At HearWell Center, hearing healthcare is personal, and that starts with our founder, Dr. Suzanne Yoder. If you or someone you love is noticing changes in hearing, struggling to follow conversations, or feeling unsure where to start, Dr. Yoder’s story offers hope and a clear path forward. Our clinic regularly see adults of all ages, from people who are just starting to notice subtle changes in hearing to those with long-standing hearing loss or complex listening needs. We combine personal experience with advanced hearing care to help people throughout the greater Pittsburgh area hear and live better.
Recently featured on iHeartRadio’s CEOs You Should Know podcast, Dr. Yoder shared her inspiring journey from a young child diagnosed with hearing loss to becoming an audiologist and practice owner dedicated to helping others navigate similar challenges.
A Personal Connection to Hearing Loss
Dr. Yoder’s hearing loss was first identified when she was just four years old after a preschool teacher noticed she wasn’t responding during story time. Early diagnosis and treatment with hearing aids allowed her to thrive in school and stay connected with her peers.
But growing up with hearing loss wasn’t always easy.
“I often felt alone when I was younger,” Dr. Yoder shared during the interview. “That’s one of the reasons I became an audiologist, to help people feel understood and supported.”
Today, that lived experience allows her to connect with patients on a deeper level. Whether someone is newly diagnosed or has been managing hearing loss for years, Dr. Yoder understands the emotional, social, and practical challenges that can come with hearing difficulties.
Because Dr. Yoder has worn hearing devices since childhood, she understands how overwhelming it can feel to navigate hearing loss, decide whether you need help, choose the right technology, and adjust to new sounds. At HearWell Center, she and the team guide patients step by step —from the first hearing check to selecting and fine-tuning hearing aids or cochlear implant technology when needed.
A Different Approach to Hearing Care
Since opening HearWell Center more than 19 years ago, Dr. Yoder has built the practice around one core belief: every patient deserves individualized care and education.
Rather than rushing patients through appointments, the HearWell Center team takes the time to understand each person’s unique hearing needs, goals, and lifestyle. This patient-centered approach helps individuals become confident advocates for their own hearing health.
“Our goal is to provide patients with the resources, education, and support they need, not just a device,” Dr. Yoder explained.
From comprehensive hearing evaluations to hearing aids, tinnitus management, auditory training, hearing protection, custom earpieces, and assistive listening technologies, HearWell Center offers a full spectrum of hearing healthcare services under one roof.
The Technology Has Never Been Better
Many people still picture the large, whistling hearing aids of decades past. Today’s devices are typically small, discreet, and designed to be comfortable for all‑day wear. They can connect directly to smartphones, televisions, and other devices, making everyday communication easier and more enjoyable.
During a visit at HearWell Center, we explain your options in plain language, demonstrate different devices, and help you choose solutions that fit your hearing, your lifestyle, and your budget.
As someone who has worn hearing technology for most of her life, Dr. Yoder has witnessed firsthand how dramatically hearing solutions have evolved.
The hearing aids she wore as a child required manual adjustments with a tiny screwdriver. Today’s technology includes sophisticated digital processing, artificial intelligence, wireless connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and direct streaming from smartphones and other devices.
Modern hearing devices can automatically analyze listening environments, reduce background noise, and help users focus on conversations more effectively than ever before.
“It’s a fun time to be an audiologist,” Dr. Yoder said.
Emerging technologies continue to create new possibilities, making communication easier and helping people stay engaged in their daily lives.
Growing to Serve the Community
What began as a small startup practice during a challenging economic period has grown into a thriving hearing healthcare center serving thousands of patients throughout the region.
After spending 17 years in Forest Hills, HearWell Center recently relocated to a larger facility in Wilkins Township to better accommodate its growing team and patient base. Our move to a larger facility in Wilkins Township means more convenient parking, comfortable exam and fitting rooms, and the ability to offer expanded services and appointment times. You can expect the same individualized care you’ve always trusted, with additional team members and resources to support your hearing health journey.
Helping People Stay Connected
One of the most important messages Dr. Yoder shared during the interview is that untreated hearing loss can affect much more than hearing alone.
Untreated hearing loss can make everyday activities exhausting — asking people to repeat, avoiding social events, or feeling left out of important conversations. Over time, this can contribute to loneliness, frustration, and strain on relationships.
The good news is that effective hearing care can make a real difference. Many patients tell us they feel more confident, engaged, and less drained at the end of the day once their hearing is properly addressed. At HearWell Center, supporting that kind of change is what motivates our team every day.
Learn More About Your Hearing Health
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, are turning up the TV, asking people to repeat themselves, or simply want a baseline check of your hearing, the team at HearWell Center is here to help.
Schedule an appointment today at (412) 208-4451 or request a visit through our online contact form to:
- Have your hearing thoroughly evaluated
- Review clear, personalized options for treatment
- Get your questions answered by providers who understand hearing loss from both personal and professional experience
Our comprehensive hearing care services include:
- Hearing tests and hearing loss evaluations
- Personalized hearing aid selection, fitting, and follow-up care
- Tinnitus evaluation and management
- Auditory training and communication counseling
- Assistive listening technologies for home, work, and public spaces
- Hearing protection and custom earpieces.
We serve patients throughout the greater Pittsburgh area, and we would be honored to be part of your hearing care team.