In 1979, the Sony Walkman was released, the Supersonics won the NBA championship, and Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic opened its doors for the first time. “I can’t believe it’s been 35 years since I started Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic…” says founder Dr. Thomas Norwood, AU.D.
Evergreen Speech and Hearing now spans three clinic locations, employs about 26 people, and is the premier provider of hearing and speech services in the Pacific Northwest.
“Technologically, things have changed drastically over this period of time,” says Dr. Norwood. Where hearing instruments are concerned, old analog hearing aids from days gone by have been replaced with state of the art digital instruments that far surpass the devices of 35 years ago, and Evergreen has been on the cutting edge of the newest hearing technologies every step of the way.
At Evergreen, we’ve practiced a legacy of transforming lives by resolving hearing, speech and balance issues for thousands of patients throughout the years. Ours is a patient first motto, with a focus on individualized relationships and ongoing patient care.
“I joined the clinic about twelve years ago, and since that time I’ve seen so many changes happen in the speech department,” says Maryam Sadrzadeh, Speech Pathology Program Director. “I’m very proud to be part of a clinic that values customized patient care, education, collaboration and evidence based practice. We are constantly changing…and looking for better ways to improve our results and to provide better service.”
Dr. Terry Limb, a co-owner and veteran Audiologist with Evergreen Speech and Hearing, agrees with these sentiments. “In the thirty years I’ve been with Evergreen, the changes have been really remarkable. When I first started, personal computers really didn’t exist at all. Now, everything we do is technology based…the diagnostic procedures that we utilize, even the hearing aids that people wear are on computers.”
Since its inception, Evergreen has kept a finger on the pulse of the most innovative diagnostic technologies and techniques that impact all aspects of hearing and speech services—from our Connect Program and state of the art Music Listening Lab, to personalized speech therapy and accent modification programs. Evergreen has also nurtured the successful careers of many new audiologists and speech therapists via internships and student programs throughout the years.
“One of the exciting things for me is seeing the patients who started with us 35 years ago, loyal patients, sending their friends and families over the years, seeing infants we identify now as successful attorneys and physicians…that’s a very rewarding thing, as well,” says Dr. Norwood.
Clinic Director, Ruth Norwood, BSN., is especially proud of Evergreen’s history of service to the community. From the Kids’ Parade in Redmond to serving up meals at Tent City, “We see our patients and know we’re making a difference in our community. It’s really been a highlight for me and something I’m really proud to be a part of at Evergreen Speech and Hearing.”
For a third of a century, we’ve been here for our patients and referring physicians. The professionals at Evergreen Speech and Hearing are excited to continue providing our community with the highest quality of care and most up-to-the-minute technologies possible. Thanks for allowing us to serve you for so long!