Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAbout The Hearing Matters PodcastThe Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing 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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. On this episode, we interview one of our very own patients, Mr. Coppee.  Mr. Coppee came into the office about a year ago, struggling with hearing loss where we fit him with Oticon Opn hearing aids. Mr. Coppee worked in the HVAC field, often finding himself in loud and noisy environments for nearly 50 years, being one of the main reasons for his hearing loss. With his hearing technology, Mr. Coppee loves to hear life’s story, spending more time with his many grandchildren and loving wife.On this episode we discuss:·         The impact of hearing technology·         The benefits of being a family-owned practice·         The lack of hearing protection prevalent in loud working environments·         Hearing loss linked to loud working environments·         Conducting Speech in Noise (SPIN) testing·         Spreading hearing healthcare awareness·         Hearing Loss linked to Diabetes·         Advice for those who may be hesitant to get their hearing checkedHow Do Loud Environments Affect Your Hearing?A one-time exposure to extreme loud sound or listening to loud sounds for a long time can cause hearing loss. Loud noise can damage cells and membranes in the cochlea. Listening to loud noise for an extended amount of time can overwork the hair cells in the ear, which cause these cells to die.If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, make an appointment with an audiologist or hearing healthcare provider. It is essential to visit a professional. At Audiology Services, we believe that hearing technology should be fit by a licensed professional.Questions? We encourage our listeners to forward any questions or comments to the following email address: Blaise@audiologyservicesllcpa.comLearn More at:https://audiologyservicespa.comLIKE us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hearingmatterspodcastFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hearing_matters_podcast/ 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 PodcastThe 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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA.On this episode, we interviewed our patient, Mr. Ralph Brodt. Mr. Brodt is a patient at Audiology Services and is a current hearing aid user.  He is a Nazareth, Pennsylvania native, talented musician and owner of the Nazareth Music Center - of which, has been in business for 60 years! This family-owned generational business is a gem in our small town of Nazareth. You can find Mr. Brodt playing the French horn or trombone in his free time. Check out all the Nazareth Music Center has to offer at:  https://www.nazarethmusic.com/On this episode, Mr. Brodt takes us on a journey through his love of music, passion for teaching, the family music store history, and how hearing instruments have so positively impacted his life. We see how the use of this hearing technology has increased his communication in his familial life, musical performances, and his customer relations. Ralph’s wife is his number one fan and supporter! Most importantly, Mr. Brodt paints us a clear picture as to why he is successful with his hearing technology.Why is Mr. Brodt So Successful with His New Hearing Aids?·      Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation·      Practitioner Knowledge of Fitting Software and Gain Measurements·      Conducting Real Ear Measurement and Additional Outcome Measurements·      Customized Listening Settings ~  one program for conversation, one program for playing music, and one program for listening to music·      iPhone Connectivity and Use of Corresponding Application ·      Follow Up Care and Annual Audiological Evaluations Tune in to hear Ralph’s homegrown story about his hearing journey and a testament of how best practice will undoubtedly leave your patients hearing the best that they can! We Heard You Have Some Questions. Let's Hear Em'!E-mail: Blaise@audiologyservicesllcpa.comAudiology Services Website: https://audiologyservicespa.com/  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 PodcastThe 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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA.On this episode, we interview Audiologist and Australia native, Mark Truong. When Mark isn't assisting patients on their journey to better hearing, you can find him recording his newest podcast episode for the Hear  Me Out Podcast, building a computer with tons of CPU, or practicing the violin in preparation for his next gig. After listening to this episode you'll learn: The importance of being active on social media, especially if you're in private practice (Audiology and/or Speech-Language Pathology) Which social media platform(s) you and your practice should be active on  Overcoming the fear of speaking in front of the camera The importance of creating and documenting your processes for content curation in order to scale How to increase engagement on your social media platform(s) How to position yourself as a thought leader in your space The importance of consistently posting content on a daily basis Owning a Private Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology Practice is Hard...It seems as though there is never enough time in the day to get everything done! We know what you're thinking, "You want me to see patients, run a private practice, spend time with my family, and now start to post consistently on social media?! Are you insane!?" Having been in the private practice space full-time for almost four years now, I've personally learned how