Let Texas Hear

This year Texas is attempting to mandate health insurance plans cover hearing aids for children up to age 18.  For years hearing aids have been seen as a cosmetic device.  This bill in both the house and senate will change that. 

Please join the fight and speak up for these kids who don't have a voice in the system. 

You can click the link below to send your local politician a letter in support of this bill.



Click Here to Send Letter

Giving Tuesday

It seems like there is a "day" for everything, doesn't it?  Well today is no different.  It is #GivingTuesday.  No doubt you've already received many emails or seen several Facebook posts asking you to give to charity.  This blog, which will be posted to Google, Facebook, Twitter and our website will be no different.  Before I ask for donations I want to give you an idea of who you would be donating too.
Several years ago, Kim and I created The Marquardt Hearing Foundation.  I tried to have a better name, but The Secretary of State didn't like my creativity.  The reason we created the foundation was because we were seeing patients who needed better hearing, but because of cost, had no access to hearing aids.  Our goal was primarily to help kids to receive hearing aids, but over the years we have helped several adults as well. 

The big question you should always ask before donating to any charity:  Where does my money go?  With our foundation, we decided from the beginning that we would donate our time.  Therefore, 100% of the money we raise goes to purchasing equipment for people with hearing loss.  So there is no funneling of money, or get rich proposition for us.  We just want to never turn away a patient because of money. 
Here's the ask:  If you've been blessed this year with having a little extra money and are looking for a way to have a major impact in someone's life.  Consider a donation to The Marquardt Hearing Foundation.  The gift of hearing for a child will change the trajectory of their life. 

Checks can be made to:

The Marquardt Hearing Foundation

17450 St. Luke's Way, Ste 150

The Woodlands, TX 77384

God Bless you and your family during this Christmas season.

Scott & Kim Marquardt, Jamie Hawkins



Help For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Drivers in Texas

You might have read the story today about a young man who was shot by a police officer in Charlotte, NC. http://abcnews.go.com/US/north-carolina-police-kill-deaf-man-chase/story?id=41580922   I'm not sure all the details of what happened are clear at this point.  One thing I do know is that it is a very difficult situation for both drivers who are hearing impaired and police officers.  An inability to communicate can very easily lead to an unwanted outcome. 

In Texas if you are hearing impaired, you can register with DARS and obtain an official placard that goes in your visor.  This allows you to show this placard to the police officer before things have a chance to escalate.  I've included the link to the application here.  http://www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/servicesmanual/ch8.htm

Our prayers go out to both the family of the man who lost his life and the police officer. 

My Hearing Aids Talk To The Coffee Maker?????

Yes they can!  If you want them to.  The newest thing in electronics is that they can connect to the internet.  Your coffee maker, the door bell, the TV, the lights and even new hearing aids.    Almost anything you think of can connect through The Internet Of Things using the IF (if this then that) app on your phone. 

Imagine waking up in the morning, closing the battery doors on your hearing aids and the coffee maker turns on and makes you a cup of coffee.  Or the doorbell rings and you get notification in your hearing aids.  The possibilities are endless.  For more information on this technology, call our office at 936-273-4437 or email at info@hearingwithclarity.com

Giving Thanks For The People Around Me

July is a pretty important month at Clarity Hearing.  Exciting things seem to happen to us in July so today I wanted to take a moment and give thanks.

1.  Krissy, Our amazing office manager came to work in July 4 years ago.  I could list all the things she does at the office, but the list would be incredibly long.  I am thankful every day that she has hung in there with me.

2.  Dr. Jamie Hawkins.  Dr. Hawkins joined me one year ago and has been a blessing.  She's done an outstanding job keeping the office going when I couldn't be there.  She's been a wonderful addition.

Both Krissy and Dr. Jamie are great people, always trying to do the right thing for the patients they come in contact with.    We aren't perfect, but we try every day to get it right.  I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who share that vision.

Earbuds & Noise Awareness

DID YOU KNOW?

In the U.S., an estimated 12.5% of 6-19 year old children and adolescents (5.2 million) and 17% of 20-69 year old adults (26 million) have permanent hearing damage from excessive exposure to noise.

On a global scale, 1.1 billion young people are at risk for hearing loss due to their misuse of personal audio devices, such as smart phones.

Earbuds worn directly in the ear canals produce 7-9 decibels higher sound and increase the risk of permanent damage in as few as 8 minutes of listening.

Experience safe hearing and keep the 60/60 rule top of mind:
To minimize hearing loss damage, listen to music with earbuds for no more than 60 minutes per day and at no more than 60% of the maximum volume.

Noise induced hearing loss is 100% preventable.  If you have questions about your child's hearing, consult an audiologist.  www.hearingwithclarity.com

Depression Risk Awareness

DID YOU KNOW?

In the U.S. it is estimated that 37 million adults have some decree of hearing loss, while 22 million suffer from some form of depression.

Your ears can be a "window to your mind" and hearing loss may increase depression risk, especially for those younger than 70 years.

Research indicates:

1. Those with sensory loss, especially both hearing and vision, experience depression symptoms more than the general population
2. There is a more acute need for timely healthcare intervention when increased sensory loss constrains daily functionality.
3. Hearing health providers can play a key role in referring those with Depressions symptoms to mental and vision health experts.

To learn more, please visit:  www.nimh.nih.gov

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to depression, cognitive decline, and lower pay at work.  If you or someone you know is having difficulty hearing, seek help from an audiologist.