General Texas Hearing Institute
Are services free?
Texas Hearing Institute does not provide services for free, but we do offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.
Does Texas Hearing Institute accept insurance/Medicaid?
Yes, Texas Hearing Institute is in network with a wide variety of commercial and Medicaid payers. A list of contracted payers is here. For specific benefit information, please contact the Billing Department at (713) 523-3633, option 6.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Cash, money orders, personal checks, and all major credit cards are accepted.
What if I cannot pay for my services?
The inability to pay should not be an obstacle in getting the hearing and speech services you need. Texas Hearing Institute has many payment options available. Please contact the Billing Department at (713) 523-3633, option 6.
How can I pay my bills?
- Pay through the Texas Hearing Institute patient portal.
- Make the payment in person at the check-out desk.
- Mail your payment to the address shown on the bill. Please remember to attach the invoice from your bill when mailing your payment.
- Call our Billing Department at (713) 523-3633 and select option 6.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
If you have insurance, please bring a picture ID along with your insurance card. If you do not have insurance, you will need to contact our Billing Department at (713) 523-3633, option 6, prior to your appointment.
Does Texas Hearing Institute offer American Sign Language (ASL) classes?
No, Texas Hearing Institute does not offer sign language classes. The communication option we teach at Texas Hearing Institute is auditory-verbal, however, our Audiology Department will use ASL to converse with patients and families if that is the communication method they have chosen.
You can learn sign language by taking classes online at ASLlive.online. For more information on American Sign Language resources in Houston, visit HoustonDeafNetwork.com.
Does Texas Hearing Institute offer services for people older than 18 with hearing loss?
Texas Hearing Institute offers services to children from birth to age 21. Check out resources for hearing-impaired adults here.
When should I be concerned about my child’s communication skills and development?
While each child develops at a unique pace, listening and language milestones can be used to monitor spoken language development. Parents who are concerned about their child’s development should discuss these concerns with their child’s pediatrician.
Here are general guidelines for when a child should be using spoken language:
- First words by 12-15 months of age.
- Frequent two-word combinations by 21-24 months of age.
- Frequent three-word combinations by 36 months of age.
- Intelligible speech in conversation 90% of the time by age 4.
- Complete sentences most of the time by kindergarten age.
Is there anything I can do to help my child’s speech-language development?
Here are some helpful tips:
- Always be aware of the level at which your child is communicating.
- To get your child to talk, make comments about events as they happen, and avoid asking too many questions
- Encourage taking turns in conversation, and avoid speaking rapidly or for too long when it is your turn
- Praise your child’s efforts to communicate (e.g., their use of appropriate gestures, pointing, gazes, and verbal attempts)
How long will my child require speech therapy before catching up with their peers?
That will depend on factors such as severity of the hearing loss and your child’s cooperation, motivation, and readiness to learn. Children who find it difficult to understand language, or who have underlying neurocognitive impairment (such as autism) may require a longer course of treatment.
How often should my child attend speech therapy?
Typically, children receive speech therapy one or two times per week, based on the severity of the hearing loss and recommended intervention program. More intensive schedules are implemented when necessary.
How long are therapy sessions?
Parent-centered speech therapy sessions typically last 45 minutes.
The Melinda Webb School
At what age do students attend the Melinda Webb School?
The Melinda Webb school serves children from age 18 months to 6 years old.
What is the typical teacher-to-student ratio?
Language sessions occur in smaller groups of two or three students per teacher because fewer students per teacher allows for each child to have more opportunities to practice their listening and speaking skills. Academic sessions occur in larger groups well within the ratio required by current day-care regulations.
What are the school’s hours of operation?
- Before School Care: 7 am - 8:30 am
- Academic Day: 8:30 am - 3 pm
- After School Care: 3 pm - 6 pm
What programs are available to the parents?
Parents of students who attend the Melinda Webb School can join our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Our bilingual social worker provides counseling, and organizes and facilitates parent support groups. Learn more about parent support groups here.
What is the cost of tuition and is financial aid available?
Our goal is for any child, regardless of their family’s income, to be able to attend. Tuition is offered on a sliding fee scale, based upon a family’s income. Due to support from generous donors, the cost of tuition for any family is significantly lower than our cost of providing education to each child. Please contact Melinda Webb School for additional information regarding tuition.