essential it is to be active and consistent on social media. Gone are the days where you can set up shop, put an OPEN sign on your front door, and patients are going to come running to your audiology clinic. Today, you're competing with managed care, online hearing aid sales, and other private practices. Having a limited online presence is holding you back from growing your practice and assisting even more patients on their journey to better hearing. While you may be consistently receiving physician referrals, implementing a social media strategy is going to be essential for brand recognition and patient acquisition. On episode 18, Mark and I discuss that we are the most socially connected demographic to ever exist. I mean, think about all of the social media platforms available today (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, SnapChat, etc.). To be honest, it's overwhelming! However, selecting a few social media platforms to build a presence on and position yourself as the thought leade 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 PodcastThe 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, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA.On this episode, the Hearing Matters Podcast welcomes Dr. Laura Camus from L&S Consulting Group. You might remember Laura was on our podcast November of 2019 to share her story.  Laura has normal hearing sensitivity but difficulty understanding speech in noise. Laura now wears Oticon OPN S 1 hearing aids, but before she had her hearing technology, she experienced isolation and depression due to undiagnosed hearing issues. We are in a time right now with COVID-19, winter, and the holidays where isolation and depression are severe concerns for all of us, but this is especially true for people with hearing issues, especially undiagnosed hearing issues. According to the American Academy of Audiology's research, we know that untreated hearing loss can have serious emotional and social consequences for people, especially older people. When hearing loss or hearing issues go untreated, people are more likely to feel isolated, sad, and depressed. Additionally, people may feel more agitated and also feel like others are often mad at them. With that being said, how can people and businesses manage change during thee uncertain times? We need to recognize that each of us responds to change in our unique way and at our own pace. We need to recognize how we feel about the change Identify what we can do Focus on the benefits of those things rather than on the losses Understand the risks of not changing How can we cope with the changes we are all currently experiencing? 1.) It's healthy and helpful to acknowledge how we feel. Talk about your feelings and avoid forcing yourself to feel happy just because the holidays are here. 2.) Reach out to people. Technology helps us to stay connected when we feel lonely or isolated.Call a friend, text, email, or use social media. There are also tools such as Facetime and Zoom that can help us have a more personal interaction through a video call. 3.)  Be realistic about what can and can't happen this year. Think about ways to adapt our traditions. For example, if a holiday family party is how you catch up with extended family, could you find a creative way to do a picture and letter exchange and then follow-up with a video call? 4.) Try to put aside differences and be understanding if someone else gets upset. Everyone is experiencing stress this year, and it helps if we don't take it personally. 5.)  Create and stick to healthy habits 6.) If you feel depressed and can't seem to shake it on your own, please seek out professional help. If you need to talk t 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, CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA. On this episode, Blaise Delfino discusses why you SHOULD NOT purchase hearing aids online.  If you purchase "hearing aids" online: You do not receive a comprehensive audiological evaluation You do not receive outcome measurements/real ear measurement Customization of the hearing technology is not an option Purchasing hearing aids online will cost you more over time You're most likely treating a symptom rather than a cause Hearing aids are not a one and done solution "Hearing Aids" sold online are not legally considered to be hearing aids Schedule Your Annual Hearing Evaluation with an Audiologist or Licensed Hearing Healthcare ProfessionalPurchasing hearing aids online is a business model that has been attempted by a few companies. However, the model is not in the best interest of the patient. Could you imagine purchasing braces online? How about glasses? Well, in today's day and age it seems as though you can buy anything and everything online. However, that doesn't mean that you should! If you feel as though you present with hearing loss it is essential to make an appointment for your annual hearing evaluation with an audiologist or licensed hearing healthcare professional. When patients schedule their hearing evaluation at Audiology Services, we conduct a battery of tests to collect information with regard to the status of the patient's outer, middle, and inner ear. After we conduct comprehensive testing, we review the results with the patient. If the patient presents with hearing loss, we discuss technology options AND communication strategies. Audiology Services Case Study: Custom Hearing Aids At Audiology Services, we've treated patients who present with hearing loss, but also decreased visual acuity and decreased dexterity. When we fit patients with decreased visual acuity and dexterity, we need to ensure that we customize the hearing aid AND introduce a rechargeable option; we need to make sure that our patient is set up for success