Hearing & Speech Institute

The Hearing & Speech Institute (HSI) was a prominent non-profit clinical and research organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to the treatment of hearing and speech disorders. Founded in 1927 as the Portland Lip Reading Club, the institute evolved into a comprehensive center providing audiology, speech-language pathology, and early childhood intervention services. HSI was a significant contributor to clinical research, notably collaborating with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) to develop the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), a validated tool now widely used in clinical trials to measure the impact of tinnitus. In 2004, the institute merged with the Northwest Early Childhood Institute to form the Artz Center for Developmental Health & Audiology, which continues to provide integrated developmental services. The institute's legacy includes pioneering work in pediatric audiology and the development of standardized clinical assessment tools.