---
title: Yanny or Laurel? It's your brain not your ears that decides
description: What does your brain hear?
image: https://images.theconversation.com/files/219276/original/file-20180516-155555-izuo0m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=790%2C0%2C5200%2C3799&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip
---

- CHSC Services & Programs 
    - Speech-Language & Literacy 
          - [Services for Adults](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/speech-language-services-for-adults/)
          - [Services for Children](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/speech-language-literacy-services-for-children/)
          - [Contract Services](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/community-contract-services-speech-language-literacy/)
          - [Project ELLA](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/project-ella/)
    - Hearing Services 
          - [Hearing Evaluations and Testing](https://www.chsc.org/hearing-services/hearing-evaluations-and-testing/)
          - [Hearing Aids & Other Hearing Services](https://www.chsc.org/hearing-services/hearing-aids-other-hearing-services/)
          - [Early Intervention Service](https://www.chsc.org/hearing-services/early-intervention-service/)
    - Language Interpreting 
          - [Language Interpreting Options](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/american-sign-language-interpreting-services/)
          - [American Sign Language Interpreting](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/american-sign-language-interpreting/)
          - [Spoken Language Interpreting](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/spoken-language-interpreting/)
          - [Book an American Sign Language Interpreter](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/book-an-american-sign-language-interpreter/)
- Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing 
    - [Welcome to CCDHH](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/welcome-to-ccdhh/)
    - [Vocational Rehabilitation Services](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/vocational-rehabilitation-services/)
    - [Support Services and Advocacy](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/support-services-and-advocacy/)
    - [Ohio Clinician Mental Health Training](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/ohio-clinician-mental-health-training/)
    - [American Sign Language (ASL) Classes](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/american-sign-language-asl-classes/)
- Locations 
    - [University Circle](https://www.chsc.org/contact/main-center-university-circle-location)
    - [Broadview Heights](https://www.chsc.org/contact/broadview-heights-location)
    - [Lyndhurst](https://www.chsc.org/contact/lyndhurst-location)
    - [Westlake](https://www.chsc.org/contact/westlake-location)
    - [Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing](https://www.chsc.org/contact/community-center-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing)
- Giving Back 
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.chsc.org/giving/ways-to-give/)
    - [Corporate Philanthropy](https://www.chsc.org/giving/ways-to-give/corporate-philanthropy/)
    - [Fundraising & Events](https://www.chsc.org/giving/ways-to-give/fundraising-events/)
- About Us 
    - [About CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/about/about-chsc/)
    - [Board of Directors](https://www.chsc.org/about/board-of-directors/)
    - [Leadership](https://www.chsc.org/about/leadership/)
    - [CHSC Staff](https://www.chsc.org/about/chsc-staff/)
    - [Join the CHSC Team](https://www.chsc.org/about/careers/)
    - [New Partners of CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/about/new-partners-of-chsc/)
    - [Volunteer at CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/about/volunteer/)
    - [News & Events](https://www.chsc.org/about/events-calendar/)
    - [Blog](https://www.chsc.org/about/chsc-blog/)
    - [Strategic Plan](https://wwwchsc.org/about/strategic-plan/)
    - [Community Partners](https://www.chsc.org/about/community-partners/)
    - [Our History](https://www.chsc.org/about/our-history/)
- [Ask CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/ask-chsc/)

[![chsc-logo](https://blog.chsc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGOS/chsc-logo.png?width=350&height=101&name=chsc-logo.png)](http://www.chsc.org) [216-231-8787](tel:+1-216-231-8787)

- [216-231-8787](tel:+1-216-231-8787)
- [Request Appointment](https://share.hsforms.com/1H4Q3P8MbSnma6-uuosE5Qg1y7i5)
- [Book an Interpreter]({site_url}language-interpreting-services/book-an-american-sign-language-interpreter/)
- [Donate Now](https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E353984&id=11)

[Client Portal](http://www.hearinghealthportal.com) [Make a Payment](https://pay.gravitypayments.com/link/aa90206b54267fa6992c)

[![Opti-Speech Clinical Trial at CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/images/uploads/general/Benefit_web_banner.jpg)](https://transactions.chsc.org/CampaignForm/CHSC/Illuminating+Communication+2018+Benefit)

