a Master’s in Public Health. Amy is an attorney with extensive experience in non-for-profit organizations. We thought that together we could set up a hearing center that: 1) promotes healthy hearing through education programs for the community, 2) prevents hearing loss through education, awareness, and hearing protection, 3) identifies hearing loss through diagnostic services using the latest clinical protocols and diagnostic equipment, and 4) provides a range of hearing solutions (implantable and non-implantable). We envisioned high quality clinical services in a non-hospital location with a big “give back” component. We believe success comes with responsibility, and we are committed to working with organizations helping children with hearing loss achieve their maximum potential.
Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States. Noise induced hearing loss is on the rise in the teenage population. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to dementia and early cognitive decline. The general public needs to know these facts. A person’s teenage son/daughter may be damaging their hearing as we speak. Hearing loss is no longer a problem that comes with age. Hearing problems have a significant effect on a child’s language development, educational success, social interactions, and eventual work performance. Adults living with untreated hearing loss may experience depression, isolation, and work stress. They may even make less money than those with normal hearing.
As we come up to our second year anniversary, we are very proud to see our vision taking off as we enjoy more and more relationships within our community, experience the trust of our patients and their families, and work closely with non-for-profit organization helping children with hearing loss.
We attribute our quick immersion in the highly competitive area of hearing healthcare in Chicago mainly to two components of our clinic: our patients experience the thorough clinical services they expect in any major hospital within a personalized friendly and easily accessible setting, and our patients experience true patient-centered care. They have the best of both worlds: clinical expertise in a great and friendly location with direct access to their doctor, educational and support events. And, we don’t rush our patients or schedule 10 minute appointments.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes, just the normal learning curve of any new business such as working with third party payers, marketing channels that work better than others, but in summary a very positive experience.
Tell us more about your experience helping children and adults with hearing loss.
I have a passion about Hearing Sciences, and I have been very fortunate to see how hearing sciences help people around the world. This has given me a firsthand experience on how different health systems work, cultural views of hearing loss or disability, access to hearing technologies, etc.
My career started in Florida where I earned a Bachelor in Communicative Disorders, then I worked for one year in a school for autistic children in NYC, after that I moved to Australia to pursue a Master in Audiology. When I finished that I received a job offer to work for the NHS in the UK and moved to London and started working in a pediatric cochlear implant program. There I was part of a team that helped children born deaf hear for the first time and develop spoken language like you and me. After that I moved to Ecuador (where I’m from) to start a pediatric cochlear implant program there, and this was the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life. Incredibly thankful for having the opportunity to impact so many little kids’ lives. While I lived at home I pursued a Masters in Public Health to help me understand the local health system better as well as how to provide services within a fragmented health system. I also completed a Doctorate degree at the University of Florida. After 6 years at home I moved to Chicago as a visiting instructor of Audiology at UIC, and then transferred to Univ of Chicago to manage the Audiology department there. While in Chicago I learned more about the health system here, current services available and current needs, and started working with some non-for-profit organizations as a volunteer. One day I shared some of my impressions and thoughts with my good friend Amy, who thought we could put something together to expand on those ideas and that is how we decided to start Chicago Hearing Care
Doctorate degree in audiology from University of Florida,
Master’s degree in audiology from Flinders University of South Australia,
Master’s degree in Public Health from Universidad San Francisco de Quito.
Certified by the American Board of Audiology in Cochlear Implants.
Currently, I participate in the team of experts reviewing the WHO Ear and Hearing Survey Protocol, a collaboration between the World Health Organization and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Board Member at Illinois Hands and Voices, an organization which offers supports to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with a hearing loss,
Board Member at Child’s Voice, a school offering listening and spoken language approach to children with hearing loss.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Mainly Amy Weber, she is my business partner and also one of the co-founders, I could not have done this without her support, ideas and expertise. I can concentrate on what I do best patient care, and I know that someone is directing the business in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Address: 401 E. Ontario St.
- Website: www.chicagohearingcare.com
- Phone: 3126430717
- Email: alejandra@chicagohearingcare.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoHearingCare/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChiHearingCare
- Other: https://plus.google.com/b/110758176127783332834/110758176127783332834
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