Sight + Sound, Spring 2026
The Communication Van has been on the road, providing hearing care in neighborhoods around the greater Pittsburgh area. Now thanks to the Jack Buncher Foundation, the Van is fully equipped and extending its outreach.
The mobile unit was in need of dedicated, permanent equipment to be able to operate more efficiently and effectively.
The highly customized Van provides two days of ongoing clinical care every week nine months a year (bypassing the very coldest months). It is also used for special events of a variety of types, like conducting research this summer. Additionally, it will support hearing assessment and treatment at the Special Olympics.
In general, any service related to hearing is provided – including hearing testing, hearing aid fittings, hearing protection, and even showing people smartphone capabilities like speech-to-text and turning your smartphone into a hearing aid. The Van is unique because it serves many different communication needs from both a clinical and research perspective.
“Being able to fully outfit the Communication Van allows us to support hearing assessment and hearing care for our most fragile populations who are unable to access typically offered hearing care due to a variety of barriers,” said Catherine V. Palmer, PhD, Director, UPMC Audiology.
Follow the Communication Van on Instagram (@communicationvan.pitt) or Facebook (Communication Van).