- CHSC Services & Programs 
    - Speech-Language & Literacy 
          - [Services for Adults](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/speech-language-services-for-adults/)
          - [Services for Children](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/speech-language-literacy-services-for-children/)
          - [Contract Services](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/community-contract-services-speech-language-literacy/)
          - [Project ELLA](https://www.chsc.org/speech-language/project-ella/)
    - Hearing Services 
          - [Hearing Evaluations and Testing](https://www.chsc.org/hearing-services/hearing-evaluations-and-testing/)
          - [Hearing Aids & Other Hearing Services](https://www.chsc.org/hearing-services/hearing-aids-other-hearing-services/)
          - [Early Intervention Service](https://www.chsc.org/hearing-services/early-intervention-service/)
    - Language Interpreting 
          - [Language Interpreting Options](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/american-sign-language-interpreting-services/)
          - [American Sign Language Interpreting](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/american-sign-language-interpreting/)
          - [Spoken Language Interpreting](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/spoken-language-interpreting/)
          - [Book an American Sign Language Interpreter](https://www.chsc.org/language-interpreting-services/book-an-american-sign-language-interpreter/)
- Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing 
    - [Welcome to CCDHH](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/welcome-to-ccdhh/)
    - [Vocational Rehabilitation Services](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/vocational-rehabilitation-services/)
    - [Support Services and Advocacy](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/support-services-and-advocacy/)
    - [Ohio Clinician Mental Health Training](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/ohio-clinician-mental-health-training/)
    - [American Sign Language (ASL) Classes](https://www.chsc.org/community-services/american-sign-language-asl-classes/)
- Locations 
    - [University Circle](https://www.chsc.org/contact/main-center-university-circle-location)
    - [Broadview Heights](https://www.chsc.org/contact/broadview-heights-location)
    - [Lyndhurst](https://www.chsc.org/contact/lyndhurst-location)
    - [Westlake](https://www.chsc.org/contact/westlake-location)
    - [Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing](https://www.chsc.org/contact/community-center-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing)
- Giving Back 
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.chsc.org/giving/ways-to-give/)
    - [Corporate Philanthropy](https://www.chsc.org/giving/ways-to-give/corporate-philanthropy/)
    - [Fundraising & Events](https://www.chsc.org/giving/ways-to-give/fundraising-events/)
- About Us 
    - [About CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/about/about-chsc/)
    - [Board of Directors](https://www.chsc.org/about/board-of-directors/)
    - [Leadership](https://www.chsc.org/about/leadership/)
    - [CHSC Staff](https://www.chsc.org/about/chsc-staff/)
    - [Join the CHSC Team](https://www.chsc.org/about/careers/)
    - [New Partners of CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/about/new-partners-of-chsc/)
    - [Volunteer at CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/about/volunteer/)
    - [News & Events](https://www.chsc.org/about/events-calendar/)
    - [Blog](https://www.chsc.org/about/chsc-blog/)
    - [Strategic Plan](https://wwwchsc.org/about/strategic-plan/)
    - [Community Partners](https://www.chsc.org/about/community-partners/)
    - [Our History](https://www.chsc.org/about/our-history/)
- [Ask CHSC](https://www.chsc.org/ask-chsc/)

# Communication Matters

# Yanny or Laurel? It's your brain not your ears that decides

[Dr. Jennell C. Vick](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/dr-jennell-c-vick) | Posted on  May 17, 2018

![File 20180516 155555 izuo0m.jpg?ixlib=rb 1.1](https://images.theconversation.com/files/219276/original/file-20180516-155555-izuo0m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=790%2C0%2C5200%2C3799&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip)

[Jennell Vick](https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennell-vick-481392), *[Case Western Reserve University](http://theconversation.com/institutions/case-western-reserve-university-1506)*

As a speech scientist, I never thought I’d see so much excitement on social media about one tiny little word.

The clip, [which went viral](https://www.wired.com/story/yanny-and-laurel-true-history/) after being [posted on Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/blackmagicfuckery/comments/8ixrwi/what_do_you_guys_hear/), is [polarizing listeners](https://twitter.com/i/moments/996764939024064512) who hear a computer voice say either “Laurel” or “Yanny.” [@AlexWelke tweeted](https://twitter.com/AlexWelke/status/996573744868052992), “This is the kinda stuff that starts wars.” While I can’t prevent a war, I can explain some reasons why this sound file has created such a controversy. Basically, the “word” relies on some tricks of acoustics. Your brain, and those of the millions of other Twitter viewers, is responsible for the rest.

[![](https://images.theconversation.com/files/219256/original/file-20180516-155579-fo661z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip)](https://images.theconversation.com/files/219256/original/file-20180516-155579-fo661z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip)

This spectrogram visually represents the sound frequencies in the ‘Yanny’ or ‘Laurel’ clip. Jennell Vick, [CC BY-ND](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/)

Kudos to University of Minnesota speech-language researcher and professor [Ben Munson](https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=WG_AOVIAAAAJ) for his original [analysis explaining](http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=38274) how the acoustic file can lead listeners to one of two conclusions. He used spectrographic analysis to demonstrate how the sound file might create confusion.

