Chicago Hearing Society

What Chicago Hearing Society does

Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded January 23, 1916, and headquartered at 2017 N. Mendell St., Chicago, Illinois. Since 1997, CHS has operated as the Communication Access division of Anixter Center, a nonprofit human services agency serving people with disabilities. CHS delivers a multi-stream service portfolio to Illinois Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) individuals and the organizations that serve them: (1) Interpreter and Captioning Services, providing certified deaf interpreters, oral interpreters, relay interpreters, and CART real-time captioning on a contract basis; (2) Audiology Services, including hearing evaluations, hearing aid selection and fitting, cochlear implant services (in partnership with University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital), tinnitus support, and the Hear the Cheers pediatric program; (3) Community Outreach and Advocacy programs encompassing the DeafBlind Program (NDBEDP/iCanConnect equipment distribution), the Domestic Violence Program, Social Services and Advocacy, Youth Programs, and the Deaf Mentor Program; and (4) ASL instruction via adult ($120/6-week session), youth ($50/6-week session), and free family sign language classes.

The organization is built on a human-services delivery model rather than a proprietary technology platform. Core technology consists of standard audiology equipment, assistive technology devices (amplified phones, CapTel, Braille displays, iCanConnect hardware), and communications infrastructure (videophone, Zoom-based classes) rather than proprietary software. CHS operates from two Chicago locations (2017 N. Mendell and 1945 W Wilson) with a staff of approximately 40-100 personnel, organized into Interpreter Services, Audiology, and Community Outreach and Advocacy departments, and supported by an Advisory Council and a Statewide Alliance of 20+ partner organizations spanning education (Chicago Public Schools, Illinois School for the Deaf), government (Illinois DOC, Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, Illinois Department of Human Services), and advocacy bodies.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across four streams: (a) fee-for-service interpreter and captioning contracts with healthcare facilities, legal institutions, educational institutions, and government agencies on multi-year contracts; (b) audiology service fees, accepting Medicaid, private insurance, and self-pay; (c) tuition from ASL classes with a published unit pricing schedule; and (d) donations, grants, and program-specific charitable funding (e.g., Hear the Cheers, Deaf Mentor Program). Marketing and customer acquisition rely on community reputation, a 20+ member Statewide Alliance, a 109-year operating history, and channel partnerships rather than paid demand generation. The last publicly disclosed operating figure was over $2 million for fiscal year ending June 30, 2000; no contemporary financial data is available in the input.

Name

Chicago Hearing Society

Legal name

Chicago Hearing Society

Website

https://chicagohearingsociety.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1916

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Chicago Hearing Society is a 109-year-old Illinois nonprofit (a division of Anixter Center) that provides sign language interpreting, audiology and hearing aid services, ASL classes, and community advocacy programs to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Translation and Interpretation Services (54193), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Audiology & Hearing Diagnostic Centers (HLAFAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Hearing & Communication Access (Captioning, Hearing Support, Transcription) (EDAFAKAC), Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI), Sign Language Learning Programs (ASL/BSL, etc.) (EDAMAFAM)

Keywords

• Sign language interpretation services
• Audiology services
• ASL instruction classes
• DeafBlind support services
• Deaf advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Interpreter & Captioning Services: Fees for providing sign language interpreters (certified deaf interpreters, oral interpreters, relay interpreters) and real-time captioning (CART) services to organizations and individuals requiring communication access.
2. Audiology Services: Revenue from hearing evaluations, hearing aid sales and fittings, cochlear implant services, tinnitus assistance, hearing protection devices, and assistive technology demonstrations. Accepts Medicaid, private insurance, and self-pay patients.
3. Sign Language Classes: Fee-based ASL instruction for adults, youth, and families. Classes offered at multiple levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) in online and in-person formats. Youth classes at $50, adult classes at $120 for 6-week sessions.
4. Donations & Grants: Charitable contributions from individuals and organizations, including program-specific donations (e.g., Hear the Cheers pediatric hearing aid program, Deaf Mentor Program) and grant funding from foundations supporting services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Chicago Hearing Society provides sign language interpretation and real-time captioning (CART) services to organizations and individuals, a Hearing Health Clinic offering audiology evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and cochlear implant services, ASL classes for adults, youth, and families, and community outreach programs including DeafBlind services, domestic violence support, and youth and family connections for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities in Illinois.

