A Dedicated space for our youngest patients

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2026

Variety – the Children’s Charity Awards Grant to HEAR Wisconsin 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. — HEAR Wisconsin has received a $5,000 grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin to help create a dedicated newborn hearing testing room at its West Allis clinic. The room will support newborn hearing screenings, follow-up testing, and diagnostic evaluations through the organization’s newly launched Pediatric Audiology Program.   

The grant will help fund room renovations and furnishings, including a rocking chair, an infant changing table, and a couch for family members. These improvements will create a comfortable setting for babies and families during long testing appointments. 

“We are grateful to Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin for helping us create a space where families can feel at ease during their baby’s hearing test,” said Jill Van Calster, president and CEO of HEAR Wisconsin. “This support will help us provide timely hearing care during the important early months of a child’s development. Whether families come in for an initial screening or follow-up testing, we want parents to understand their baby’s results and know what comes next.”   

Getting answers early helps parents understand their child’s needs and take the next steps in care. When hearing loss is identified, HEAR Wisconsin’s trained audiologists provide specialized early intervention services that promote the development of a child’s communication, auditory, language, cognitive, and social skills. Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin's investment will strengthen these services and make them more accessible in the earliest months of life. 

To learn more about Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin, visit www.varietywi.org. 

About HEAR Wisconsin 

HEAR Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that supports infants, children, and adults with hearing loss by eliminating communication and language barriers through personalized services, technology, and education. For 100 years, the organization has provided clinical care, early intervention programs, assistive technology, and community resources that promote communication access and improve quality of life for individuals and families across Wisconsin.  

For more information about HEAR Wisconsin, visit www.hearwi.org.  

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