Suzanne Foley, Au.D., CCC-A, Doctor of Audiology

08/22/2026

08/14/2026

08/12/2026

08/07/2026

Here are some things people who are deaf or hard of hearing shared when asked what they wishe people knew:

People with hearing loss have trouble understanding people who talk fast.

Don’t be upset if I ask you to repeat yourself. When I ask you to repeat something I did not hear, PLEASE do not tell me it does not matter!

All communication is important.

Don't tell me to LISTEN. I’m doing the best I can.

Just because some of us wear hearing devices does not mean our hearing is restored. We don't have typical hearing.

Hearing aids help, but do not restore hearing.

Being hard of hearing makes me feel as though I’m caught between two worlds.

I’m not being rude when I ask you to repeat yourself.

I’m just a regular kid. If you have questions, ask me. Please don’t just stare at me.

Use captioning for every single thing.

Please don’t continue to repeat the word if I am not understanding. Try putting it in context.

Do not tell me to "turn up" my hearing aids.

Being deaf doesn’t mean you have a sad life.

I can do anything. I wish people would stop assuming what I can and can't do, and just let me try.

Volume control is hard.

Saying "never mind" is hurtful

I am NOT stupid!

If I can't see you, I can't hear you.

If you get frustrated with me because I don’t understand, know that it’s 3X's as frustrating for me.

Being hard of hearing or deaf is not a weakness or sign of lack of intelligence. Treat everyone with respect.

When I tell you I am hard of hearing, please don’t start yelling at me. Louder is not better.

I know you are trying to help, but I would appreciate you waiting for me to tell you what I need or you asking me how you can assist me in hearing you.

My son would like people to know that he will not "outgrow" his hearing loss and that he will need hearing aids for the rest of his life.
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Thank you to the amazing people in this community who shared!

Awareness and understanding are key!

To check out more resources:
www.mybattlecall.com

08/07/2026

Before we start talking about conference sessions, speakers, and abstract submissions... let's start with one simple question.

What is EHDI?

Everything we do at the National EHDI Conference comes back to one shared mission: ensuring that infants and children with hearing loss are identified early and receive comprehensive, timely intervention and support services.

📍 As we look ahead to the 2027 National EHDI Conference in Bellevue, Washington, we'll be sharing more about the people, programs, and partnerships that make EHDI possible.

🎤 Breakout and Poster Abstract submissions are open through September 28! If you have research, innovative ideas, successful programs, or practical experiences to share, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more:
🌐 infanthearing.com
🌐 ehdiconference.org

07/23/2026

📚️ 🎉 Come celebrate with one of our own as she gives voice to some of our community experiences!📖

Critically acclaimed author, EHDI champion, and parent-to-parent support advocate Valerie Abbott will be in person at Viewpoint Books in Columbus, IN for the launch of her newest book. Titled Late to the Party: Extraordinary Stories of Hope After Late-Identified Hearing Loss, this work follows the journeys of sixteen families and the complexities they navigate following the delayed detection of hearing loss in their children.

Join us the afternoon of Saturday, August 22 to meet Valerie Abbott, discuss her work, and get a signed copy of her book!

Kindly RSVP to Jana via call or text at 317.437.3473.

07/11/2026

The summer has really flown by and we are now only two weeks away from our Back to School Picnic!

Pack a lunch and join us in scenic Brown County for relaxation and fellowship with other Hoosier families of deaf and hard of hearing children before the stress and busyness of a new school year set in.

If you haven't already done so, please RSVP to Jana via call or text at 317.437.3473.

If you need an ASL interpreter for the event, today is the LAST DAY to make that request.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

06/30/2026

This is a family friendly event supporting a wonderful organization that supports families with deaf and hard of hearing children. Come join the fun!

Polo at Sunset 2026 is coming up and we need your help! This annual fundraiser is what makes most of the work Indiana Hands & Voices provides throughout the year possible.

How can you help? Consider a sponsorship! We have multiple options to give you and your company visibility while enhancing your enjoyment of the event.

Sign Sponsor: Honor a loved one or advertise a business with these fully customizable yard signs! They will be visible both at the event and on our social media.

Pony Race Sponsor: This funds the horses kids will use during their pony races. Your sponsorship makes your company logo visible on event signage as well as IN Hands & Voices event webpage, and your company will be announced over the PA ahead of the races.

Kids Zone Sponsor: Sponsor fun activities that will keep children engaged during the polo event. Your company logo will be visible on signage in the Kids Zone, in the event program, on the IN Hands & Voices event webpage, and on our social media. You will also receive PA mentions throughout the event.

Tent Sponsor: VIP and Premier options allow you to enhance your enjoyment of the polo event according to your party size. Each comes with a number of carload admissions, private tent, early admission that includes a barn tour, and a covered table with cups, napkins, and adult beverages. Premier sponsorship includes additional perks!

Event Sponsor: This is the pinnacle of visibility and event day enjoyment. Choose from VIP or Premier levels to receive not only the perks of the corresponding private tent package, but prime signage for your company, PA mentions throughout the event, and inclusion of your company logo on the Indiana Hands & Voices website, silent auction website, and our social media.

For more information and to pledge a sponsorship, please visit the link here:
https://www.inhandsandvoices.org/polo

Do you or your company have a product you'd like to pledge for the silent auction? Please email [email protected] to discuss!

06/27/2026

🗓️ Save the date! Our Back to School Picnic will be taking place on Saturday, July 25th!🍴 🥪

Hoosier families, you are cordially invited to join us for an end of summer celebration! Pack a picnic and come explore Nashville in beautiful Brown County with other local families of deaf and hard of hearing children. This will be a perfect time to come together as a community, unwind, socialize, and strengthen friendships before the busyness and stress of a new school year set in.

To RSVP, please text or call Jana.

If you need an ASL interpreter for this event, please let us know by July 11th.

We look forward to seeing you there!