Amplified by Hear Indiana

Hear Indiana
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hear Indiana was founded in 1971. It was established to create equal opportunities for children with hearing loss through Listening and Spoken Language.

  1. 12/26/2025

    2025 Wrap up with CEO Ellyn McCall

    https://www.hearindiana.org/donate/ This episode from Amplified by Hear Indiana reflect on a year of providing specialized audiology and speech services to the deaf and hard of hearing community. The organization recently completed a significant clinic expansion that doubled their treatment space and added state-of-the-art sound booths designed for patient comfort and efficiency. Looking toward 2026, the non-profit plans to broaden its impact by launching adult services, which will help fund their primary pediatric mission. While the organization has successfully reduced its annual operating deficit, they are actively seeking donations to close a remaining funding gap. Future podcast episodes aim to feature firsthand stories from families and insights from partner organizations to highlight the collaborative nature of hearing healthcare in Indiana.

    26 min

  2. 12/21/2025

    Accommodations w/ Dana Feiner

    http://hearindiana.org/donate This podcast episode from Amplified by Hear Indiana features a discussion between host Britton Johnson and a teacher of the deaf Dana Feiner regarding accessibility and accommodations for the deaf and hard of hearing community. They emphasize that "planned seating" is a dynamic necessity rather than a fixed front-row requirement, as students need specialized positioning to optimize auditory clarity and visual cues. The conversation highlights various support tools, including remote microphone systems, closed captioning, and real-time translation services like CART to bridge communication gaps in both classrooms and social settings.

    32 min

  3. 11/14/2025

    Comprehensive language and speech evaluations w/ Kelly - Episode 11

    This episode of "Amplified," produced by Hear Indiana, featuring board member Britton Johnson and guest Kelly Hultman, a speech-language pathologist and parent of a child with hearing loss. The conversation centers on listening and spoken language (LSL) support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, particularly focusing on speech and language assessments. Key topics discussed include the types of hearing loss (sensory neural, conductive, and mixed), the importance of early intervention and consistent hearing aid use, and the specifics of the free, comprehensive language and speech evaluations offered by Hear Indiana to track progress and inform individualized education plans (IEPs).

    33 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Parent Coaching w/Kristin and Dana

    This episode features a discussion on parent coaching as a vital component of listening and spoken language sessions, emphasizing that parents are the child's most crucial teacher given they spend significantly more time with the child than professionals. Guests Dana Feiner and Kristin Schaaf discuss their professional backgrounds, the importance of a strength-based approach when coaching parents, and the need to meet families where they are, accounting for factors such as home language, cultural differences, and diverse learning styles. The hosts and guests also share resources and encouraging final thoughts for families navigating this journey.Resources: https://www.hearingfirst.org/

    35 min

  5. 10/24/2025

    Audiology, Wear Time, and Child Development w/ Lauren Gowdy

    In this episode of Amplified by Hear Indiana, host Britton Johnson speaks with audiologist Lauren Gowdy about the vital role Hear Indiana plays in supporting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Gowdy describes audiology as a unique blend of art and science, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning as technology—especially AI and Bluetooth—rapidly evolves. The discussion explores the rise of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing products and the concern that negative experiences with unverified, self-fitted devices may discourage people from seeking professional care. A key focus of the episode is wear time—the consistent, daily use of hearing devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, particularly in children. Gowdy highlights that while many aspects of hearing loss are beyond a parent’s control, ensuring full-time device use (over 10 hours a day for children older than one) is the single most critical factor for a child’s long-term success. Consistent wear during the first three years of life is essential for optimal cognitive, social, and emotional development. Strategies to encourage wear time include creating routines like “eyes open, ears on,” using retention aids such as headbands or toupee tape, and implementing reward systems. For questions about hearing care, parents are encouraged to contact Hear Indiana’s audiology team at audiology@hearindiana.org, especially when unsure whether to reach out to a doctor, ENT, audiologist, or device manufacturer.

    38 min

  6. 10/17/2025

    Board Member Profile w/Wesley Jones - Episode 8

    This episode of Amplified, a podcast by Hear Indiana, profiles board member Wesley Jones. Jones, originally from Indianapolis, holds an accounting degree from IU. His professional background includes working in public accounting in Washington DC, collegiate athletics at IU for nine years (where his passion lies), and currently overseeing the internal audit function for the City of Indianapolis. Jones's prior career path centered on collegiate athletics, where his expertise lies in the operational and administrative sides of sports. He notes that success is not linear, and definitions of success change over time based on life and family needs.Jones joined the Here Indiana board in late 2023 (November/December) and had no prior awareness of the organization. He was sought out for his experience in finances, budgeting, and strategic planning.

    25 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    Hearing Aid Assistance Program of Indiana (HAAPI) w/ Abbi DeFord - Episode 7

    https://haapindiana.org/ This podcast episode of Hear Indiana featuring an interview with Abbi DeFord, a Development Associate and Happi Administrator for the organization. The discussion focuses primarily on the Hearing Aid Assistance Program of Indiana (HAPPI), a state-funded cost-participation program that helps families afford hearing devices for children aged three through high school. Deford explains that HAPPI is administered by Hear Indiana as a third party and details the relatively simple application process, the necessary documentation, and the program's income-based cost participation model, noting that the maximum cost to a family is $500 per device. The conversation also touches on Deford's background in the hearing impairment world, her work in fundraising and event planning for the nonprofit, and the importance of family support and follow-up care provided through the HAPPI program.

    33 min

  8. 10/03/2025

    Listening and Spoken Language Camp w/Kaleigh Calisto - Episode 6

    This week on Amplified, a podcast by Here Indiana, where host BrittonJohnson interviews Kaleigh Calisto, a speech-language pathologist and listening and spoken language specialist. The discussion centers on Calisto’s work with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, including her professional background and her experience working with various age groups in both in-person and teletherapy settings. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Camp Happy Hollow, a summer camp for children with hearing loss that uses a listening and spoken language approach, emphasizing the importance of peer acceptance and social-emotional growth for the campers. Calisto highlights the value of parent coaching in therapy and the successful use of technology, while also noting the challenges of articulation work and listening in noisy environments.Listening and Spoken Language Camp w/Kaleigh Calisto - Episode 6

    40 min
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Hear Indiana was founded in 1971. It was established to create equal opportunities for children with hearing loss through Listening and Spoken Language.

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