Center for Hearing and Communication

Dr. Michele DiStefano is Director of Audiology at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC)Center and Berelson. Dr. DiStefano joined CHC in 2017 with expertise in pediatric audiology honed at Beth Israel Medical Center, Clarke Schools, and New York Eye and Ear. A graduate of the audiology program at CUNY-Brooklyn College, Dr DiStefano sees children and adults at CHC with a focus on comprehensive diagnostic testing, fitting of amplification/FM systems, post-fitting counseling and Early Intervention. With her pediatric clients, Dr. DiStefano partners with the families to help them ensure their child achieves his or her goals. As an audiologist working with clients of all ages, her approach is to treat people exactly as she would want one of her own family members treated by a health care professional.

Susan E. Adams is a skilled audiologist with unique expertise in the evaluation and treatment of tinnitus (also known as ringing in the ear) and hyperacusis. She serves as supervisor of CHC’s Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center and specializes in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), a technique that has proven highly effective in alleviating the debilitating symptoms of severe tinnitus and hyperacusis. Having earned her audiology degree at Ithaca College with further studies under the esteemed Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, Susan serves an adult roster of clients with and without tinnitus. She is regarded as one of NYC’s leading audiologists specializing in tinnitus.

Sandra Delapenha is an audiologist with expertise in audiological evaluations and the fitting of hearing aids and other devices for adults and children. Dr. Delapenha has extensive experience in the evaluation of auditory processing disorder and AEP testing. Prior to joining CHC, she honed her skills at Mount Sinai Union Square and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. She’s highly experienced in diagnostics and passionate about getting to know her clients—by being a proactive listener and understanding the impact of hearing loss on their lives—so she can recommend the best hearing solutions for each individual. Dr. Delapenha holds a Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University and a Masters and B.A. from Hunter College, CUNY.

Dr. Anita Stein-Meyers is the Assistant Director of Audiology at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) and has been a member of CHC’s team of audiologists since 1986. Dr. Stein-Meyers’ area of expertise is the comprehensive audiological evaluation and amplification fitting of infants and young children. Through the use of state-of-the-art equipment and her years of knowledge she brings expert care and compassion to families throughout the tri-state area. She received her Master’s Degree in Audiology in 1986 from Brooklyn College and her Doctor of Audiology degree in 2003 from the Arizona School of Health Sciences. Dr. Stein-Meyers has presented on hearing loss in children at state and national conventions. She is certified by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, and is licensed in the state of New York. Dr. Stein-Meyers is an advisor and volunteer at Mayflower Medical Outreach, and serves on the professional panel for the In International Humanitarian Hearing Aid Purchasing Program.

Dr. Calandrillo provides comprehensive audiological care (conducted in English or ASL) to adults and children of all hearing abilities. With a clinical background that includes private practice, hospital and ENT settings, Dr. Calandrillo, has extensive expertise in hearing evaluations and the latest digital hearing technology. She has a passion for research and evidence-based clinical practice and enjoys helping clients understand and advocate for their hearing health needs. Dr. Calandrillo, holds a Doctor of Audiology from Gallaudet University where she was recognized with the Excellence in Audiology Award.

Terrence Williams, Director of Assistive Technology at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) is a Hearing Instrument Specialist with more than 25 years of experience at CHC working with all types of hearing devices. His technical expertise is indispensable in the repair, testing, and fitting of hearing aids, as well as ongoing follow-up care and counseling. Additionally, Terrence is fluent in assistive listening and alerting technology that helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing be safe and communicate better. 

Dr. Shelby Platia is an accomplished audiologist providing unsurpassed hearing healthcare for adults - including diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing device evaluation/fittings, counseling and central auditory processing disorder evaluations in the tri-state area. Dr. Platia also participates in CHC’s outreach group to provide hearing screenings and hearing health education to several senior centers in New York. She is fluent in the latest digital technology and skilled at determining the most appropriate solution to meet your unique hearing health needs. While completing her graduate degree, Dr. Platia’s capstone project, Experience and Satisfaction with Hearing Aid Services Delivered via Tele-audiology in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review, was accepted in April, 2021.