Louisville nonprofit brings free hearing screenings to Hardin County Elementary Schools

HARDIN COUNTY, Ky. (WBKO) - KY HEARS, an initiative of Heuser Hearing Institute (HHI), is expanding access to vital hearing healthcare services in Hardin County.

Over the next week, KY HEARS will deliver free, on-site hearing screenings for elementary students in Hardin County Schools, supporting early identification of hearing loss and helping reduce barriers to learning.

When additional care is needed, KY HEARS can connect students and families with diagnostic testing and follow-up services at no cost to families, as state funding remains available.

Created in 2022, KY HEARS looks to increase access to hearing healthcare across Kentucky, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Through mobile clinics, permanent access points, and a dedicated traveling audiology team, the program brings services such as hearing screenings, diagnostic testing, and follow-up care closer to individuals and families across the state.

“Every child deserves the chance to fully participate in the classroom,” said Brett Bachmann, CEO of Heuser Hearing Institute, in a release. “By bringing no-cost hearing screenings directly into Hardin County schools, KY HEARS can help identify hearing needs early and connect families with the right next steps.”

KY HEARS currently operates in 31 counties across Kentucky and plans continued expansion.