The discrepancy in what people hear comes down to a few different possibilities, none of which sort it out for certain. Clearly, though, one cause of its trickiness is that the sound file is synthesized, which is different than real speech. It’s akin to the synthetic flavors encountered in the candy world – think Jelly Belly Buttered Popcorn, the preference for which is as polarizing as this Yanny/Laurel thing.

Without a doubt, all this confusion is only possible because of the consonants in “Yanny” and “Laurel.” The “y,” “n,” “l” and “r” sounds are really the [chameleons of speech](https://doi.org/10.1121/1.2902168). The way one pronounces them morphs based on the sounds that come before and after them in a word. Because of this, it is the brain of the listener that decides their identity, based on context. In this case, the sound is missing a few elements and your brain automatically makes a judgment, [called interpolation](https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0285(91)90009-D), similar to how you can so easily read partially erased text.

The fact that, for the life of me, I can only hear “Laurel” is because of a [phenomenon called categorical perception](https://doi.org/10.1037/h0044417). Originally described in 1957 and supported by countless additional studies, the idea is that your brain naturally sorts things into categories.

For example, my husband and I can never agree on the color of our couch (definitely green, not black, by the way), because while there is easily a continuum between very dark green and black, the boundaries between them vary for everyone. While we could agree that our couch looks blackish green, there is no such compromise in the perception of speech. Without conscious effort, our brain decides what our ears are hearing. Black or green, not blackish green. Yanny or Laurel, not some blend.

Whatever your brain tells you about Yanny/Laurel, the whole controversy should help everyone understand why it’s so hard to have a conversation in a noisy restaurant or why people with hearing loss sometimes “mishear” what you have to say. Listening to speech feels like a basic skill, but understanding speech is really an amazing feat. People perceive messages using the information available, which is sometimes incomplete. Our brains also make predictions based on past experiences. [Listening in a foreign language](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d952/272d14c57d27f6e56f2eb417dc196e4a945e.pdf), even if you are a fluent speaker, is challenging because your brain uses predictions based on both languages, but is unduly influenced by your experiences with your native language.

![The Conversation](https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96768/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic)This internet hullabaloo underscores the marvelous, effortless, constant work of the human brain.

[Jennell Vick](https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennell-vick-481392), Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences, *[Case Western Reserve University](http://theconversation.com/institutions/case-western-reserve-university-1506)*

This article was originally published on [The Conversation](http://theconversation.com). Read the [original article](https://theconversation.com/yanny-or-laurel-its-your-brain-not-your-ears-that-decides-96768).

 Tags: [Speech](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/speech), [Language](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/language), [Communication](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/communication)

## Comments

### Blog Categories

- [Communication (122)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/communication)
- [Speech (89)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/speech)
- [Language (74)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/language)
- [Hearing (54)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/hearing)
- [talking (47)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/talking)
- [Hearing Loss (43)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/hearing-loss)
- [Audiology (41)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/audiology)
- [Learning (34)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/learning)
- [Hard of Hearing (33)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/hard-of-hearing)
- [Hearing Aids (33)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/hearing-aids)
- [Support (33)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/support)
- [Voice (33)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/voice)
- [toddler (31)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/toddler)
- [Hearing Aid (28)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/hearing-aid)
- [Stroke (19)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/stroke)
- [Hearing Loss Prevention (17)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/hearing-loss-prevention)
- [Caregiving (16)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/caregiving)
- [literacy (16)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/literacy)
- [Brain Injury (15)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/brain-injury)
- [Deaf (15)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/deaf)
- [Speech therapy (15)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/speech-therapy)
- [reading (14)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/reading)
- [Stuttering (13)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/stuttering)
- [Teens (13)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/teens)
- ["ears" (11)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/ears)
- [Communication Access (11)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/communication-access)
- [Stroke recovery (11)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/stroke-recovery)
- [ASL (10)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/asl)
- [American Sign Language (10)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/american-sign-language)
- [Interpreting (7)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/interpreting)
- ["tinnitus" (6)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/tinnitus)
- [ASL Interpreter (6)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/asl-interpreter)
- [Wilson Reading Program (6)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/wilson-reading-program)
- [Aphasia (5)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/aphasia)
- [Early Intervention (5)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/early-intervention)
- [Ear Anatomy (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/ear-anatomy)
- [Ear Pain (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/ear-pain)
- [Primary Progressive Aphasia (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/primary-progressive-aphasia)
- [Reading Summer Camp (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/reading-summer-camp)
- [earplugs (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/earplugs)
- [Autism (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/autism)
- [Cochlear Implants (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/cochlear-implants)
- [Deafness (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/deafness)
- [Donations (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/donations)
- [Donors (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/donors)
- [Ear Wax (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/ear-wax)
- [Medicare (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/medicare)
- [Wills (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/wills)
- [planned giving (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/planned-giving)
- [tantrum (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/tantrum)
- [Accent Modification (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/accent-modification)
- [Baby Sign Language (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/baby-sign-language)
- [Cleft Lip (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/cleft-lip)
- [Cleft palate (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/cleft-palate)
- [Dyslexia (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/dyslexia)
- [Face masks (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/face-masks)
- [R speech therapy (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/r-speech-therapy)
- [baby (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/baby)
- [dbhc (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/dbhc)
- [hearing test (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/hearing-test)
- [mental health (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/mental-health)
- [ultrasound (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/ultrasound)
- [ultrasound speech therapy (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/topic/ultrasound-speech-therapy)

see all

### Authors

- [Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (32)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/cleveland-hearing-speech-center)
- [Bridgid M. Whitford Au.D, CCC-A (25)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/bridgid-m-whitford-au-d-ccc-a)
- [Sharon Dundee (21)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/sharon-dundee)
- [Michelle Foye, MA CCC-SLP (13)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/michelle-foye-ma-ccc-slp)
- [Alicia Verhovitz, M.A., CCC-SLP (10)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/alicia-verhovitz-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Megan Ahlman, M.A. CCC-SLP (9)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/megan-ahlman-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Lauren Masuga, M.A., CCC-SLP (5)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/lauren-masuga-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Linda Lange, Assistant Director of Speech Language & Learning Services (4)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/linda-lange-assistant-director-of-speech-language-learning-services)
- [Akilah Porter, Marketing Coordinator (4)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/akilah-porter-marketing-coordinator)
- [Tracy Biller, M.A., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist; Adult Services Coordinator (4)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/tracy-biller-m-a-ccc-slp-speech-language-pathologist-adult-services-coordinator)
- [Akilah Porter (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/akilah-porter)
- [Rachel Lester, BS, Audiology Intern (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/rachel-lester-bs-audiology-intern)
- [Rebecca Mental, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Director of Speech, Language, and Learning Services (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/rebecca-mental-ph.d.-ccc-slp-director-of-speech-language-and-learning-services)
- [Jennell C. Vick, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (3)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/jennell-c.-vick-ph.d.-ccc-slp)
- [Stephanie Vondra, M.A., CCC-SLP (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/stephanie-vondra-m.a.-ccc-slp)
- [Michelle Foye, M.A., CCC-SLP, Director of Speech Language & Learning Services (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/michelle-foye-m-a-ccc-slp-director-of-speech-language-learning-services)
- [Kacey Riga, M.A., CCC-SLP (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/kacey-riga-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Chana Feinstein, M.A., CCC-SLP (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/chana-feinstein-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Michelle Kurfiss M.A. CCC-SLP (2)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/michelle-kurfiss-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Casey Ring, CCDHH Learning Center Manager (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/casey-ring-ccdhh-learning-center-manager)
- [Samantha Taylor (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/samantha-taylor)
- [Dalit Burgess, Coordinator of School Services, Senior Speech-Language Pathologist (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/dalit-burgess-coordinator-of-school-services-senior-speech-language-pathologist)
- [Rebecca Mental, Ph.D., MPH, CCC-SLP (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/rebecca-mental-ph-d-mph-ccc-slp)
- [Jordan Brian, Sign Language Interpreter (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/jordan-brian-sign-language-interpreter)
- [Dalit Burgess, M.S., CCC-SLP, Senior Speech-Language Pathologist; Coordinator of Professional and School Services (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/dalit-burgess-m-s-ccc-slp-senior-speech-language-pathologist-coordinator-of-professional-and-school-services)
- [Maria O’Neil Ruddock, Psy.D. (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/maria-oneil-ruddock-psy-d)
- [Jennell Vick, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/jennell-vick-ph-d-ccc-slp)
- [Michelle Parker-Armstrong, Office Coordinator for CCDHH (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/michelle-parker-armstrong-office-coordinator-for-ccdhh)
- [Jonathan Plessner, CCC-SLP (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/jonathan-plessner-ccc-slp)
- [Elizabeth Divis, M.A. CCC-SLP (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/elizabeth-divis-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Sarita Cornwall, Support Services & Community Outreach Specialist (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/sarita-cornwall-support-services-community-outreach-specialist)
- [Ruth Clark, MA., CCC-A (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/ruth-clark-ma-ccc-a)
- [Carol Theil, CCC-SLP (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/carol-theil-ccc-slp)
- [Jerry Hayes, PsyD and Maria O’Neil Ruddock, PsyD (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/hayes-oneil)
- [Angela Gartner, Editor, NEO Parent Magazine (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/angela-gartner-editor-neo-parent-magazine)
- [Reprinted with permission from the Annie E. Casey Foundation (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/reprinted-with-permission-from-the-annie-e-casey-foundation)
- [Anne M. Calic MA CCC-SLP (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/anne-m-calic-ma-ccc-slp)
- [Jessica Blakeman CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/jessica-blakeman-ccc-slp-speech-language-pathologist)
- [Rebecca Mental, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Director of Research and Jonathan Plessner, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/rebecca-mental-ph-d-ccc-slp-director-of-research-and-jonathan-plessner-m-a-ccc-slp-speech-language-pathologist)
- [Debbie Dey (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/debbie-dey)
- [Casey Ring, Learning Center Manager (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/casey-ring-learning-center-manager)
- [Kellie Vaughan, M.A., CCC-SLP (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/kellie-vaughan-m-a-ccc-slp)
- [Dr. Jennell C. Vick (1)](https://blog.chsc.org/blog/author/dr-jennell-c-vick)