Product overview

Chicago Hearing Society is a nonprofit service organization (a division of Anixter Center) offering communication access, hearing health, and support services for persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. The organization operates three main departments: Interpreter Services (providing sign language interpreters and CART captioning), Audiology Services (hearing evaluations, hearing aids, cochlear implants), and Community Outreach & Advocacy (domestic violence support, youth programs, social services). Additional programs include ASL classes for adults, youth, and families; DeafBlind program with equipment distribution; and interpreter mentorship. The portfolio is organized as a multi-service nonprofit rather than a unified software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Interpreter and Captioning Services Sign language interpreting and real-time captioning (CART) services connecting Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals with hearing individuals. Includes certified deaf interpreters (CDI), oral interpreters, and relay interpreters.
• Audiology Services Licensed audiologist services including hearing evaluations, hearing aid selection and fittings, cochlear implant services, tinnitus assistance, hearing protection, and pediatric hearing aids. Accepts Medicaid, private insurance, and self-pay patients.
• Hear the Cheers Program Program providing hearing aids and related audiology services to children so they can participate in sports and activities. Has raised over $365,000 and served over 130 children over 13 years.
• DeafBlind Program Services for DeafBlind and low vision community including advocacy, independent living skills, tactile instruction, ASL skills support, and free equipment through the iCanConnect/NDBEDP program.
• Domestic Violence Program Free confidential services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic violence including counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and assistance with police reports and court proceedings.
• Outreach, Education and Training Community education and training on deafness, access, and technology; informational booths; amplified phone demonstrations; and information and advocacy services.
• Social Services and Advocacy Advocacy, case management, counseling, crisis intervention, education and information/referral services helping individuals develop self-sufficiency.
• Adult Sign Language Classes Non-credit ASL classes for adults at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, taught by Deaf instructors. Classes focus on ASL grammar, structure, and Deaf Culture. Priced at $120 per 6-week session.
• Youth Sign Language Classes Online ASL classes for elementary and middle school students held via Zoom, with popup classes available throughout the year. Priced at $50 per 6-week session.
• Family Sign Language Classes Free virtual and in-person ASL classes for family members of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children birth through high school, available in English and Spanish.
• Custom ASL Options Personalized ASL tutoring and group sessions paired with Deaf Mentors, available as individual or small group tutoring (up to 3 people) in 10-hour packages, or group sessions for up to 15 people.
• Youth Programs Structured programs including Connections (Mentors at Home), ARMED (Adult Role Models in Education of the Deaf), Leadership Program, and Youth and Teen Activities.
• Deaf Mentor Program Program connecting families with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing adults as mentors to provide support, language modeling, community resources, and advocacy for families with children ages 0-22.
• Mary Mulcrone Mentorship Program Peer-to-peer mentorship program providing professional development for experienced freelance ASL interpreters, Deaf interpreters, newly working interpreters, and interpreter training students.
• ITAC Amplified Phone Program Demonstration site for Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation providing free amplified and captioned (CapTel) telephones to qualified Illinois residents with hearing loss.
• Emergencies and Accessibility Services Emergency preparedness and accessibility support for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, including guidance on communicating with police and hospitals using ASL interpreters.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 130 children provided with hearing aids and audiology services through Hear the Cheers program since 2012
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Anixter CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 1997CHS merged with Anixter Center in 1997, becoming a division of the nonprofit human services agency. Anixter Center assists people with disabilities to live and work in the community. The merger enabled CHS to grow and offer more comprehensive services. CHS serves as the VP of Communication Access division for Anixter Center.
• University of Illinois at Chicago HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCochlear implant services offered in conjunction with UIC Hospital for individuals for whom hearing aids are not sufficient.
• Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to present legal information videos for the public in ASL with English voice-over and captions on topics including Order of Protection, Traffic Court, Guardianship, Small Claims Court, and more.
• Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHS is a TTY distribution site and demonstration site for ITAC, distributing amplified and captioned (CapTel) telephones free of charge to qualified Illinois residents with hearing loss or speech disability.
• CaptionCall (FCC Funded)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHS became a demonstration site for FCC-funded CaptionCall service, offering free CaptionCall phones to qualified individuals experiencing difficulty hearing on the phone.
• CHOICES for ParentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2000, CHOICES for Parents is a coalition of parents and organizations providing support and information to parents who have a child with an identified hearing loss. CHS is a founding member and hosts a part-time coordinator.
• Hearing Loss LinkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn fall 2001, CHS merged with Hearing Loss Link, a nonprofit serving late-deafened adults. Following the merger, CHS hired a full-time coordinator to provide counseling, advocacy, referrals, and education to individuals who have lost their hearing.
• Illinois School for the Deaf OutreachminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember of CHS Statewide Alliance working to identify barriers and drive systemic change for DDBHH communities.
• Foundation for Hearing and Speech ResourcesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember of CHS Statewide Alliance addressing statewide interpreter shortage, employment access, mental health services, and other key priorities.
• Chicago Park DistrictminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member providing programs and services for DDBHH communities.
• Project ReachminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member organization.
• Deaf EqualityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member organization focused on deaf equality.
• Illinois Association of the DeafminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member statewide advocacy organization.
• Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing CommissionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member and regulatory body for interpreter licensure in Illinois.
• Illinois Registry of Interpreters for the DeafminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member professional organization for interpreters.
• Hearing Loss Association of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member national organization.
• Chicago Public SchoolsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member providing educational services for DDBHH students.
• Swoboda Deaf CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member community organization.
• Department of Human Services - RehabilitationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member government agency.
• Catholic Office of the DeafminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member religious organization serving Deaf community.
• Moraine Valley Community CollegeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member educational institution.
• Illinois Deaf Latino AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member cultural organization serving Latino Deaf community.
• Deaf Women UnitedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member organization.
• MayorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member government office.
• Illinois Service Resource CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance member resource center.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Association of the Deaf: National civil rights organization of, by, and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the US, providing advocacy, legal support, and community programs — directly comparable mission of advancing DDBHH welfare, though with a national policy focus rather than local service delivery.
• Hands & Voices: Nonprofit dedicated to supporting families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children through parent-to-parent guidance, advocacy, and education — directly comparable family/youth support programming for DDBHH communities.
• Hearing Loss Association of America: National nonprofit advocacy and support organization for people with hearing loss, offering education, advocacy, and community programs — comparable as a DDBHH-focused nonprofit, though national rather than regional and lacking CHS's clinical audiology and interpreter services.
• Center for Hearing and Communication: Nonprofit providing audiology, hearing aid, and communication access services for people with hearing loss — comparable as a multi-service nonprofit combining clinical audiology with communication support programs in a metro area.
• Communication Service for the Deaf: National nonprofit providing interpreting, advocacy, and communication access services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities — comparable as a service-delivery organization in the DDBHH space with interpreting and access programs at greater scale.
• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: National nonprofit advocating for listening and spoken language for people with hearing loss, providing education, advocacy, and school programs — comparable as a DDBHH-focused nonprofit with educational programming, though differing on communication philosophy.

Regional players

• CaptionCall (by Sorenson): FCC-funded captioned telephone service provider that partners with CHS as a demonstration site; comparable in offering assistive communication equipment for people with hearing loss and serving as a CHS distribution partner.
• Illinois School for the Deaf: State-run K-12 educational institution serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing students; a Statewide Alliance member and comparable regional DDBHH-serving organization in Illinois with overlapping educational and family support missions.

Broad incumbents

• Sorenson Communications: Leading provider of video relay services (VRS), interpreting, and communication access for the Deaf community — broader incumbent with national scale and proprietary technology platform overlapping with CHS's interpreter/captioning services.
• Purple Communications: Provider of video relay, video remote interpreting, and on-site interpreting services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers — broader incumbent competing in the same interpreter/captioning services category CHS serves.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HearingSociety
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChicagoHearingSociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chicago-hearing-society

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chicago Hearing Society