Q: What inspired the founding of Hear in Texas, and how does the organization’s mission align with the needs of the New Braunfels community?
A: After helping tens of thousands of people achieve better hearing and earning a national reputation for advanced audiological care, I decided to make a change. My husband and I always dreamed of living in the Hill Country once our children were off to college. Carlos, being from San Antonio, loved the proximity, and we were drawn to the vibrant music scene and close-knit community in New Braunfels. We planned to visit both New Braunfels and Wimberley but fell in love with New Braunfels immediately and never made it to Wimberley. In late 2021, I sold my clinic in Midland and relocated with my husband to start a new chapter. By July 2022, we opened our state-of-the-art clinic here, where I now dedicate my time to helping local residents reconnect with the world through better hearing.
Q: Can you share an overview of the services Hear in Texas provides, and how they specifically benefit the local population?
A: We offer comprehensive audiological services, including hearing assessments, advanced hearing aid technology, cochlear implants, tinnitus management, pediatric hearing care, cognitive screening, positional vertigo treatment, and earwax removal. We also provide custom hearing protection and in-ear monitors for musicians. For accessibility, we offer remote audiology services and hearing aid repairs.
Our clinic is deeply embedded in the community. We’ve conducted hearing screenings for first responders, city employees, local businesses, and schools. Attending community health fairs, like those hosted by NBU and EdenHill, allows us to educate and serve the public directly. These events help us provide preventative care and immediate insights with our video scope, which shows participants the inside of their ears in real time.
Q: How does Hear in Texas work to raise awareness about hearing health, and why is this an important issue for New Braunfels?
A: Education is a cornerstone of our mission. Through "Doc Talks," we’ve reached residents at assisted living facilities, 55+ communities, and organizations like the Retired Teachers Association. We’ve also been keynote speakers at events like the EdenHill Alzheimer's Symposium and the Lone Star Parkinson Society. These talks cover topics ranging from hearing loss prevention to the critical connection between hearing health and cognitive well-being.
We also distribute silicone earplugs at every event to encourage hearing protection. Recently, we partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to address how hearing loss can lead to dementia. By using our cognitive screening tool, Cognivue, we’ve seen how proactive hearing care can significantly improve patients’ cognitive, social, and physical health.
Q: Can you highlight some specific ways Hear in Texas has positively impacted local residents?
A: One of our most cherished initiatives is the "Hear for the Holidays" giveaway. For the past three years, we’ve invited the community to nominate deserving individuals to receive the gift of hearing. Our team votes on the nominations, and the chosen recipient receives a full hearing evaluation, premium hearing aids, and follow-up care. Surprising recipients with this life-changing gift is a highlight of our year, with Santa often joining the celebration.
We’ve also co-hosted Veteran Resource Fairs, connecting local veterans with essential services. These events, held in partnership with Visiting Angels, bring together over 25 resources to ensure veterans in our community receive the care and support they deserve.
Q: What are some misconceptions about hearing loss, and how does Hear in Texas address them?
A: A common myth is that hearing aids are only for older adults. That’s simply not true. With today’s Bluetooth-enabled devices, hearing aids are stylish and functional, seamlessly integrating into daily life for people of all ages. Another misconception is that hearing aids won’t work for everyone. Often, this stems from improper fittings or inconsistent use. At Hear in Texas, we ensure each device is tailored to the patient’s needs and emphasize the importance of wearing them consistently for the best results.
Q: What’s next for Hear in Texas, and how can the community get involved?
A: We’ve expanded our team to include a second audiologist, Dr. Anna McCraney, who brings over 30 years of experience. With her expertise, we’re continuing to grow and serve the community.
To support our efforts, we encourage residents to spread the word about our services and participate in our outreach programs. By raising awareness about the importance of hearing health, together, we can help more people reconnect with the sounds they love.
"Education is a cornerstone of our mission. By addressing hearing health, we aim to improve not just hearing but overall well-being."
"Hearing aids today are stylish and functional, integrating into daily life."