CEENTA Strengthens Pediatric Hearing Program with Advanced Auditory-Verbal Therapy Certification

Families facing a diagnosis of hearing loss for their child often have one goal above all others: helping their child communicate, connect, and thrive.

At CEENTA, that journey is supported by a collaborative team of pediatric audiologists, cochlear implant specialists, speech-language pathologists, and ENT physicians who work together to provide comprehensive hearing care for children across the region.

That program recently reached another milestone as Tegan DeMarcus, MS., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, earned her certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist (LSLS Cert. AVT) through the A.G. Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language.

The certification represents the culmination of a rigorous five-year process that includes mentorship, continuing education, supervised clinical intervention, and a comprehensive examination. It is considered one of the highest credentials available for professionals who provide auditory-verbal therapy to children with hearing loss.

Auditory-verbal therapy is a family-centered approach that helps children learn to listen and develop spoken language through the use of hearing technology, including hearing aids and cochlear implants. Parents and caregivers play an active role in the process, learning strategies they can use every day to support their child's communication development.

"Tegan's achievement reflects her dedication to the families we serve and strengthens the services available through our pediatric hearing program," said Greer Bailey, AuD, Lead Audiologist for CEENTA's Cochlear Implant and Pediatric Audiology Programs.

As a member of CEENTA's pediatric hearing and cochlear implant team, Tegan works closely with audiologists and physicians to support children at every stage of their hearing journey, from diagnosis and technology fitting to speech and language development.

The credential is exceptionally rare. Fewer than 1,200 professionals worldwide hold LSLS certification, and only a small number practice in North Carolina. Tegan is also the only Spanish-speaking LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist in North Carolina, helping expand access to these highly specialized services for Spanish-speaking families.

For CEENTA, the certification represents more than an individual accomplishment. It reflects the organization's continued investment in bringing advanced hearing and communication services to children and families throughout the Carolinas.

"We are committed to providing the highest level of pediatric hearing care," said Bailey. "Having an LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist as part of our team allows us to offer even greater support to children with hearing loss and the families who care for them."