Posted by Holli Lish on Tue, Nov 01, 2011 @ 10:27 AM
Please don't forget about our Friends and Family Referral Program... If you are happy with our services, please tell your friends and family so that they can experience better hearing too!
We are pleased to announce that the November winner of our Friends and Family Referral Program is Richard Marburg. Mr. Marburg has won a $50 gift card to Wegman's (one of our favorites) and a supply of batteries. Thanks to Mr. Marburg for referring your friends to our office. We sincerely appreciate your confidence in us and in helping others hear better!
Posted by Holli Lish on Tue, Sep 06, 2011 @ 09:13 AM
We are pleased to announce that the September winner of our Friends and Family Referral Program is Marlene Winitz. Mrs. Winitz has won a $50 gift card to Taoramina's Restaurant (one of our favorites) in Ivyland and a battery supply. Thanks to Mrs. Winitz for referring your friends to our office. We sincerely appreciate your confidence in us and in helping others hear better!
Posted by Holli Lish on Wed, May 11, 2011 @ 08:12 AM
Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D. Executive Director
Better Hearing Institute
One of the most aggravating aspects of living with an individual with hearing loss, who is in denial (everyone mumbles they say), is constantly repeating your self, speaking louder, or interpreting the world for them. There is a way to release yourself from this maddening co-dependent relationship and at the same time to motivate your loved to seek help for their hearing loss.
Dr. Richard Carmen (Auricle Ink Publishers, Sedona) has done a masterful job of offering help to family members in his book How hearing loss impacts relationships: Motivating your loved one. In addition as advisor to the Better Hearing Institute he offers suggestions on our website under the title "When a loved one resists help".
I encourage all people caught in the trap of being the ears for their loved one to read Dr. Carmen's book and his advice on this website. But let me summarize the key aspects of how you can set yourself free:
- Understand that being the ears of your loved one is not an act of love.
- Assisting loved ones in denial is counterproductive and encourages co-dependent relationships. Continuing to give help could lead to your loved one's failure in life as well as impact many aspects of their quality of life such as performance on the job. It is important you understand the areas impacted by untreated hearing loss as documented on the Better Hearing Institute website.
- And remember if you continue to help them why should they seek help?
- Make it your ULTIMATE goal to have your loved one hear independent of you; and don't do it alone. Get your entire family and their friends in your corner in a productive conspiracy to get your loved one in denial to finally realize they have a hearing problem.
- Dr. Carmen's practical tips are: STOP repeating yourself! STOP raising your voice! STOP being the messenger by carrying the communication load for the family! In essence this means, STOP BEING THEIR EARS!
Here is one very clever intervention that could set you free. Explain to your loved one as follows in a calm, loving, non-condemnatory voice:
The whole family has had a talk. We believe you have a hearing loss and in the past we have helped you by speaking louder, repeating ourselves, or interpreting what other people have said. In effect we have become your hearing aid. But we realized this might not be the most loving acts we can do for you. We love you very much and want you to get help for your hearing loss. So from now on we will move toward stopping repeating ourselves when you say "Huh" or "What did he say?" and we will move toward no longer speaking louder so you can understand us. Instead we will simply say the words "Hearing Helper" (or choose another signal word that has meaning for your family) before we give you help. This is our signal to you that you have just asked us to be your ears. This is our way of demonstrating our love for you — that is by showing you how many times you ask for help. So for X period of time (e.g. a few weeks) we will continue to help you but we will preface our help with the words "Hearing Helper"…we think in a short period of time you will realize how many times you seek our help in hearing."
Many loved ones in denial will soon realize how much they use your ears; when this happens they will seek help. Encourage them in their journey to a world of better hearing. And enjoy your new found freedom!
(Note: this advice is ONLY for people in denial and who have not sought help for their hearing loss)
Posted by Maryann McCullough on Tue, May 03, 2011 @ 09:02 AM
Please remember our Patient Referral Program for Hearing Aids. If you are happy with our services, please tell your friends and family!
We are pleased to announce that the May winner of our Friends and Family Referral Program is Joan Winokur. Mrs. Winokur has won a $50 gift card to Wegman's Markets and a battery supply. Thanks to Mrs. Winokur for referring your friend to our office. We sincerely appreciate your confidence in us and in helping others hear better!
Posted by Maryann McCullough on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 @ 08:05 AM
BY MARYANN MCCULLOUGH, AUD
36 million Americans have hearing loss….but only a small fraction of them decide to do something about it! Are you one of them? If so, why? Is it the stigma of aging attached to hearing aids? Or maybe it is the cost? Maybe you are afraid that you won’t be able to manage the small batteries or controls? Most often, you just aren’t quite ready to admit that you are having trouble hearing….but others have probably started to notice and may have even brought it to your attention. If any of this applies to you, it may be time for you to learn about hearing loss and and hearing aids.
First of all, to determine if you have a hearing loss and what is its cause, a complete audiologic evaluation is needed. Audiologists perform a diagnostic evaluation by first performing an otoscopic inspection (look inside the ears to see if there is wax or debris) and by taking a complete history. The audiologist will then use pure tone and speech audiometry as well as immittance testing. If hearing aids are needed, the audiologist should discuss with you the options, styles and features available. The audiologists should ask you questions about your lifestyle, budget and needs to determine whether entry, advanced or premium hearing aids are needed.
So, here is some basic information about hearing aids to help you:
Hearing aids are typically digital products which can be programmed in the audiologist’s office. All have a microphone, amplifier, and a receiver. The technology inside the amplifier is designed to enhance the sounds of speech while reducing the background noise as much as possible.
Here is a primer on the types available:
Deep Insertion Aids
Deep insertion hearing aids, including the extended wear such as the LYRIC aid and daily use aids, are the latest in-the-ear design. They fit very close to the eardrum. Daily use aids are removed for sleep, while extended wear devices are worn continuously for a couple of months. These aids are best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss. They can be easily used with the telephone and many patients prefer them because they do not have to manage batteries or cleaning.
Open Fit and receiver-in- the canal aids
Open fit hearing aids are behind the ear aids with a smaller mold that does not completely fill the ear canal. The receiver in the canal hearing aids also have a large, open fit, while the main part of the hearing aid fits discreetly behind the ear. Patient’s voices sound more natural than with traditional hearing aids. The small size of these aids makes them more cosmetically appealing. These aids are best for patients with a mild to moderate hearing loss or patients with a high frequency hearing loss.
Custom in-the-ear aids
These aids are a great choice for people who prefer nothing behind the ear. They are molded and come in various sizes. Because they are a “one piece” design, they may be easier for some patients to manage. The larger sizes, especially, have larger batteries for patients with limited manual dexterity. These can be fit with many types of hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe.
Behind the Ear Aids
These are aids which have a hearing aid and tubing behind the ear which attach to an earmold worn inside the ear. These aids are best suited for patients with a severe to profound hearing loss. They are also great for active kids because they are more durable and can be adapted as they grow!
So, now that you know more about hearing aids, it is important that you are choose a professional to help you hear better. Do not be influenced by deceptive advertising or offers that sound “too good to be true.” The best hearing aid for you depends on your hearing loss, your lifestyle and listening environments, your ear canal anatomy, and your finances! If you, or someone you know, are having difficulty hearing, don’t delay. Pick up the telephone and make an appointment to have your hearing checked today.
Want to know more?
Call the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, LLC at 215-672-HEAR (4327) for an audiologic consultation. We’ll help you find the hearing aid that is right for you!
Posted by Holli Lish on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 @ 08:02 AM
We are pleased to announce a donation of a hearing aid was made to a lucky winner at Temple Judea Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, April 9th! the event was held at Maggio's in Southampton. Hopefully, this will be our contribution towards helping people hear better and help the community outreach program at Temple Judea. This program provides social and educational activities for adults and youths in needs.
Posted by Holli Lish on Wed, Jan 26, 2011 @ 01:15 PM
Why you should buy Hearing Aids from the
Audiology and Hearing Aid Center instead of a discount store or internet site?
Hearing aids are classified as medical devices. They are NOT consumer retail items. In recent years, , via the internet or at discount stores, they are being sold entirely based on price. This makes it appear that you shop for hearing aids in the same way that you shop for a television.
The danger in this mentality is that most of what you are paying for in terms of the price is the skill of the audiologist. This is the key component to success with hearing aids in two ways:
1) You need to ensure that you get the best possible acoustical fitting to optimize your hearing. This includes:
a) Having the proper tests done by an audiologist to ensure that the devices are fit based on accurate test results
b) Having the proper hearing instruments ordered for you based on a lifestyle assessment
c) Having the fit of the hearing aids verified using live speech mapping or real ear measures (which a significant number of practitioners never do)!
2) Ensuring that the hearing aids do not further damage your hearing by adjusting volume levels of the devices accurately.
Two ways to buy cheap hearing aids have surfaced in the last few years. They are:
Internet:
1) By Pennsylvania law, hearing aids can only be dispensed by someone licensed in our state. If an aid is purchased over the Internet and it is “programmed” at the factory in another state, the entire transaction violates the law.
2) If referred to a local practitioner to receive service while still purchasing through the Internet company, you may be surprised to learn that the entire purchase may have been less costly had you purchased directly from that practitioner (follow up visits may cost more “down the road” through the Internet).
Discount Warehouses:
1) These places offer lower prices as the attraction but the product quality or service provider may be lacking! Do you really want to buy a medical device in the same aisle as the canned peas??? What are the credentials of the person selling it? How long have they been dispensing hearing aids? What is their training? What did they do before they started selling hearing aids?
2) Many times the advertisements are designed to get you in the store for a cheaper item and the salesperson tries to sell you a more expensive one.
At the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, we offer competitive prices every day. There may be places where you could find the hearing aids are less expensive, but you are not just buying a product. YOU ARE BUYING US! We offer the following:
1) Audiologists with a doctoral degree in the hearing sciences
2) Over 40 years of combined experience in hearing aid fittings
3) Hundreds of satisfied clients
4) Complete diagnostic testing services using air, bone and speech testing
5) Counseling for you and your family to get the best possible communication
6) A kind, caring and pleasant environment where the audiologists and support staff make you feel welcome
7) Real Ear measures using Live Speech Mapping (the Gold Standard for hearing aid fittings!)
8) Flexible appointment schedules
9) Easily accessible parking and location
The bottom line is if you were getting a pacemaker and you found you could get the product cheaper if you went to a discount store, would you compromise? We think you would choose based on the confidence level you have in your audiologist. And that is why you should be glad you chose us!
Posted by Maryann McCullough on Thu, Sep 09, 2010 @ 10:13 AM
Read the attached article by clicking on the link below...You will find some things out about your children and/or grandchildren that you might like to know!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38742752/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/
Posted by Maryann McCullough on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 09:57 AM
- Do people seem to mumble or speak in a softer voice then they used to?
- Do you feel tired or irritable after a long conversation?
- Do you sometimes miss key works in a sentence, or frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves?
- When you are in a group or in a crowded restaurant, is it difficult for you to follow the conversation?
- When you are together with other people, does background noise bother you?
- Do you need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio?
- Do you find it difficult to hear the doorbell or the telephone ring?
- Is carrying on a telephone conversation difficult?
- Do you find it difficult to pinpoint where an object is (e.g. an alarm clock or telephone) from the noise it makes?
- Has someone close to you mentioned that you have a problem with your hearing?
How did you do? Your answers only provide an early indication of whether your hearing is impaired or not. If you answered "yes" to 3 of these questions, you may be experiencing some hearing loss. If you answered "yes" to 4 or more, we urge you to call our office at 215-672-4327 to schedule a diagnostic hearing evaluation.
Posted by Maryann McCullough on Mon, Sep 06, 2010 @ 09:01 PM
Posted by: Maryann McCullough, Au.D
Dr. Holli Lish and I hope to frequently post interesting articles about hearing aids and hearing loss when we come across them in our work or in publications. We hope that by sharing this information, we can help patients and their significant others cope with their hearing loss. We welcome any suggestions or feedback from our readers. Please feel free to email us or call with any questions.