Hearing Professionals of Alabama

01/07/2026

Ever feel totally wiped out after a long conversation, especially in a noisy place?

You’re not imagining it.

When your brain works harder to make up for hearing loss, it can use up energy meant for other tasks, like memory or focus.

This idea is called Cognitive Load Theory, and it helps explain why untreated hearing loss can affect more than just your ears.

Research from Johns Hopkins found that people with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia if they don’t treat it. (Source: Lin et al., 2011)

Does listening feel exhausting? It might be time for a hearing check.

01/06/2026

As an audiologist, this is incredible news! The FDA has just approved MED-EL cochlear implants for children as young as seven months old, a groundbreaking step in early hearing intervention.

The earlier we can support a child’s hearing, the better the outcomes for speech, language, and brain development! To learn more, check out MED-EL’s website!

https://www.medel.com/en-us/press-room/press-list/press-details/2025/12/03/med-el-cochlear-implant-becomes-first-fda-approved-option-for-children-seven-months-and-older

01/05/2026

🎉 Happy New Year! As you probably know, your health insurance benefits likely reset on January 1.

Many plans include coverage for hearing evaluations and sometimes even hearing aids, but those benefits usually renew each calendar year. That means you may have fresh coverage waiting for you right now.

We accept major plans and we’re happy to help you understand exactly what’s covered before you schedule anything!

Whether you're considering a hearing evaluation or ready to explore hearing aids, we're here to guide you every step of the way!

✔️ Expert care ✔️ Transparent pricing ✔️ Flexible solutions

Let’s make 2026 your best-hearing year yet!

01/04/2026

“I saw hearing aids on the shelf at the pharmacy… is that an option for me?”

I get this question more than you’d think.

🦻In my clinical experience, many patients come into our clinic genuinely curious about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices…and for good reason. Increased access to hearing care is a positive step.

Here’s my expert take: OTC hearing aids are designed for adults over 18 with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. For some people, they can be an appropriate starting point.

That said, they aren’t always the best solution.

OTC devices are self-fitting, which means there’s a lot of guessing involved…

👂 Guessing about the type of hearing loss

💻 Guessing about the correct settings

🩺 Guessing whether something more medically treatable is being missed

And when we guess, hearing outcomes often fall short of what’s possible.

🔍 My role is to help you understand why you’re having difficulty hearing and guide you toward the solution that truly fits your ears, your lifestyle, and your goals, whether that includes OTC devices or something else.

If you’re wondering where to begin on your hearing journey, please contact us. We’re here to walk alongside you and help you make confident, informed decisions about your hearing. 👂

01/04/2026

Our audiologists are looking forward to the launch of this product in a few weeks, and bringing this technology to Central & East Alabama!

01/02/2026

We’re starting the new year by clearing up a common hearing myth. Many people think there’s nothing you can do about hearing loss, but that isn’t always true.

It's funny how travel costs money, but makes us richer. Keep your brain younger, maintain good hearing health.

01/02/2026

One of the very first things I hear from patients with mild hearing loss isn’t usually, “I can’t hear anything.”

It’s this:

👉 “I feel like I’m missing the little things.”

Just last week, a patient shared a story that stuck with me. During a holiday family gathering, his one-year-old grandchild said “Papa!” for the VERY FIRST TIME.

Everyone heard it… except Papa. 💔

These aren’t loud moments. But they’re big ones.

This is the reason most of our patients schedule their first hearing test.

If something feels “off,” or you’ve noticed those little misses starting to add up, we’re here, always ready to listen. 👂

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉

Here’s to 2026. Fresh starts, new goals, and maybe even… new sound for YOU. 👂✨

This time of year naturally makes us think about what we want more of…

Have you considered being more socially engaged this year?

If better hearing is on your list (whether it’s been a whisper or a loud nudge from your loved one 😆), we’re here to help you make it happen in a way that feels comfortable, supportive, and doable.

12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful year we’ve had. I think of the laughter of family and friends, the music that got stuck in my head, the little moments that made life feel alive. 👂

So here’s my question for you: How’d you hear this holiday season? Did you catch every conversation, every giggle, every “Merry Christmas” clearly? Or were there some not-so-clear moments?

Whether it’s checking your hearing, adjusting your devices, or finally addressing that nagging “huh?”... We're here to help you make 2026 the year of clear sound. 🎶

From our team to you: Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎉

📌 Friendly reminder: Our office will be closed for the holiday, but we’ll be back on Monday, January 5th, 2026 to help you hear every moment clearly very soon.

12/30/2025

🩰 I came across an article last month about NYC Ballet’s Sara Mearns becoming a new global ambassador for Phonak (a trusted hearing aid brand)… and I loved it. Not just because she’s incredibly talented, but because she’s openly sharing her hearing journey in a world where clarity truly matters.

Just like Sara, so many people discover that hearing technology doesn’t hold them back, it helps them live more confidently, fully, and joyfully.

If you’ve been wondering what better hearing could bring back into your life, let’s talk. I’m always here to help you hear your world a little clearer. ✨

12/29/2025

🎁 One of the most incredible gifts our ears and brain give us is the ability to tell the difference between music and speech…often without even thinking about it!

This time of year, that skill really shines.

You can instantly tell whether you’re hearing:

🎶 The melody of “Jingle Bells” drifting through the air, or…

🗣️ A friend calling your name across a crowded holiday party.

Your auditory system sorts it out in milliseconds 🤯 pitch, rhythm, tone, and timing all come together so your brain knows when it’s time to sing along… or not!

That’s the beauty of hearing: it connects us to conversation, to music, to memory.

So as we wrap up listening to the sounds of the season, take a moment to appreciate just how effortlessly your brain keeps the songs and chatter beautifully in tune. 🎶

12/29/2025

Take a moment to reflect on your hearing over the past year. Noticing changes now can help you take simple steps to keep your ears healthy in the year ahead.