so he/she wears their new hearing aids all day, every day. Recently, we fit a patient with Starkey's Custom Livio 2400 ITE Rechargeable hearing aids. The patient not only has hearing loss, but also decreased visual acuity and dexterity. The custom and rechargeable option allows this particular patient to enjoy their new hearing world. They are able to successfully insert and remove the hearing aids with ease due to the customization. If this patient were to purchase hearing aids online, they would not have the option to customize their hearing aids. In addi 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, CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA. On this episode, Blaise and Dr. Delfino welcome Dr. Douglas L. Beck as their featured guest! Dr. Douglas L. Beck earned his undergraduate degree (B.A.) in Communication Disorders & Sciences (1982) and his master's degree in audiology from the University of Buffalo (1984) and his doctorate  (Au.D., Doctor of Audiology) from the University of Florida, Gainesville (2000). His professional career began in Los Angeles at the House Ear Institute in clinical audiology, cochlear implant research, and intraoperative cranial nerve monitoring.  In 1988, he was appointed Director of Audiology at Saint Louis University in the department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Eight years later he co-founded a multi-office hearing aid dispensing practice in St. Louis, Missouri.  In 1999, he became President and Editor-In-Chief of; AudiologyOnline.com, SpeechPathology.com and HealthyHearing.com.  Dr. Beck joined Oticon in August, 2005. In December, 2019 he was promoted to Vice President of Academic Sciences at Oticon Inc.Dr. Beck is among the most prolific authors in audiology with 188 publications and more than 1275 abstracts, interviews, and op-eds written for the AAA (2008-2015), Hearing Review (1990- 2020) and Audiology Online (1999-2005) addressing a wide variety of audiology and professional topics including; audiology, the profession of audiology, pediatric audiology, cognition, hearing aids, audition, counseling and more.On this episode we discuss: Cognition, Audition, and Amplification Top Down, Bottom Up Approach as it Pertains to Hearing Aid FittingsPragmatics and Hearing Aid Fittings Velox S Platform Findings Understanding Speech on Par with Individuals with Normal Hearing Sensitivity The Importance of Real Ear Measurement (and why you should visit a hearing healthcare provider who conducts REM on a regular basis) The Essentials of a Successful Hearing Aid FittingThe Importance of Conducting Speech in Noise Testing Going Beyond the Decibel The Importance of Visiting Your Hearing Healthcare Provider Annually Are you new to wearing hearing aids? Welcome to your new hearing world! You made the important decision to increase your speech understanding and decrease your overall listening effort. Moving forward with hearing aids can be scary. Maybe you've heard stories of friends or family purchasing hearing aids and wearing them in the drawer. However, when patients are fit with hearing aids using best practices (real ear measurement, outcome measurements, etc Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textThe Fader Plug Patent has been Issued by The United States Patent and Trademark OfficeOn this month's episode, the Founder and CEO of Fader Plugs, LLC, Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS, announces that the Fader Plugs patent has been issued by The United States Patent and Trademark Office. The issue date was September 22, 2020!!!The Fader Plug is the world's first custom adjustable mechanical earplug that provides controlled noise reduction. Traditional foam earplugs block sound, often making you feel like you're under water while wearing them. The Fader Plug is a custom earplug that manages sound, putting the user in control of their hearing experience.See the Fader Plug journey below, all of which Founder and CEO, Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS goes into detail throughout this episode: 2015 - Fader Plugs, LLC was founded 2016 - Fader Plugs, LLC places 1st in the PA State System Business Plan Competition out of 223 submissions 2016 - Provisional patent is submitted2016 - Fader Plugs, LLC selects Creative Engineering of Bronxville, NY as their working prototype engineering partner 2017 - Fader Plugs, LLC selects Starkey Hearing Technologies as their supplier and manufacturer 2017 - Fader Plugs, LLC places first in the TecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition 2017 - Fader Plugs, LLC selects ProtoCAM Additive Manufacturing as their supplier and manufacturer of the Fader Plug Filter 2018/2019 - Product Development, product testing, go-to-marketing strategy, etc. 2020- Dr. Grant Searchfield - University of Auckland in New Zealand begins his research on Fader Plugs2020- Patent is issued by the USPTO Where/When Do I wear Fader Plugs? Construction site(s)Indoor/Outdoor Shooting Range(s)While mowing the lawn, weed wacking, using the chainsaw, snow blowing, etc. Sleeping (the Fader Plugs manage your spouse's snoring!!!) Individuals who present with Hyperacusis Individuals who present with Misophonia Hunting Concerts Musicians during practice and on stage performing LIVERacetrack Watching fireworks Studying for an exam Anywhere sound causes a disturbance and/or irreversible hearing loss For more information on Fader Plugs, visit us at www.faderplugs.com 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 textOn episode 12 of the Hearing Matters Podcast, Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS interview Meghan Okken, an undergraduate student from Bloomsburg University studying Communication Sciences and Disorders (most commonly known as speech-language pathology). In this episode you will: Meet Meghan and learn about her summer internship experience at Audiology Services Learn about Meghan's role as social media coordinator for Audiology Services, Hearing Matters, and Fader PlugsLearn about Meghan's professional goals as she continues to pursue a career in the communication sciences and disorders field Learn about Meghan's goals with regard to the Hearing Matters Podcast social media growth strategy Audiology Services Summer Internship In January 2020, Audiology Services received an inquiry from Meghan Okken, an undergraduate student from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania studying communication sciences and disorders, most commonly known as speech-language pathology. Meghan was in need of audiology observation hours for her clinical observations course. Observation hours allow students to observe professionals in the communication sciences and disorders field, which assists in their clinical setting decision making process. When Meghan visited our office for the day, we were impressed with her professionalism and how she interacted with our patients. Following Meghan's visit to our office in January, we held a team meeting to discuss offering Meghan a full-time summer internship position. When we held the summer internship interview in early March, Meghan accepted the position with enthusiasm. The Importance of the Summer InternshipA few years ago, I (Blaise) was an undergraduate student studying speech-language pathology at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. It was a requirement to obtain clinical observation hours before graduation. My classmates and I needed 25 speech hours and 5 audiology hours. I was grateful for the supervisors who donated their time and allowed me and my fellow classmates to schedule observation hours in various clinical settings. Encompassing an understanding of the observation process, I personally wanted to open an internship position for an undergraduate student studying communication sciences and disorders. In addition, I've personally had mentors throughout and following my undergraduate and graduate studies. That being said, paying it forward was important to me. The purpose behind the summer internship position was to provide the opportunity for a student to observe first-hand, the processes and procedures in the private practice setting. These processes and procedures include but are not limited to: Scheduling patients Rescheduling patients Greeting patients Otoscopy Tympanometry Comprehensive audiological evaluations Hearing aid clean and checks Real ear measurement Scheduling/hosting effective team meetings Meghan Joins Team Audiology ServicesAs Meghan's summer internship came to a conclusion, we held a team meeting Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAudiology Services COVID Comeback The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology, best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. On Episode 11 of the Hearing Matters Podcast, Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS discuss Audiology Services/Fader Plugs return strategy. On episode 11, you will learn the following:  Audiology Services COVID-19 return strategy Lessons learned during the pandemic (i.e. remote hearing aid programming, remote hearing healthcare consultations, 24/7 hearing aid drop-off box, and the importance of updating patients through our digital platform(s)The Fader Plug research project being conducted by Dr. Grant Searchfield at the University of Auckland in New Zealand Dr. Judy Huch from Oro Valley Audiology in Tucson, Arizona becomes a Fader Plug partner On March 17, 2020, Audiology Services, located in Nazareth, Bethlehem and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, temporarily shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the quarantine, we were unable to service patients face-to-face. In order to continue to service our patients, we set up a hearing aid pick up and drop off system in the front vestibule of our Nazareth location. If our patient's needed assistance with their hearing technology, they had the opportunity to drop off their hearing aids in a zip lock bag labeled with their name. Our patients found this process to be extremely convenient for them. On June 8, 2020, Audiology Services reopened! Prior to reopening, our team held return strategy meetings to ensure that we discussed and reviewed the CDC guidelines with regard to businesses reopening. The health and safety of our patients is and always has been our top priority. Now that we are reopened, what can current and new patients expect when they enter our practice? Upon entry, all patients are asked to visit our hand sanitation station (NOTE: ALL PATIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK DURING THEIR APPOINTMENT UNLESS THEY PRESENT WITH AN UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITION)Next, our patient care coordinator takes the patient's temperature and documents their temperature Patient's are required to take a COVID-19 screener. Once completed, the screener is reviewed and then placed in the patient's file Our team was excited to reopen our doors and continue to service our patients face-to-face. The COVID-19 pandemic confirmed what our team already knew and believed - Hearing Healthcare IS Essential. For more information, visit the following links below to connect with our team: Call (610) 694 - 0141 to schedule your annual hearing evaluation and/or hearing aid consultation. Audiology Services Website: https://audiologyservicespa.com/Audiology Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudiologyServicesPA/Fader Plugs Website: https://faderConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast