Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. On this episode, Blaise Delfino talks with Dr. Sarah Burdak, Chief Audiology Officer at Starkey Hearing.A Quarter Century of CareDr. Burdak has been an audiologist for more than 25 years. She had chronic ear infections as a child and eventually had hearing loss in her left ear. That’s what led her to the field. She loves the combination of science and patient care. She says no two patients and no two hearing losses are the same. Turning Ideas into Products Dr. Burdak works primarily in research and development. She gets input from patients on what they need and translates that into meaningful products that serve real problems that people with hearing loss are experiencing. She particularly likes working with veterans. The most common service-related health problems of veterans are tinnitus followed by hearing loss. “Starkey is changing the dynamics of hearing technology by making devices that people actually want to wear.Educating the PublicMost people wait for seven to ten years before seeking help for a hearing loss. The stigma associated with wearing hearing aids is a large part of the problem. They are no longer the large, ugly devices that no one wants to wear. Starkey focuses on getting the message out that hearing aids are now small with state-of-the-art technology. The company has the newest videos on the internet and works with other media outlets to let people know all the advantages of the latest hearing technology. The Benefit of TelehealthDr. Burdak says COVID-19 taught hearing healthcare providers that telehealth is no longer a convenience, but a necessary part of the practice of audiology. She says research has shown that one in three people experiencing hearing loss would have addressed it sooner if telehealth had been available. It is also important for elderly people, those who may not have transportation and for caregivers who have jobs in addition to caring for loved ones. She stresses however that initial appointments must be done in person.Helping VetsDr. Burdak says veterans need state-of-the-art technology with all the accessories possible. Besides tinnitus and hearing loss, many vets suffer from other maladies including PTSD. They have a greater incidence of cognitive and memory impairments, chronic pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and vision problems. It is important the veterans and their families learn about all of the technology available to them. OTC vs. Audiology-issued Hearing Aids Dr. Burdak says it’s imperative that people with hearing loss do not buy over-the-counter hearing instruments but see a hearing healthcare provider. Hearing aids are a medical device that need to be fitted by a professional. Hearing loss can be caused by medical conditions that could result in total hearing loss if not addressed. OTC hearing aids may have unintended consequences that can make Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAbout This Episode Dr. Georgiou believes that patients should take an active role in their own healthcare, not only when they have an acute or chronic illness or when they’re dying, but at all times. When patients are fully engaged, she says their outcomes are better. She believes that is true with hearing healthcare as well. The ear is a vascular organ, which means it requires a blood supply. Factors that affect your other vascular organs, like your heart, kidneys, and brain can also affect your ears. There is an overlap between these organs. If you have diabetes, for example, a high blood sugar can be toxic to your ears. We know that untreated hearing loss is also linked to cognition issues, a higher risk of falling and numerous other chronic illnesses.   Primary Care Physicians have a Role Most primary care physicians do not refer their patients to an audiologist for a regular hearing exam. One of the most important reasons they don’t is that they generally don't have the expertise to understand the nuances of hearing loss. They certainly don't have the equipment or the expertise to diagnose it, and they don't have the expertise to treat it. We live in a world of specialty care. When primary care physicians recognize that someone has difficulty hearing, they should refer that person to an audiologist. Primary care physicians do not need feel that they need to diagnose or treat it. But they should be asking, “Are you having difficulty hearing?” And if the answer is yes, and it will be in the majority of people 70 and older, that individual should be immediately given a referral to a hearing specialist. Informing the Primary Care Physicians  Audiologists should continue to educate PCPs on the interfaces between hearing and overall health. They need to understand that a patient who has hearing impairment, even a mild hearing loss, makes that physician’s life more difficult. Office visit will be longer, they’ll need to repeat what they say, and the patient may not understand the treatment plan. Many studies show that even people with mild hearing loss can't hear if an individual’s voice is directed away from the patient. They may call back for more questions about refills, how to take their medications, etc. Appealing to the selfish side of physicians who want their practices to run more efficiently by telling them what's in it for them. Listening to the Patient  How important is it for hearing healthcare providers to truly listen to their patients and understand what their needs are? It's important to listen because you will be more successful as a professional. You can tailor your treatment plan to what's most important to that individual. Unless a care plan meets their needs and their lifestyle, and unless they go home owning the device, the experience, and the accountability of using a device, they're not going to use it. Listening is the pathway to good outcomes. Looking to the Future  Dr. Georgiou would