Hearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. During this episode you will learn: The areas of the Military surrounding audiology Dr. Huch has worked in as a private practice audiologistWhy the Military and those who serve are so important to Dr. Huch What those who serve can do to protect their hearing and make sure things are documentedThe challenges of first responders and how leadership can keep safety top priority while also creating a safe space for their ranksOn this episode, we interview Dr. Judy Huch. Dr. Judy Huch has started and participated in several corporations, including Oro Valley Audiology (1998), Tanque Verde Audiology (2001),Grace Hearing Center (2016), and Hearing Health and Technology blog (2013).Dr. Huch has been dispensing hearing aids since 1991 and graduated in 1993 from Central Missouri State University with a Master’s in Audiology. She completed her Clinical Doctorate in Audiology in 2007 at AT Still University out of Mesa, AZ. Dr. Huch has been published in several trade journals and textbooks on the topic of patient satisfaction. The goal of her businesses is to provide excellent patient centered care with technology that matches the individual.Dr. Huch’s Non-Profit division, Grace Hearing Center, provides this model of excellent hearing healthcare to the underserved and underinsured of Southern Arizona. There are two clinics, one in El Rio Congress and one on Broadway Rd. She participates in Hearing Missions with Entheos Audiology Co-op around the globe each year, some of which she brings her husband and teenage boys in helping to Give Back and provide Audiology services to those who do not have access.Dr. Huch was appointed by the Governor of AZ as a State Commissioner for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 2016 and is currently serving her second term. She was also chosen to be the representing AZ audiologist for the Audiology Project to bring Diabetes Educators, physicians and other Allied Healthcare Providers together to increase the awareness of hearing loss with many chronic diseases.Dr. Huch is on the Board of Arizona Audiology Coalition and serves as Chair on American Academy of Audiology Task force for Public Awareness. She was also awarded a fellowship with the OpEd Project in 2017 and Humanitarian of the Year from AT Still University Alumni in 2019, Woman of Influence for Community Service in Tucson and Woman of Impact of Southern AZ both in 2019.In recent years, military branches have become more proactive about hearing protection during training and real-time scenarios. In 20 Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. On this episode, we interview Eden Emenecker and her mother, Kristyn Emenecker! Eden presents with hearing loss and was fit with her first set of hearing aids summer of 2020 at Audiology Services. Prior to wearing hearing aids, Eden reports feelings of irritability. Months after being fit with her Oticon OPN Plays, Eden continues to excel academically, reports an increase in social activity, and can actively participate in complex listening situations, like at the dinner table our while dining out with her family. During this episode you will learn: The importance of school hearing screeningsTeaming up with an audiologist that works with the pediatric population A mother's perspective as it relates to her daughter being fit with hearing aids for the first time How hearing aids continue to positively impact Eden's new hearing world Brain Hearing The importance of best practices  Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. On this episode we interview Moe Jerant, drummer for The Large Flowerheads! Moe has been a professional musician for over 20 years. She began playing the drums when she was gifted a snare drum by a few of her schoolmates in 7th grade! Who knew that years later Moe would be the drummer for one of the most popular 60's cover bands in The Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas! During this episode you will learn: The importance of getting your hearing tested on an annual basis Why musicians need to get their hearing tested at least 1x/yearThe evolution of hearing technology as described by a long-term hearing aid user, Moe Jerant Echoic memory and hearing loss, as it relates to musicians Treating your hearing loss sooner than later How hearing aids increase speech intelligibility and understanding Moe has been a patient of Audiology Services for over 15 years! Dr. Delfino and Cheryl Delfino, B.A. - HIS fit Moe with her first set of hearing instruments in 2005. To date, Moe currently wears her third set of hearing aids from Audiology Services and has experienced positive patient outcomes. Moe is extremely motivated to continue to increase her overall speech understanding and decrease her listening effort. This is one of the many reasons why she loves her hearing aids. Being a professional musician means that Moe is exposed to constant noise on a consistent basis. Between band rehearsal and live shows, it's essential she continue to protect her residual hearing; we want to maintain the hearing sensitivity she does have. That being said, when Moe is rehearsing or performing, she uses musician in-the-ear monitors! Now, when she's done playing a gig, she doesn't have that ringing in her ears when she gets home (commonly referred to as temporary threshold shift). Too often we speak with professional musicians who don't perform as much (some don't perform at all anymore) because they present with hearing loss. At Audiology Services, it is our mission to encourage musicians to get their hearing tested on an annual basis! A musician's sense of hearing is like a canvas to an artist - essential. Practice healthy hearing habits, wear hearing protection when you go see your favorite band perform live, and don't listen to your music turned all the way up (unless of course it's The Large Flowerheads) - Kidding! Turn the volume down, seriously. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA.On this episode we interview Valli Gideons. Valli is a military bride, who writes about navigating through the fog of raising kids with cochlear implants and other things from the heart. She has discovered that there is no such thing as “typical” and prefers square pegs. Valli has a degree in journalism and in second grade wrote her first short story about a walking/talking sponge (Can you say: “She was robbed?” Hello, SPONGEBOB); She's been an exercise instructor since her teen years (Flashdance sweatshirts, leg warmers, and vinyl records to prove it); and may have been an extra on the vintage 90’s hit, Beverly Hills 90210 (proof still found on VHS tapes).During this episode you will learn:How Valli and her husband responded when they were told their children were diagnosed with Pendred Syndrome The importance of advocating for your children when they present with hearing loss Raising children born with hearing loss The importance of hearing healthcare providers practicing empathy while working with patients Realistic expectations as it pertains to hearing aid and cochlear implant fittings Harper Gideon's newest book Now Hear This: Harper Soars With Her Magic Ears Now Hear This: Harper Soars With Her Magic EarsWhen a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it is overwhelming. The future can feel uncertain and parents might worry whether or not their child will thrive. Harper's real life story allows readers to follow her journey, providing both parents and children who are facing any kind of diagnosis a much-needed dose of encouragement. Through Harper's navigation of hearing loss, kids can imagine what is possible. Understanding and awareness are key to feeling included, and the community around a child with hearing loss is critical. This story shares ways people in a deaf or hard of hearing child's life can better support them. Harper's witty approach to storytelling resonates with young readers and will surely inspire the people who love and support them.Audiologists are AngelsWe are grateful for the opportunity to have Valli Gideons as a guest on the Hearing Matters Podcast! It was either in a blog post or another podcast, but we heard Valli say, "Audiologists are angels." The aforementioned describes the impact that Harper and Battle's (Valli's son) audiologist has had and continues to have on their life! The countless follow-ups, reprogramming, and clean and checks all positively influenced Harper's and Battle's hearing world. If your child presents with hearing loss, or you're an adult who presents with hearing loss, teaming up with an Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA.On this episode, we interviewed Necole Kohring-Kalucki, account manager at Oticon Inc. Oticon is part of the Demant Group – One of the largest and oldest international hearing healthcare companies in the market today. They develop some of the best hearing aids and audiometric equipment in our industry. Necole has been working in the hearing healthcare field for just about fifteen years. On this episode, we deep dive into Necole’s personal journey in selecting the field of hearing healthcare as her career path and define some of the key differences in hearing technology from then until now! On this episode, we discuss:Necole’s journey in the field of hearing healthcareAging parents and hearing loss challengesThe newest hearing aid from Oticon: The More The primary areas of focus in hearing aid developmentGuiding patients to successful outcomesNecole has so much passion for hearing healthcare and is a true representation of the Oticon brand. Oticon’s trademark is “BrainHearing”, and it is in fact, the essence of what is means to hear and then understand.  Necole reveals how all of the research and development that goes into creating a new hearing aid is measured against their most current model. Their science is backed by real data and real patients! Tune in to learn more about deep neural networks, recharge ability, improved understanding in noise and much more!Key Features of the Oticon More: Trained with 12 million sounds from real life to recognize virtually, all types of sounds to support your brainThe deep neural network (DNN) will learn the way your brain learns. RechargeableNow, direct to Android MoreSound Intelligence is proven to make the full sound scene 60% clearerWe 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 Facebook: 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 a current patient of ours at Audiology Services: Ms. Nancy Young. Nancy has been wearing hearing aids for almost twenty years. Her first set of hearing instruments were inherited and reprogrammed for her type and degree of hearing loss. Prior to wearing hearing aids, Nancy reports feelings of frustration and social isolation prior to being fit properly with hearing aids. When friends and family would laugh, she would grow frustrated because she couldn't understand speech when multiple speakers were holding a conversation. On this episode we discuss: Nancy's hearing journey Why Nancy moved forward with hearing technology What drives Nancy to spread awareness of hearing healthcare The importance of implementing best practice Nancy's experience at Audiology Services Comorbidities linked to untreated hearing loss Effortful listening Hearing aid pricing Nancy has great passion for raising awareness of hearing healthcare. Being a long-term hearing aid user, she understands the importance of visiting an audiologist/hearing healthcare professional to address her hearing healthcare needs. During this episode, Nancy shares her experience as a long-term hearing aid user and the benefits of wearing hearing aids, which include: Increased speech understanding, especially in complex listening situations Decreased listening effort in complex listening situations (ex. restaurant, crowds, meetings, etc.) Increased social interaction/communication with friends and loved ones (when you can't understand what people are saying, you begin to socially withdraw) What are comorbidities linked to untreated hearing loss? Social isolation and lonelinessDepression Increased risk of falling Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Cognitive impairment and dementia Why you should get your hearing tested every year? Early treatment can help prevent future issues. Many people will wait until they are having difficulty before getting their hearing tested. The reality is that they have most likely been living with hearing loss anywhere from 5 to 15 years before they take action. Could you imagine living with high cholesterol or high blood pressure or diabetes for a dozen years before taking action? Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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 Facebook: 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 Facebook: 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 leader in your space is essential for growth. Starting an Instagram and/or Facebook p Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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 to some immediately about your depression or a loved one's depression, The US Department of Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast