October News

“October, baptize me with leaves!”
– Rainbow Rowell

KY HEARS has been busy these past few months with hosting hearing clinics and attending health fairs! Check out the highlights from our trips and look at our upcoming events through this month:

The team had a great time seeing familiar faces- including some new little ones!

We also returned to our frequently visited eastern KY locations.

- With Raising Hope and Dale Dobson at the Columbus Belmont State Park on the shores of the Mississippi River

Our first visit at the Hancock County Judicial Center!

We were so honored to be a sponsor of such an amazing & important event in Louisville.

KY HEARS and Heuser Hearing Institute helped screen over 1,100 people's hearing at the fair in August! Check out the photos of attendees having fun taking their tests and seeing inside their ear.

Bringing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help children stay comfortable in high-sensory environments, like haunted houses or crowded trick-or-treating routes. You could also create a special route, picking quieter neighborhoods or locations without loud decorations.

Since verbal interaction may be challenging, especially in dim lighting, use visual aids. Carry printouts or cards that briefly explain the child’s hearing loss, which can make communication with neighbors or event hosts easier and reduce pressure on spoken exchanges, or consider printing out cards reading “trick or treat” that your child can show the candy givers.

Trick-or-treating in large groups or around unknown homes can be overwhelming for kids with hearing loss, especially if they rely on visual cues for communication. You could set up a trick-or-treating event at home with family members or close friends where your child feels secure. Alternatively, community centers often host quieter Halloween events that may be more accessible such as trunk-or-treats, or consider visiting a pumpkin patch or fall festival, which may be less crowded and can be done during the daytime.

If your child uses hearing aids or cochlear implants, make sure their costume doesn’t interfere with their devices. For example, choose head wear or masks that sit comfortably around devices or attach accessories in a way that leaves their ears free.

If traditional Halloween events such as haunted houses feel too challenging, consider alternative celebrations. Host a cozy Halloween-themed movie night, pumpkin decorating (using stickers or paint instead of carving), or a sensory-friendly craft party.