CEO Brett Bachmann- Celebrating 10 Years
Across his career, Brett has been drawn to issues of social justice and equity, especially when it comes to the welfare of children or others who are marginalized. He instinctively understands the deep impact one individual can have on the life of another, for good or for ill. From the very beginning, Brett knew he…
What to Know About Protecting Your Residual Hearing
If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss, preserving the hearing you still have, also known as residual hearing, is a critical part of long-term hearing health. Hearing loss typically can’t be reversed, so once diagnosed it’s important to take taking the right steps to help slow its progression. Why Protecting Residual Hearing Matters Residual hearing…
What Is Hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is a term that describes increased sound sensitivity caused by a problem with how the brain perceives noise. It can lead to discomfort and even pain. Below, we review everything you need to know about hyperacusis. How Common Is Hyperacusis? This condition is fairly rare, occurring in approximately one in 50,000 people, according to…
Hear Better, Give Back with the Heuser Hearing Challenge
Free Screenings That Change Lives This May, in honor of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we invite you to take the Heuser Hearing Challenge—a simple way to maintain your hearing health and support children with hearing, speech and language disorders. How It Works When you take a FREE hearing screening at Heuser Hearing Institute during the month…
Why Hearing Checks Should Be a Regular Part of Your Healthcare Routine
Maintaining strong hearing is key for staying connected with your surroundings and loved ones. Consider how you prioritize your hearing health and what you can do to implement hearing health maintenance as part of your healthcare routine. Why You Should Prioritize Hearing Tests Hearing loss can develop slowly, making it easy to miss early warning…
Hearing Aids & Babies: The First 6 Months
In 2000, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program was established to ensure children with hearing loss receive the support they need as early as possible. This initiative focuses on the early identification of hearing issues and provides a structured timeline for intervention, including: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),…
What Can I Expect with Bluetooth® Hearing Aids?
If you’re considering hearing aids, you may wonder what features you should consider. Bluetooth technology allows your hearing devices to connect directly to your phone, computer or other technology. Our team at can tell you more about Bluetooth features to help you find the perfect pair of hearing aids. Easily Stream from Your Other Devices…
If You’re Over 50, Here’s What You Should Know About Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Are you over 50 and finding it harder to keep up with conversations? Do you struggle to hear clearly in noisy environments? Have loved ones or colleagues pointed out changes in your hearing? If any of this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing sensorineural hearing loss. Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss Sensorineural hearing loss happens when…
Thanksgiving Together: How Hearing Aids Help Create a Day of Connection
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with those we cherish, give thanks and eat lots and lots of food. But for those with hearing loss, the lively buzz of a holiday meal can sometimes feel like a challenge instead of a celebration. If you or a loved one struggles with hearing loss, this Thanksgiving could…
What To Know About Auditory Training
Hearing loss impacts more than one in 10 people in the United States. Hearing loss doesn’t just muffle sounds. It can also make it harder for your brain to recognize familiar noises. Without treatment, the brain starts to forget how to process certain sounds, making it challenging to adjust even after getting hearing aids. That’s…
What to Know About Hidden Hearing Loss
Hidden hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that cannot be discovered on standard hearing tests, but is reported by patients, especially in places with background noise. Hearing loss affects approximately 18% of the population worldwide, and hidden hearing loss could make that percentage even higher. It may be difficult to diagnose, so here’s…
Understanding Hearing Aids and Seasonal Changes
As summer rushes by, it won’t be long before the crisp fall air starts to settle in. The changing seasons not only bring shifts in weather but also in how you should care for your hearing aids. With more than 10% of people in the United States living with hearing loss, and a large portion…
Tips for Driving Safely With Hearing Loss
Approximately 22% of adults ages 65-74 and 55% of those over 75 have disabling hearing loss. When you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, it’s natural to worry about how it will affect your daily life. One common concern is how the condition will affect the safety of your driving. How Does Hearing Loss Affect Driving? Your…
How To Prepare for Hospital Stays with Hearing Loss
A hospital stay can be an uncertain experience for anyone, but for individuals with hearing loss, it can present additional challenges. Effective communication is critical in a healthcare setting, and taking steps to prepare can help ensure you receive the best care possible. Here’s a guide on how to prepare for a hospital stay when…
How To Safeguard Your Hearing Aids While Embracing an Active Lifestyle
Exercise can put you in a better mood, improve your joint and bone health and help stave off conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While the right amount of exercise may vary from person to person, the CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activity per week…
What to Know About Invisible Hearing Aids
For those considering hearing aids who don’t want them to be noticeable, there may be a solution. An estimated 28.8 million Americans could potentially benefit from the use of such devices. These invisible hearing aids are crafted to be unobtrusive, making them a seamless addition to one’s daily wear. However, it’s essential to weigh the…
Why Does My Earwax Build Up (And Can It Affect My Hearing?)
Cerumen, more commonly known as earwax, is a protective oily substance in the ear produced by glands in the ear canal. Earwax exists to protect the ear against dirt, debris and infection and should naturally expel itself. Sometimes circumstances may prevent this natural process from working as efficiently as it should, leading to a buildup….
