Distinguished Audiologist and Cochlear Implant Expert Joins Hearts for Hearing

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Molly Smeal, AuD, CCC-A, has joined Hearts for Hearing in Oklahoma as Director of Adult Audiology. Smeal previously served as a clinical audiologist specializing in adult diagnostics and auditory implantable devices at the Cleveland Clinic and University of Miami, where she completed an inaugural auditory implant fellowship and has since participated in clinical research related to implantable devices. This news comes not long after Hearts for Hearing welcomed Dr. René Gifford, world-renowned hearing researcher and scientist, as Chief of Audiology and Research earlier this year.

"We are thrilled to have Molly Smeal join our team as we continue to grow our services to Oklahomans of all ages," says Darcy Stowe, Interim CEO.

Hearts for Hearing is recognized across the country for its dedication to providing children and adults with hearing loss the opportunity to listen for a lifetime, ensuring every individual can achieve their best hearing and communication potential.

"I am excited to join Hearts for Hearing because of the extraordinary dedication and passion for excellent patient care in this program," says Smeal. "It is exciting to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team that is growing and shaping the way we provide hearing healthcare."
Throughout her career, Smeal has led and participated in several initiatives focused on clinical quality control and efficiency. She is a published author and a national and international presenter, currently serving as a participant on the American Cochlear Implant Alliance State Champions and Scientific Program Committee. Smeal has also been named a co-chair for the 2026 ACIA conference in Chicago, IL.

Smeal is a recipient of the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional certificate and was previously recognized as Outstanding Young Audiologist and Outstanding Student by the Ohio Academy of Audiology.

"We are honored to welcome Dr. Molly Smeal to the Hearts for Hearing family," says Dr. René Gifford, Chief of Audiology and Research. "Molly brings outstanding expertise and international recognition to our clinical team. Her specialization in cochlear implants and leadership with the American Cochlear Implant Alliance demonstrate the caliber of care she brings to our patients. Our Oklahoma community will benefit tremendously from her innovative approach to hearing health."

"Hearts for Hearing is a unique practice that offers patients the opportunity to receive high-level hearing healthcare in their community, servicing patients across the lifespan and at every stage in their hearing journey," Smeal adds. "I believe Hearts for Hearing is creating a model for hearing healthcare that meets patients where they are with their communication, providing hearing technology options across the continuum. I cannot wait to see what we will achieve!"

Dr. Smeal began her role at Hearts for Hearing this month and is already contributing to the organization's mission of providing exceptional hearing healthcare to patients across Oklahoma.

About Hearts for Hearing –  

Hearts for Hearing is a comprehensive hearing health care clinic for children and adults headquartered in Oklahoma City, with offices in Tulsa and Norman, and includes a state-of-the-art Mobile Care Clinic. The organization was founded in 2003 as a 501(c)3 to provide funding for the first set of hearing aids for children with hearing loss in Oklahoma. Its mission has expanded significantly to become one of the leading hearing health care centers in the country offering audiology, speech-language therapy, and leading-edge research in age ranges from newborn to senior adults. Its collaborative model appointments pairing audiologists and speech-language pathologists working together helps enable the best outcomes for its patients. Learn more at www.heartsforhearing.org.

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SOURCE Hearts for Hearing