Hough Ear Institute (HEI) is committed to protecting the privacy of our Web site visitors, donors and researchers. Personal information is not sold, rented or shared with any individual or organization. All information collected on behalf of HEI is done so in accordance with the HEI Privacy Policy.

Normal Web site usage

In general, you can browse the HEI site without revealing any personal information about yourself. The only information HEI collects is standard Web usage records, Internet service provider, operating system, browser type, pages visited, downloads, Web site referrers, date visited. This information helps HEI measure Web site activity, improve our Web site and better serve our visitors.

Collection of personally identifiable information

HEI recognizes the importance of protecting the private information of our Web site visitors, donors and researchers. Visitor and donor contact information is only collected to facilitate communications when such data is voluntarily shared. This information is to be used solely to further our mission. Visitors and donors may opt out of any of our direct marketing activities at any time.

Personal information is also collected for HEI to conduct its necessary operational activities 

including:

• Donor cultivation

• Grant application reviews and funding decisions

• Reports on donations and grants

• Distribution of publications, including the Annual Report

• Compilation of donor profiles and trends to support development programs

• Program monitoring and evaluation

• Convention and meeting planning

• Responding to information requests

• Furtherance of public relations activities and cooperative alliances

• Disclosure of information as required by law or that is pertinent to judicial or governmental investigations

• Other purposes as approved by the HEI

Online donor privacy

If you make a donation or make a purchase via HEI’s online forms using a credit card, these details are transferred to a secure, online payment service hosted outside of HEI. Any payment information collected is protected by software during transmission, which encrypts all of your personal information so that it can be safeguarded over Internet channels. We reveal only a limited part of your credit card number when confirming a donation, order or other transaction. 

We do not give out your credit card or other account information to third parties unless you 

authorize us to do so or if it is necessary to fulfill our responsibilities, including, but not limited 

to, acknowledging a donation by sending a recognition.

Password protection

HEI protects personal information by using password-protected areas and by restricting access 

to such information. It is important that you protect your password. Paper files containing personal information are kept in areas with restricted access.

By providing your email address, you are consenting (opting-in) to receive information from HEI and its programs. You may opt out (unsubscribe) by emailing info@houghear.org or change your email notification setting or adjust preferences in your subscription profile.

If you wish to change any of your personal information or remove any information, please e-mail 

us at info@houghear.org.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH OUR POLICIES AND PRACTICES, YOU SHOULD NOT USE OUR WEB SITE.

Policy changes

HEI may periodically change this Privacy Notice. When changes are made, we will post an announcement on our Web site home page. Or, visit this page any time to view changes.

If you have any concerns or questions about these policies, please contact info@houghear.og or call (405) 639-2877 with your concerns.