like to make hearing healthcare an integral part of overall health care. That means making sure the traditional medical industry, the primary care physicians and others in that world, recognize how important hearing is to a patient's overall health. Equally important is that audiologists and hearing professionals recognize that they have to be a part of the overall Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textThe Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S., HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA.In this episode, Blaise discusses over-the-counter hearing aids and Medicare benefits for hearing instruments with Michael Scholl, chief compliance officer and vice president of corporate relations at Starkey. The Beginning Talk of OTC hearing aids started back in 2016-2017 when President Trump signed the FDA Reauthorization Act. The FDA was to create an OTC category by August of 2020. In October,2021 the FDA finally released the draft of OTC hearing aid regulations that is available for public comment over the next 90 days. The public comment period concludes on January 18, of 2022. The FDA will take all of those public comments into account, and then promulgate a final rule. By summer of 2022, we will see a final OTC regulation, and it will go into effect 60 days after they finalize that rule.More Harm than Good?There are a few safety concerns about the OTC aids. The auditory industry, consumer groups and audiologists are asking for the aids to have a maximum output of 110 dB and a maximum gain of 25 dB. In the proposed regulation, the max output could get to 120 dB. The difference between 110 and 120 is significant and could cause damage to someone’s hearing. Also, consumers need to clearly understand who and where there is enforcement over the hearing aids. Only those over 18 should be able to purchase these hearing aids.Medicare Coverage As Congress looks to pass the Build Back Better law, there are two things the hearing healthcare industry has to focus on. The first is to get Congress to get the bill in the best possible shape before it goes to a vote. Once it is passed, it goes to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will write part of the language of the law. There are a few items that are really important. First, a hearing aid is a prosthetic, not durable medical equipment. A hearing aid is not a cane, it's not a walker, it's not a one-time product. it's a medical device that is continually fine-tuned.  Number two is that the hearing aids are exempt from competitive bidding. And third is that an audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist can provide the help to Medicare recipient.Listen CarefullyThis fall, Starkey launched Listen Carefully. People can find out what's happening with Medicare coverage and OTC hearing instruments in Washington. The public comment period is happening now. People can write comments, and there are draft comments people can use and add their own thoughts. Starkey works very hard to educate legislators at the state and federal level. Michael encourages all audiology practices to get involved at the local level as well. Hearing healthcare is a non-partisan issue. Everyone everywhere wants people to understand that untreated hearing loss dramatically affects overall health. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textThe Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textHow was your Thanksgiving? That’s the question that most people are hearing from friends and co-workers, now that the holiday is over. This year’s turkey day was exceptionally good for me. A total of 15 of my relatives, including four little ones and two babies, shared the fun and the feast. Before we dug in, we each listed the three things we’re most thankful for. Family and friends topped the list of course, followed by everything from being blessed with good health and being lucky to have an enjoyable job to being grateful for disposable diapers.  After the holiday was over, and I was once again alone in my home, I started to think about all the sounds of the Thanksgiving season. First there’s the doorbell. The sound of the “ding-dong” is a welcome one. It means the guests are starting to arrive, and the festivities are about to begin. Then I thought about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We all crowded around the television and oohed and ahhed at the Rockettes and the gigantic floats and balloons. Sure, there’s closed captioning, but imagine not being able to hear the music from the newest Broadway show or Michael Bublé crooning his latest hit. After the parade, the guys turned on the football game. What would the day be if we couldn’t hear the cheers, the boos, and the actual grunts from the family room as their team scored a touchdown or fumbled?Let’s move to the kitchen where the ladies were gossiping, basting and test-tasting. Finally we heard the long-awaited “ping” from the oven signaling the turkey was done. That meant it was time to call everyone to the table. The clatter of silverware, the request to please pass the gravy and the stories being retold of past Thanksgivings were music to my ears. Eventually there was silence. I welcomed that sound, since nothing signifies satisfaction better than a room-wide silence during a delicious meal. I knew people were stuffing themselves with stuffing.After dinner there was the usual clanking of plates as they were put in the dishwasher, people on the sofa complaining of gluttony, and this year, the sound of Uncle Bob snoring in the lounger.You’re Thanksgiving sounds may not match all of mine, but you get the idea. The ability to hear is a tremendous blessing. So are the hearing instruments and audiologists who fit them. Without hearing aids, I’d still enjoy Thanksgiving, but I’d miss so much. I’d hear bits and pieces, here and there, but it would be like an incomplete puzzle; I wouldn’t get the whole picture. What a shame that would be. Truly.So next year, when we all list what we’re grateful for, I’m putting hearing instruments and my audiologist at the top of my list. Number two will be family and friends. And number three? You’ll have to tune in next year to find out!Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. On this episode, Blaise and Dr. Delfino interview Matt Deller, the founding director of the Sounds of the Southwest Singers community choir (SSWS) and the Sounds of the Southwest Chorale (SSWC) from Glendale, Arizona.About Matt DellerMatt has had many opportunities conducting prestigious groups in impressive locations.  In 2010, he made his international conducting debut at the American Cathedral in Berlin, Germany. He also had the privilege of conducting the Arizona Musicfest orchestra during their 2012 season. Matt had the honor of conducting on board the USS Missouri, at Pearl Harbor, HI. He conducted a selection with the Continuo Arts Festival Chorus during High Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. He also directed the SSWS in a solo performance at the Church of St. Mary Magiore in Assisi, Italy.  Matt also had the pleasure of conducting two performances in England at the All Saints Church in Dulwich and at Southwork Cathedral, in London. Probably his most memorable and emotional moment was conducting the Battle Hymn of the Republic on July 4th at the American Cemetery at Normandy, France. He looks forward to making his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2022.Matt believes music isn't just notes on the page, but one truly experiences music through emotion and feeling from the heart. The Sounds of the Southwest Singers through his direction has brought their own brand of passion to their music. As you watch him conduct you can see and feel the passion he brings to the music. Under his direction what the performer and listener emotionally take from each performance is evident.Conducting a Choir with a Profound Hearing LossMaestro Deller presents with a Profound Hearing Loss. However, this has not stopped Matt from pursuing a career in music. "I think God gave me a talent. I have a perfect pitch as well, which helps a lot," Matt says. "The best part is I read lips, so when I'm conducting a choir, and they're singing for me, I can tell where the mistakes are by watching the choir."Oticon Xceed Hearing AidsMatt's type and degree of hearing loss warrants a powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instrument. Recently, Matt's audiologist fit him with Oticon's newest, most powerful BTE: The Oticon Xceed. People with severe-to-profound hearing loss rely on hearing aids to get through each and every day, and it can be extremely challenging to follow the conversation with a group of friends, family members or colleagues. If several people are talking, it becomes harder and even more tiring to make sense of the conversations. With the new groundbreaking technology in Oticon Xceed, patients have the sConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA. On this episode, Blaise Delfino talks with Marybeth Lauderdale, chief engagement and collaboration officer at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) in Pittsburgh.A Focus on ChildrenMarybeth knew from the time she was in junior high school that she wanted to be a teacher. She talked to her history teacher, who had a deaf daughter, and she suggested Marybeth teach the deaf. She decided to do exactly that. She taught for many years and has been in her current position for two years. She works with the faculty and students’ parents on programs at the school in Pittsburgh and throughout the state. She came from Illinois, where she was the superintendent of the School for the Deaf and Visually Impaired there.A Varied DayMarybeth loves working with children because it’s so varied. About 25 percent of the students have cochlear implants, so there is a continuum of communication modes at the school. Along with American Sign Language, the school also may use spoken English or a combination of the two. Students of all AgesThere are children at WPSD as young as 5, and there are residential students, who come to school on Monday morning and leave on Friday at noon. Marybeth works with the staff to ensure the acoustics in the classroom are the best to optimize students’ residual hearing. There are five speech and language pathologists, an audiologist, psychologists, and counselors. Together they work on American Sign Language, speech, and audition to maximize every type of communication there is. During COVID, students learned via Zoom. Often the parents would sit in on the Zoom classes as well. The school use spoken English, sign language and captioning to teach during that time. Only about five percent of the students’ have deaf parents. The rest have hearing parents, which is a unique situation. Often the deaf child is the parents’ first baby. These parents, who are usually shocked and upset, take time to grieve. They have experienced a loss. But they are told that getting intervention for their child as soon as possible will be invaluable. Parents are also strongly encouraged to learn sign language, and to include the child in family activities as a participant, not as an observer.Plans for Every StudentWPSD has a Zero to Three-Years Old program. Every baby has a Family Service Plan, and every student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that sets up goals. There is also a transition program for high school students to help them transition into the working world. A team works with them on soft skills, work skills and academic skills. Students go to work placements while they’re in school. Eventually they go to college, get jobs and live lives like everyone else. Schools like WPSD help deaf and hard of hearing people achieve all their goals, even with hearing loss. Sign Language for AllBlaise DelConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CC, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA. C-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services.Over-the-Counter (OTC)President Biden recently signed an executive order calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider issuing proposed rules for hearing aids to be OTC within 120 days. These devices are a new category of hearing aids that consumers will be able to buy directly, without visiting a hearing health professional. They are intended to help adults who believe they have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, at budget friendly prices. However, lower prices often result in lower quality of care.​Hearing loss is unique to each individual, which is why it’s important that licensed, trained hearing health professionals continue to play a key role in a patient’s hearing loss journey.​It is critical OTC hearing aids are properly regulated and labeled to protect Americans’ long-term hearing health.In the absence of proper regulations, companies are currently marketing unregulated, low-quality amplification devices as hearing aids. This has prompted more than 17 states’ attorneys general (AGs) – both Democrats and Republicans – to warn consumers about these harmful products.Listen Carefully A person’s hearing affects all aspects of their life — whether it is listening to the bustling city or cherishing a birthday song from loved ones. Protecting this vital gift should be done with care. If it is damaged, people should be able to access effective, safe devices that help them.Listen Carefully is committed to facilitating greater connection between hearing health professionals and lawmakers to ensure thoughtful, quality solutions for the over 44 million Americans suffering from some degree of hearing loss. Life is loud, so you must listen carefully.Why Now?Recent conversations in Washington discussing access to, and utilization of, hearing aids have narrowly focused on cost, rather than the many factors that keep people from seeking help, such as they believe they can hear well enough, believe they are too young to need hearing aids, or are embarrassed to wear them. Listen Carefully aims to shed a light on all aspects of hearing loss to better inform our leaders as they formulate solutions directly impacting the long-term health of millions of Americans living with hearing loss.Hearing Healthcare Model Getting your hearing checked should be routine, like getting your teeth cleaned. Because each ear is unique, hearing loss requires personalized care through a trained, licensed hearing health professional. With an abundance of hearing health options coming to market and varied information being shared, it is important that individuals affected by hearing loss are provided the right tools to make informed decisions. After all, hearing health is directly connected to overall health and well-being. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CC, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA. C-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services.In this episode, Blaise Delfino speaks with Mary Ann Stefko, an interventionist at the Scranton School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children. A Lifelong PassionAs a child, Mary Ann had a deaf friend at the Scranton School for the Deaf, whom she visited regularly. It was there she learned ASL. She knew then she wanted to work with the deaf and hard of hearing, particularly babies.Teaching Babies to SignMary Ann says teaching what’s known as “baby sign language” to children with hearing loss is vital. The non-verbal child learns simple words using hand signals, such as “milk,” “mommy” and “daddy.” By teaching baby sign language, the neural pathways needed to communicate are created. Speech is a neuro muscular process, while language is a code of shared ideas. Newborn Hearing Screenings are CriticalNewborn screenings were a pivotal point in the hearing healthcare field. 30 years ago, it was not uncommon for a child to be diagnosed with hearing loss for the first time at age 3, 4 or even 5. These screenings have made a huge difference for children with unilateral hearing loss. Often this type of hearing loss wasn’t diagnosed until grade school when background noise became an issue. Now children can get appropriate amplification and families learn sooner how hearing loss effects learning. Children are meeting milestones they would not have met without newborn screenings.  Technology Has BoomedThe technology of hearing instruments has changed dramatically over the years, from large hearing aids worn on the body to today’s small, inconspicuous hearing instruments that fit in the ear. In addition, technology in general has leveled the playing field for those who have hearing loss. Deaf and hard of hearing students learn to use computers and other technology when they are in preschool. They become quite techno-savvy and have the same opportunities in all areas of life as their hearing peers.Dr. Gregory Delfino adds that children who are identified very early and get amplification during the critical language learning period are doing great things with their lives. They don’t let their hearing loss stop them, and go on to live full, happy productive lives, including getting advanced degrees, having loving families and great jobs.A Team ApproachIt is essential that parents of hard of hearing or deaf children understand that helping their children is a team effort. Very few heard of hearing children are born to parents who expect this. Parents are encouraged to go through the process with hearing healthcare professionals. They need to work with an audiologist to get their child the best amplification possible. They also need to understand that they should not lower their expectations foConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast