World renowned Audiologist, Hearing Scientist, and Author to Join Hearts for Hearing
René H. Gifford, Ph.D., CCC-A is joining Hearts for Hearing in Oklahoma as Chief of Research and Audiology beginning January 2025. Gifford currently holds the Fred H. Bess Chair in Audiology, is a tenured Professor of Hearing & Speech Sciences, and Director of the Implantables, Hearing Enhancement, & Amplification Research (I HEAR) Laboratory at Vanderbilt University in the School of Medicine. “We are thrilled to have a hearing healthcare expert […]
Hearts for Hearing Unveils State-of-the-Art Mobile Care Clinic
You will soon see Hearts for Hearing’s state-of-the-art mobile hearing care clinic on the highways and byways across Oklahoma in the coming days, weeks and years.
Hear Their Stories: Isla’s Hearing Loss Journey
19-month-old Isla is bubbly little girl who loves exploring, playing, reading, and dancing along to Elmo. Hear her story and hearing loss journey.
Hearts for Hearing Receives $250,000 Grant from Masonic Charity Foundation
Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma recently awarded Hearts for Hearing a grant of $250,000. This generous gift will support children’s hearing care across Oklahoma.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is defined as a perception of sound when no external noise is present, most often noticed during quiet activities.
Joanna Smith stepping down at Hearts for Hearing
Hearts for Hearing CEO and co-founder, Joanna T. Smith, is stepping down from her role after a 47-year career serving individuals with communication needs and helping babies and children born deaf learn to listen and talk.
Zoe’s Story
Mom describes the pregnancy and delivery as nothing out of the ordinary. Looking back, she remembers being comforted by the fact that a nurse mentioned how well Zoe slept that first night – even though other babies were crying all around her.
Nelson’s Story
-year-old Nelson is the baby of his family. It is fair to say that he is doted over by everyone, especially his big sister Shade. Mom tells us Nelson loves the attention his big sister gives – even if it comes by him annoying her – and he’s definitely very good at it. “Still,” says Mom, “Shade is his best friend.” Mom loves hearing the sounds of her children playing or reading together, but at one time, she was not certain it would ever be possible.
Maverick’s Story
Maverick tells us he doesn’t know how to compare himself to his hearing friends because he feels he is the same. When a stranger asks him about his technology, he tells them he was born deaf, that he has cochlear implants, and he needs the processors…
Michael’s Story
Michael was diagnosed with bilateral, profound hearing loss in February of 1998 at 18 months of age. At the time, his family was living in New Mexico however his father had just accepted a faculty position at OU College of Dentistry in Oklahoma City. His mom immediately began researching hearing care services in Oklahoma City, and her search led her to Speech-Language Pathologist, Joanna Smith (our founder), who was with an organization that in 2003 became Hearts for Hearing.