Heuser Hearing Leader Honored in Oticon Focus on People Awards
Heuser Hearing Institute CEO Brett Bachmann was honored as a Hearing Loss Champion in the 2023 Oticon Focus on People Awards. For 25 years, the competition has encouraged people across the U.S. to vote online to celebrate individuals whose courage, vision and commitment are changing the perception of what it means to have hearing loss….
What Is Congenital Hearing Loss?
Congenital hearing loss is hearing loss, full or partial, that is present at birth. It is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions diagnosed in children. There is no cure for congenital hearing loss, but there are management options that may prevent further hearing loss and prevent speech-language developmental delays. Symptoms and Causes Most developed…
How To Stay Active with Hearing Aids
Caring for your hearing aids involves gentle handling and regular drying, which might make it seem odd to wear them during exercise. However, with proper maintenance, hearing aids can enhance your workout experience and improve your safety. Exercising with Hearing Aids There are several reasons you should consider wearing your hearing aids during exercise. Depending…
What Is Temporary Threshold Shift
If you have ever left a loud concert at The Mercury Ballroom to find that noises feel too quiet, you have likely experienced a temporary threshold shift. With a temporary threshold shift, sounds may sound muffled, and you may have a feeling of fullness or hear a slight ringing in your ears, known as tinnitus….
Vote for Brett Bachmann in the 2023 Oticon Focus on People Awards
Heuser Hearing Institute CEO Brett Bachmann has been selected as a finalist in the 2023 Oticon Focus on People Awards, a national competition that celebrates people who are helping to change perceptions of what it means to live with hearing loss. Brett is one of three finalists in this year’s Hearing Loss Champion category, a…
Can Vitamin D Deficiency Contribute to Hearing Loss?
More than 1.5 billion people (nearly 20% of the global population) live with hearing loss. Common factors that can increase your risk of hearing loss include aging, loud noise exposure, viral illnesses, genetics and more. New research indicates that vitamin D deficiency could be another risk factor for developing hearing loss. What Is Vitamin D?…
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The Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Mental Fatigue
Most of us have experienced mental fatigue after a long day of listening to presentations or attending Zoom meetings. However, if you have hearing loss, you are likely to experience this fatigue sooner and more frequently. Struggling to Hear Wears Out Your Brain Hearing loss often happens because of damage to the hair cells of…
When Should You Get a Hearing Test?
Did you know that an estimated 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss? Even more surprising is that only a fraction of people with hearing loss are receiving treatment for this. Oftentimes, hearing loss comes on so gradually that people go years before realizing they have a problem. One of the issues is…
Alumni Spotlight: Riley Ennis
Riley Ennis is a junior at Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) and a proud HHLA alum from the class of 2012. Riley credits HHLA with building her a strong foundation both academically and personally. Since graduating from Heuser, Riley has grown into a bright and outgoing young woman. Throughout her academic career she has pushed hard to excel in hopes of…
What Are Common Tinnitus Triggers?
If you experience tinnitus, you know what a frustrating and disruptive condition it can be. Tinnitus has many different causes, as well as triggers that can cause symptoms to flare up. Let’s take a look at a few of the common tinnitus triggers. What is Tinnitus? Tinnitus is described as a ringing in the ears….
Can Ear Infections Cause Hearing Loss?
The most commonly associated symptom with ear infections is ear pain. However, ear infections can also cause muffled hearing or hearing loss. This hearing loss is usually temporary in nature and returns to normal once the infection clears up. Some people who experience severe, chronic ear infections may be at a higher risk of permanent…
Alumni Spotlight: Michael Shea
I attended Louisville Deaf Oral School from 1994-1996 after being diagnosed with hearing loss when I was nearly 5 years old. My parents noticed that my vocabulary was very limited in the years prior to our appointment with an audiologist. They met with a number of other specialists and received a number of misdiagnoses before…
Protect Your Hearing on July 4
As the Fourth of July nears and growing numbers of Americans are reporting hearing loss, the American Academy of Audiology and Heuser Hearing Institute are cautioning the public to protect their hearing during firework displays. Noise from fireworks can reach up to 155 decibels. To put this into perspective, this is louder than a jet…
How To Use Headphones While Wearing Hearing Aids
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.” Hearing aid technology has advanced at a rapid pace in recent years. One of the latest features is the ability for your hearing aids to act like wireless earbuds using Bluetooth® technology. However,…
Heuser Patient Sherry Martinez Credits the Institute with Giving Her Hope for Recovery
My vestibular dysfunction journey began with a vision loss event while I was at work. Though it was temporary, it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced. What followed were many symptoms including dizziness, difficulty with balance, visual processing issues, motion related issues, cognitive function deficits, severe light sensitivity, multiple sensory issues, a…
Here’s How You Can Protect Your Ears While Exercising Outdoors
Nicer weather means you’ll want to spend more time outdoors, even to exercise. However, when doing so, it’s important to take measures to protect your ears and hearing. We review tips for this below. Wear Hearing Protection If you’re going to be going for a run through Levy Park on Eastside Street where they could…
Alumni Spotlight: Grant Scheynost
My name is Grant Scheynost and I graduated from the Louisville Deaf Oral School in 2000. After LDOS, I attended JCPS schools and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2016 with a degree in management information systems. I currently work as an Informaticist for Humana analyzing pharmaceutical data. During my free time, I’m either…
Vacation Packing Essentials for People with Hearing Loss
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports, “Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.” If you’re among this population and you’re preparing to go on vacation, you may need to do a little extra preparation. Below we review your vacation packing essentials for people…
Alumni Spotlight! Abby Baker
Abby Baker graduated from HHLA in 2014. She is now 13 and a seventh grader at Christian Academy. Since leaving HHLA, Abby has done exceptionally well—she’s a great student, friend and very outgoing. One of Abby’s favorite pastimes is field hockey. She plays field hockey for her school team and is also a club player for IFHCK. However, don’t let…
How To Choose a Cell Phone When You Have Hearing Aids
Hearing aids have evolved over the years to not only improve your listening experience but connect with other technology as well, including cell phones. If you’re in the market for a new phone and want to make sure they work well with your hearing aids, let’s examine what you should look for before you head…
Tips for Planning a Cruise with Hearing Aids
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In 2019, 7.1% of adults aged 45 and over used a hearing aid; use was higher among men than women in all age groups.” If you’re among this population who wears hearing aids and you’re planning a cruise with your family or friends, below we…
Alumni Spotlight! George Payne Sr.
George Payne Sr. was born in 1949. His mother found out about Louisville Deaf Oral School (now Heuser Hearing & Language Academy) through a newspaper article in 1952 and was then enrolled in 1953. At LDOS, he learned to speak, read and write in the carriage house behind the Woman’s Club of Louisville. The carriage…
How Do Our Brain’s Expectations Influence What We Hear?
Our ears and our brains work together to help us hear. Soundwaves from your environment are captured by the outer ear and travel down the ear canal, which leads to the eardrum. When the soundwave hits the eardrum, a vibration is created, which passes through three tiny bones within the middle ear called the malleus,…
Take Advantage of Our Conservation and Occupational Safety Program
Want to protect your resources and keep employees safe through protection, prevention and training? Heuser Hearing Institute now offers a special Conservation and Occupational Safety Program that exceed Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)/Mining Safety and Health (MSHA) Guidelines. Our program is flexible and convenient—we provide testing at any time, day or night, to accommodate your…
Is It Safe to Sleep with Headphones or Earbuds?
Whether you live in the city and you’re trying to drown out the noises or you find listening to music or a sleepcast to be relaxing, you may be tempted to sleep with headphones or earbuds in. But is doing so safe for your hearing? We answer this question below. What the Research Shows A…
How Do Audiologists Diagnose Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a phantom ringing, roaring, hissing, whistling, humming or buzzing sound in the ears with no external source, especially in quiet environments like Louisville Free Public Library. For some, it is a mild nuisance, while for others, it is a debilitating experience. Getting diagnosed is key to improving your quality of life. However, because…
Get into the Spooky Spirit with Your Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is common. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, two to three of every 1,000 babies in the U.S. is born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, and one in eight people ages 12 and older has hearing loss in both…
Protect Your Hearing During These Fall Activities
Undoubtedly, you’ve seen the return of pumpkin spice lattes and noticed the sun setting a little earlier each day. That can only mean that fall is upon us. As you look forward to your favorite fall activities, it’s always good to know how to care for your hearing health during this season. Popular Fall Activities…
Heuser Hearing Institute Receives $3 Million from Commonwealth of Kentucky for Approved “KY HEARS Healthcare Initiative”
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 30th, 2022): The Heuser Hearing Institute is thrilled and honored to announce the approval of the “KY HEARS Healthcare Initiative,” a program aimed at closing the education and employment gap for Kentuckians who are deaf or hard of hearing. The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort by Heuser, Kentucky lawmakers,…
Heuser Hearing Institute and Heuser Hearing & Language Academy Voted “Best” for Second Straight Year
Louisville, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2022) – Both Heuser Hearing Institute and Heuser Hearing & Language Academy were recognized for a second straight year in the Courier Journal’s 2022 “Best of the Best” Community Choice Awards ceremony. Community members vote on these lists to honor businesses, organizations and people throughout the state of Kentucky. The “Best of…
Myth vs. Reality: Hearing Loss, OTC Hearing Aids & You
On Oct. 19, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a landmark proposal intended to improve access to and reduce the cost of hearing aid technology for millions of Americans. The agency proposed a rule to establish a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. When finalized, the rule will allow hearing aids…
Fighting Fires and Hearing Loss
Everyone knows that fighting fires can be a dangerous job. The men and women of the Louisville Fire Department put themselves at risk every day to keep those in our community safe. While some risks are obvious, one that may surprise you is that firefighters are at a higher risk of hearing loss. The…