Michele Tisdale
Michele Tisdale joined the Heuser team as an extern in May 2024 and officially became the audiologist for the KY HEARS program in June 2025, with a special focus on pediatrics. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Middle Tennessee State University and her Doctor of Audiology degree from…
Are My Sunglasses Interfering With My Hearing Aids
If you use hearing aids and also like to sport sunglasses, you might be wondering whether these two accessories can coexist comfortably. It’s a common concern, after all, about 28.8 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids, yet many hesitate to wear them consistently. One worry some people have? That glasses might interfere with their…
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…
Leslie Hollenback
Rebecca Harkey
Rebecca Harkey brings over 30 years of experience in education for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. After relocating to Kentucky, she followed her passion for helping others by becoming a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist and joining the team at HHI. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Tech University…
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…
Kentucky Derby Festival Block Party
Our Heuser team will be at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center on April 19th! We will be providing free hearing screenings and hearing protection. Admission and parking for the block party is FREE. Click HERE to learn more about the event.
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),…
Vaccines and Hearing Loss
Risks of Untreated Hearing Loss Untreated hearing loss poses significant risks across the lifespan, impacting an individual’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional well-being. In children, hearing loss can delay speech and language development, impair academic performance and hinder social interaction. Without early identification and intervention, children may face lifelong challenges in communication and learning. For…
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…
Wee Sing Classes
Click here to enroll in our free introductory Wee Sing music classes with Heuser’s music therapist, Greta Gillmeister! Questions? Call Greta at (502) 584-3573 or email her at gillmeister@thehearinginstitute.org.
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…
Ariel Daniel
Ariel Daniel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Morehead State University and a certificate in teaching the deaf and hard of hearing. Having hearing loss herself, Ariel understands the challenges deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals face. While working as a Deaf Education Teacher in the public school system, she connected with many children,…
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Donate non-perishable food items in the lobby at our downtown campus! Now until Thanksgiving, place your items in the cardboard box to help feed our local community during our upcoming holiday celebrations.
Quinlan Morris
Quinlan Morris earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Louisville. Passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives, he chose this path to help improve the well-being of others. In his free time, Quin enjoys weightlifting, watching new movies in theaters, and spending time with his friends and family.
Abigail Bridenbecker
Abigail Bridenbecker is a Doctor of Audiology with four years of experience. She holds degrees from Baylor University and Gallaudet University and completed an externship at the University of Illinois Chicago Health Sciences Systems, specializing in Cochlear Implants, Hearing Aids, and Tinnitus management. She is ASHA-certified and trained in advanced audiology techniques. Abigail’s passion for…
Giving Tuesday
Remember to donate to Heuser on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving as part of Giving Tuesday! Give the Gift of Sound and support our powerful combination of a hearing health care clinic, a preschool and kindergarten program for children with communication disorders regardless of the ability to pay and KY HEARS, which offers statewide access to…
Sesame Street Family Fun Night
Building Foundations, Amplifying Futures: A Capital Campaign for the Heuser Hearing Institute
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…
Kristin Scotton
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…
Emily Cheshire
Emily Cheshire holds an associate in arts degree from Jefferson Community & Technical College and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s in business administration at the University of Louisville. With over five years of experience at Heuser Hearing Institute, Emily has developed a strong background in philanthropy, event planning and executive assistance. After relocating to Sarasota,…
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….
Aileena Kennedy
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…
Butterflies in Motion Luncheon
Get ready for the 10th annual Butterflies in Motion celebration at The Brown Hotel in Louisville! This distinctive fundraising gathering brings together the city’s most gracious individuals to create themed tables inspired by movies or TV shows. Join in the excitement by dressing up to match the theme! The best part? All the buzz…
Hear on the River Gala
SAVE THE DATE! Join us at the Hear on the River Gala at the Louisville Boat Club on June 28, 2025 at 6 PM! Enjoy dinner, drinks, music, and dancing, all for a great cause. Proceeds will support education programs for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, and have speech disorders…
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….
Doug Spear
Doug initiated his professional journey in the mid-80s with the Commission for Children, where he laid the foundation for his career. Following this, he assumed the role of audiologist for Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Harlan County, dedicating approximately 15 years to this position. Subsequently, Doug transitioned to a private practice in Pikeville, contributing five years…
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…
Deaf Education Professionals Symposium
Our inaugural Deaf Education Professionals Symposium is taking place on November 3rd from 6 PM to 9 PM and November 4th from 8 AM to 3 PM at Heuser Hearing & Language Academy! Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about new technologies and resources for the DHH & Deaf/Blind community as well as…
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…
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…
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….
Brittany Neal
Brittany served as a public special education teacher and coach for eight years before joining Heuser in 2023. She began her career as a Special Education Instructional Assistant, then later obtained her master’s degree in Learning and Behavior Disabilities (Kindergarten-12th grade). Brittany currently serves as the Special Education Teacher for Heuser Hearing Language Academy. Take…