Dr. Hecker & Associates

02/26/2026

TINA - The Tina Turner Musical is coming to the Ferguson Center for the Arts on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7 PM! 🎶

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards, and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much-loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall. 🎙️

Open caption services will be available. Ask for reserved seating when purchasing your tickets. Tickets can be purchased for the left or right orchestra.

🎟️ To purchase tickets or learn more, visit:
https://www.fergusoncenter.org/events/detail/tina-the-tina-turner-musical or call 757-594-8752.

🌐 Discover more shows on our website: https://www.accessvirginia.info/theater-shows

📣 Set your reminder, you won’t want to miss this!

Access Virginia is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was created to provide open captioning and audio description at live theatrical performances so that Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Blind, Visually Impaired persons can attend performances and experience the wonder of live entertainment at public facilities. Access Virginia will work to expand accommodation services to other public venues.

02/20/2026

Tonight and tomorrow!

Chicago The Musical is coming to Chrysler Hall this weekend, Friday, February 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM and Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM! 🌆

CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy. 🎶

Open caption services will be available on Friday and open caption and audio description services will be available on Saturday. Purchase tickets for Left Orchestra Seating.

🎟️ To purchase tickets or learn more, visit https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/chicago-the-musical or call 757-664-6964.

🌐 Discover more shows on our website: https://www.accessvirginia.info/theater-shows

📣 Set your reminder, you won’t want to miss this!

Access Virginia is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was created to provide open captioning and audio description at live theatrical performances so that Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Blind, Visually Impaired persons can attend performances and experience the wonder of live entertainment at public facilities. Access Virginia will work to expand accommodation services to other public venues.

02/20/2026

Today is National Battery Day… and it’s no better time to talk about hearing aid batteries. With hearing aids, you can use either disposable battery or rechargeable ones that you put in a charger at night, and the best choice is simply what fits your lifestyle and comfort. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, a hearing care professional can help you decide: https://brnw.ch/21x03tq.

02/12/2026

This Valentine's Day will you hear a loved one whispering sweet nothings or do you just hear ringing?🛎

Millions of people suffer from tinnitus, sometimes it can be just a distracting buzz and other times it can be a debilitating roar. It's important to remember that tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom, often of hearing loss or cardiovascular disease. Although there is no "cure" , tinnitus can often be managed with counseling, maskers and hearing instruments. We have decades of experience helping individuals with tinnitus and would welcome the opportunity to assist you. Please reach out and schedule your appointment today!

02/11/2026

Have you been watching the Olympics? ice dancer Diana Davis shows that she doesn't let her hearing loss keep her from going after her dreams.

The Georgian Olympian detailed her disability journey in a lengthy social media post on Friday (12 December), garnering reactions from all corners of the figure skating community.

02/10/2026

Did you know regular consumption of dark chocolate may help prevent age-related and noise-induced hearing loss due to high levels of cocoa-derived antioxidants, magnesium, and zinc, which improve blood flow and protect against cochlear damage? 🍫🍫

02/09/2026

02/03/2026

Know when to make an appointment and when we can help you in our office without an appointment.

01/29/2026

❄🌬Cold weather can actually harden earwax, making it tougher to remove naturally. This can lead to discomfort, itchiness, or a blocked sensation. If you’re tempted to “clean” your ears with cotton swabs — don’t! Doing so often pushes wax deeper or causes injury.

Instead:

Use gentle ear drops (as recommended by your hearing care provider) to soften wax buildup.
Schedule a professional ear cleaning if your ears feel plugged or itchy.
Keep your ears dry and warm — both can help prevent excessive wax formation.
Regular ear care not only improves comfort but also ensures your hearing aids fit and function properly.

01/27/2026

🌬️Wind can be more than just uncomfortable — it can also harm your ears over time. You’ve probably heard of swimmer’s ear, a painful infection caused by trapped water and bacteria, but fewer people know about surfer’s ear, a condition triggered by cold wind and water exposure.

Here’s what happens:

When the ear canal is repeatedly exposed to cold air, bone tissue inside the canal may start to grow, gradually narrowing the passage. This condition, called exostosis, can trap earwax and moisture, increasing the risk of infection and hearing loss. It’s most common in people who spend time outdoors in windy, chilly environments — not just surfers.

Prevention is simple:

Wear earmuffs, a wool hat, or a headband that fully covers your ears in cold or windy weather.
If you enjoy winter sports, choose ear protection designed for helmets to keep your ears warm without blocking important sounds.

Avoid long exposure to cold gusts, especially if your ears are damp or sweaty — moisture amplifies the chilling effect.
Wind protection isn’t just about comfort; it’s an easy way to safeguard the delicate structures that keep your hearing sharp.

01/23/2026

Did you get a new IPhone? Learn how to pair your hearing aids to your new phone!

Our audiologist, Dr. Alexandra Yowell, provides you with step-by-step instructions for connecting your Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids to your iPhone.

01/22/2026

🛎️🛎️If you live with tinnitus — that persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in your ears — you might notice it feels more noticeable in the winter. While research hasn’t confirmed that cold weather directly worsens tinnitus, several seasonal factors can make it more bothersome.

Why winter can be tricky for tinnitus:

Cold air and wind can reduce blood flow to the ears, affecting circulation.
Stress, common during the busy holiday season, can make tinnitus more noticeable.
Spending more time indoors means increased exposure to dry air and heating systems, which can irritate sinuses and impact ear pressure.
Caring for your tinnitus this season:

Stay warm — keeping your head and ears covered supports healthy circulation.
Maintain your hearing aids if you use them, since properly fitted devices often help mask tinnitus sounds.
Protect your quiet time: step away from loud gatherings or holiday music for short breaks.
Get adequate sleep and hydration, both of which can help reduce tinnitus-related stress.
Simple self-care habits can make a real difference in how you experience tinnitus throughout the colder months.