Hearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

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 addition, they would not have had the opportunity to schedule a counseling appointment to revi 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 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.) they adapt to their new hearing world quite well! Did you know that untreat Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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 Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

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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 to discuss Meghan joining our team as our social media coordinator. During Meghan's internConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: 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://faderplugs.com/Contact Our Team: info@audiologyservicesllcpa.comConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textMay is Better Hearing and Speech Month On Episode 10 of The Hearing Matters Podcast, Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month. Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS work full time at Audiology Services with locations in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Audiology Services is a family owned and operated hearing healthcare clinic dedicated to reintroduce patients to a new hearing world. Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members in providing life-altering treatment. The BHSM theme for 2020 is "Communication at Work."ASHA has revised its plans for BHSM to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 virus. All consumer/public resources will now be topical to the coronavirus and will feature guidance for preventing or managing communication disorders at this challenging time."Since 1927, the month of May has been dedicated as Better Hearing and Speech Month in the United States. Across the country, organizations dedicated to promoting hearing health join together, serving to not only bring awareness and understanding to hearing health but to shine a spotlight on the issues faced by those with hearing loss." Common Signs of Hearing LossFriends or family say you turn the television or radio up too loudYou struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environmentsYou have difficulty hearing people on the phoneYou are not sure where sound is coming from, known as localizationYou often ask people to repeat themselvesYou find yourself avoiding social situationsYou feel exhaustion after attending social eventsWhy You Should Get Your Hearing Tested A hearing test is painless and takes less than an hour. Hearing loss may be an early warning sign or red flag for other health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.If your hearing test shows your hearing is normal, you can tell your friends to get off your back.The Mayo Clinic recommends baseline hearing tests for adults.Untreated hearing loss increases your chance of developing dementia.Most hearing clinics serve free cookies and coffee. Untreated hearing loss increases your chances of falling.Treating hearing loss with hearing aids is proven to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.Untreated hearing loss is known to contribute to depression and social isolation.Hearing loss treatment has been shown to improve earning power.What is an audiologist? Audiologists are experts who can help to prevent, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages.Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to improve persons' involvement in important activities in their lives and better their quality of life. Audiologists' services can help with managing issues effecting hearing and balance, including:Hearing Loss – Evaluate and treat hearing, balance, and tinnitus disorders.Hearing Aids/Assistive Technology – Select and custom-fit hearing aids and asConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

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Send us a textThe Hearing Aid Recommendation Process Welcome to the Hearing Matters Podcast with Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS of Audiology Services. The show that discusses hearing technology, best practices, and a growing national epidemic – hearing loss. On episode 8, we discuss the hearing aid recommendation process. On this episode, we discuss the factors the influence the hearing aid recommendation process.The hearing aid recommendation process is an intimate process. The audiologist or hearing healthcare provider is making a data driven decision as to which level of technology will be best for you. What Influences the Hearing Aid Recommendation Process? The patient's type and degree of hearing loss The patient's speech discrimination scores The patient's speech in noise scores The patient's dexterity The patient's social activity level Does the patient want bluetooth connectivity? The patient's budget 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.com Learn 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 textIn this episode, Dr. Delfino and Blaise Delfino Discuss: The emotions and anxieties patients often experience prior to their hearing evaluationWhat a comprehensive audiological evaluation looks like The battery of tests essential in making an accurate hearing loss diagnosis Making the initial appointment for a hearing evaluation can be overwhelming: "Who can I trust?" "What if I actually have hearing loss?" "My friends wear hearing aids and they don't really like them. I'll just wait." "I can wait another few years, I get by just fine!""I can hear, people just mumble!"These are statements and challenges that we hear in the clinic on a daily basis. If you're listening to this podcast episode, you need to commend yourself! Taking this important first step towards better hearing is essential! With over 35 years of experience as an audiologist, Dr. Delfino has diagnosed and treated thousands of patients. In this episode, he brings us through the process of a comprehensive audiological evaluation. Episode References: Katherine Bouton: Katherine Bouton is an advocate and educator for the deaf and hard of hearing. Her most recent book is “Smart Hearing: Strategies, Skills and Resources for Living Better with Hearing Loss” (October 2018).  Smart Hearingis an up-to-the-minute guide to the rapidly changing world of  hearing aids, including over -the-counter hearing aids., “hearables”, cochlear implants and assistive hearing devices.  Many of these new devices not only help you hear better but allow you to communicate wirelessly with your smart phone and household devices.She is also the author of “Shouting Won’t Help,”(2013), a memoir  of losing her hearing in midlife and how it affected her, and of “”Living Better with Hearing Loss” (2013).  Katherine’s books are available at Amazon.com or at your favorite independent bookstore.Her 40 year career in journalism began at The New Yorker and concluded with 22 years at The New York Times. She travelled the world as a free-lance magazine writer in the years between her employment at those two institutions.Katherine is a frequent speaker on hearing loss issues, and speaks to both professional groups and hearing loss groups. She can be reached at katherinebouton@gmail.com.She is President of the New York City Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America and is a member of the national Board of Trustees of HLAA.Connect with Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC -A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS: Website: https://audiologyservicespa.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearingmatterspodcast/Email: Blaise@audiologyservicesllcpa.com Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast