HHS OCR report ยท 2021
Austin Hearing Services data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Austin Hearing Services
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Texas
- Individuals affected
- 600
- Submission date
- Jan 23, 2021
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Austin Hearing Services, reported that a former employee used the protected health information (PHI) of 600 individuals for solicitation. The PHI involved included names and email addresses. The CE notified HHS and affected individuals. In response to the breach, the CE implemented additional administrative and technical safeguards. OCR provided technical assistance to the CE regarding the HIPAA Rules.
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Austin Hearing Services data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 600 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Jan 23, 2021.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Unauthorized Access/Disclosure, with the breached information located in: Email.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from Austin Hearing Services legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or Austin Hearing Services.