Dr. Dewsnup (ear doctor) with her husband Kevin
Dr. Dewsnup with her husband Kevin

In 1999, our son Brenden was born with moderate to severe hearing loss, which was detected through the newborn screening program at John C. Lincoln Hospital. As new parents, we experienced a range of emotions upon receiving this news. Although Brenden would respond to noises like clapping hands, the audiologist emphasized the importance of keeping his hearing aids on at all times. What we didn’t initially realize was that while he could detect some noise, it wasn’t sufficient for understanding speech.

The journey of raising a child with hearing loss profoundly impacted my life. Now at 24 years old, Brenden still relies heavily on his hearing aids, affirming that without them, he hears only noise. At 13, he began showing signs of vision problems, which were later diagnosed as retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that led to legal blindness. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed Usher Syndrome. Despite these challenges, Brenden’s hearing became even more crucial. He needed to engage with the world around him.

Despite his hearing and vision impairments, Brenden has excelled in music, mastering concert piano, and recently graduating from Grand Canyon University. He defied expectations, with clear speech, a happy demeanor, and a sociable nature. His resilience inspired me to pursue a career in audiology, aiming to support and educate parents and individuals facing similar diagnoses.

Dr. Dewsnup and her son, Brenden

Over the past 23 years, my goal has been to provide professional, trustworthy, and compassionate care to those seeking improved hearing and communication abilities. I dedicated eight years to earning a doctorate in hearing disorders, driven by the desire to stay abreast of advancements in technology for my son and my patients. I am well aware of the daily struggles faced by those with hearing loss, from difficulties in enjoying music and television to challenges in conversations and noisy environments. Many individuals withdraw from social interactions due to communication barriers. However, with the current research and advancements in hearing technology, these struggles can often be alleviated through accurate hearing aid fittings.

While Arizona boasts numerous hearing aid stores, it’s crucial to note that not all professionals fitting hearing devices hold advanced degrees in hearing loss. In fact, the minimum education required in the state is only a GED or high school diploma. In 2014, my husband Kevin and I set out to establish an audiology practice that upheld the highest standards of hearing healthcare. We named it Happy Ears Hearing Center to evoke positivity and challenge the misconception that hearing loss equates to unhappiness.

At Happy Ears, we guarantee precise and suitable hearing fittings for every patient, treating each individual with the care we would offer our own family. We understand that no two cases of hearing loss or tinnitus are alike, and our passion lies in helping individuals and families find joy in their success in coping with these challenges.

If you have concerns about your hearing, tinnitus, or vertigo symptoms, we invite you to visit Happy Ears Hearing Center. Allow us the opportunity to earn your trust and enhance your quality of life.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shanna Dewsnup