see all

[Request an Appointment](https://share.hsforms.com/1H4Q3P8MbSnma6-uuosE5Qg1y7i5) [Please Donate Your support means so much](https://transactions.chsc.org/CampaignForm/CHSC/Cleveland+Hearing+and+Speech+Center) [Book an Interpreter](http://www.chsc.org/american-sign-language-interpreting-services/interpreting-services-for-individuals/)

### SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Receive CHSC news and events and other important communication updates directly to your inbox.

- [![Facebook](https://blog.chsc.org/hubfs/CHSC-Nov2017/Images/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/clevelandhearingandspeechcenter)
- [![X](https://blog.chsc.org/hubfs/CHSC-Nov2017/Images/x.svg)](https://twitter.com/clevehearspeech)
- [![LinkedIn](https://blog.chsc.org/hubfs/CHSC-Nov2017/Images/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleveland-hearing-%26-speech-center/)
- [![YouTube](https://blog.chsc.org/hubfs/CHSC-Nov2017/Images/youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/chscdevelopment?feature=watch)
- [![Flickr](https://blog.chsc.org/hubfs/CHSC-Nov2017/Images/flickr.svg)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/clevelandhearingandspeech)

##### Menu

- [Audiology](http://www.chsc.org/audiology)
- [Hearing Aids](http://www.chsc.org/hearing-aids)
- [Speech & Language](http://www.chsc.org/speech-language)
- [ASL Interpreting](http://www.chsc.org/american-sign-language-interpreting-services)
- [Community Center (CCDHH)](http://www.chsc.org/community-center-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing)
- [Resources](http://www.chsc.org/resources)
- [About](http://www.chsc.org/about/about-chsc)
- [Giving](http://www.chsc.org/giving)
- [Events](http://www.chsc.org/ways-to-give/fundraising-events)
- [Contact](http://www.chsc.org/contact)
- [Schedule an Appointment](http://www.chsc.org/contact)
- [Donate](https://transactions.chsc.org/CampaignForm/CHSC/Cleveland+Hearing+and+Speech+Center)

![CARF](https://blog.chsc.org/hubfs/CHSC-Nov2017/Images/carf-logo.png)

##### Accreditations and Affiliations

- [Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities](http://carf.org)
- [Certified Medicare and Medicaid Provider](https://www.cms.gov/)
- [National Association of Speech and Hearing Centers](http://www.nashc.net/)
- [Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf](http://www.rid.org/)
- [Case Western Reserve University](https://case.edu/)
- [United Way of Greater Cleveland](https://www.unitedwaycleveland.org/)

##### Contact Information

11635 Euclid Ave.  
 Cleveland, OH 44106  
 Voice: (216) 231-8787  
 Appt: (216) 325-7570  
 Fax: (216) 231-7141  
[info@chsc.org](mailto:info@chsc.org)

![CARF](https://blog.chsc.org/hubfs/CHSC-Nov2017/Images/carf-logo.png)

- [Corporate Information](http://www.chsc.org/corporate-information)
- [HIPAA](http://www.chsc.org/hipaa-cleveland-hearing-speech-center)
- [Privacy Policy](http://www.chsc.org/privacy-policy)
- [Terms & Conditions](http://www.chsc.org/terms-and-conditions)
- 501c3 Non-Profit

© 2017 Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center. All rights reserved.