Frequently Asked Questions Ahead of Your First Appointment
Who is AVI New England?
The team at The Auditory and Vestibular Institute of New England (AVI New England) are one of the most trusted and respected teams of hearing care experts in Connecticut. They consist of: Dr. Natan Bauman who has committed his 40+ year professional life to helping people across a broad range of auditory related conditions. Previously Dr. Bauman was Director of the Yale Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic and founder of the Hearing, Balance and Speech Center (HBS), where he successfully helped people in Connecticut to hear better for over 40 years. As an engineer and audiologist, Dr. Bauman is one of the most respected and influential doctors of audiology in the world, having changed the course of the hearing aid industry by inventing the Receiver-In-The-Canal, the most widely used hearing aid in the world. Janice Howard, M.A., CCC-A, started to work with Dr. Bauman over 30 years ago. Dr. Bauman personally mentored her as she developed a reputation as one of the best hearing care experts in New England. Melissa Patrich, Au.D. earned her Doctorate of Audiology from Rush University and completed her externship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. She is based in our Norwalk office and provides expert care in hearing and tinnitus evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and vestibular assessments. Known for her thoughtful, patient-focused approach, she’s passionate about helping individuals reconnect through better hearing. Robert J. Katz, HIS, earned his bachelor of science degree from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. He then continued his education at the Audio Institute of America, where he received a graduate degree in audio engineering. After working in the music industry for many years, Robert decided to change career paths and join the world of hearing care as a hearing instrument specialist. Together, they continue to push the boundaries of hearing healthcare, tinnitus, and sound sensitivity, to deliver some of the most respected hearing healthcare services in the country.
How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
Can I Bring Somebody With Me to the Appointment?
How Long Will the Appointment Last?
What Happens in a Hearing Test?
“Whether it is a friendship or a relationship, all bonds are built on trust. Without it, you have nothing.”
Our Patients are Family.
Our Patients are very important to us. Every patient is welcomed to our office as a family member is welcomed to our home.
Having cared for the hearing health of tens of thousands of local people, we have lived by certain core values that have enabled us to have long-lasting relationships with our patients.
Kindness.
The reason that we love what we do is because we love making a meaningful difference to incredible people’s lives. We often turn patients into friends, and we find that the patients that we have the greatest relationships with fundamentally share this core value.
Commitment.
Respect.
The 3 Core Values that represent our practice.
We are excited to share our values with you and welcome you to the practice.
We are looking forward to meeting you.
