Hearing Center of Long Island - April 2018

Hearing Center of Long Island - April 2018

(516) 872-8485 www.HearingCenterofLI.com

April 2018

A Project Near and Dear to My Heart Long Island Sound Wine Tasting and Hearing Help

For years, I have been a proud and active member of the Valley Stream Lions Club, a local chapter of Lions Clubs International. For those who might not know, Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world. It is a network of millions of people scattered across nearly every country who share the motto, “We Serve,” and who aid local communities around the globe. In 1998, I realized that the resources of the club and its overall mission might be well-suited for addressing a common problem I saw in my audiology practice. My personal mission has been to help people with hearing loss overcome the challenges of hearing difficulty and live more fulfilling lives. However, like many audiologists, I would occasionally encounter patients in difficult situations who simply could not afford the technology and services they needed. I was frustrated and disheartened to see these people falling through the cracks of the insurance and government aid systems, forced to suffer from persistent issues that drastically diminished their quality of life. I encouraged my fellow members of the Valley Stream Lions Club to start a program to address this problem. They rose to the occasion. Even though they were already involved in programs, such as those helping people with vision problems and diabetes, they put together a program that helped many people struggling with hearing difficulty. I helped by collecting used hearing aids, contributing my time and expertise to

recondition them, and providing fittings and follow-up services for underprivileged patients throughout the area. Eventually, the Nassau County Lions Club of District 20-K2 adopted the program, allowing it to expand significantly. It is now officially known as the Lions District 20-K2 Lend an Ear Foundation and is an IRS- approved nonprofit organization. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of being involved in many heart-warming cases. For example, one of the first patients who went through the program was a little girl who was still in grammar school and struggling with severe hearing difficulty. Though her parents were eager to provide her with hearing aids and related services, they had other children with other health issues, and they just could not afford one more expense. We were able to fit her with reconditioned hearing aids, enabling her not only to hear those around her, but also to do better in school, make friends, socialize, and play like kids are meant to. This is just one example of the positive effect Lions Lend an Ear has had. To this day, I work with a talented and dedicated array of volunteers in the Lions Club to ensure the expansion and continuation of the program. Though I am proud to have a hand in starting Lions Lend an Ear, there are so many others who have been pivotal to its success, such as the program’s chair and co-chair, Janet Mahabir and Helen Farley. Among the other vital members of the board of directors

are program advisor Theresa Whalen and my fellow clinical advisor to the program, Veterans Affairs audiologist Dr. Tony Philip. Just last month, we held a wine-tasting fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Floral Park, complete with a raffle and silent auction. Hardworking volunsteers received donations of wine and food for appropriate wine pairings from local businesses and presented them beautifully. We had a great time serving those who came out to support our mission. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who attended to help us give the gift of hearing to those in need. It meant so much to all of us in the program, and it was especially important to the people we serve. If you would like more information about Lions Lend an Ear, you can find it on Page 2 of this newsletter. L to R: Lions Lend an Ear to Treasurer Elizabeth Mandara, Co-chair Helen Farley, and Dr. Larry

–Lawrence Cardano, Au.D.

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Let the Lions Lend an Ear Giving the Gift of Hearing

At Hearing Center of Long Island, we believe that everyone should get the help they need to cope with hearing problems, regardless of their ability to pay. That’s why we are a proud provider for the Lions Lend an Ear Program, which provides disadvantaged patients throughout Nassau County with the hearing help they need. The program provides hearing aids and related professional services at no cost to residents of Nassau County based on documented financial need and audiologic candidacy. Those interested in applying for assistance can request an application by emailing [email protected].

Want to help give the gift of hearing to those in need? There are two ways you can help: 1. Most of the hearing aids we provide through Lions Lend an Ear are refurbished, so we are always in need of used hearing devices. To donate used hearing aids — working or not — please drop them off at our office at 46 Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream. 2. We greatly appreciate financial donations to help cover costs, no matter how small — or large! You can rest assured that every cent of your donation will go toward helping those in need.

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the following address: Lions Lend an Ear P.O. Box 626 Valley Stream, NY 11582 We know that hearing loss is a serious issue that diminishes the quality of life of many individuals. No one should have to suffer in silence because they can’t afford treatment. We invite you to join us in our mission to give the gift of hearing to those in need, along with the generous volunteers in the Lions Lend an Ear program.

“I found Hearing Center of Long Island on the internet because I was unhappy with my previous doctor. My great luck! The office is perfect for me. From the doctors to the office staff, everyone is What Our Patients Are Saying

On Listening

The Sound of Laughter What did the grape say when it was crushed? Nothing, it just let out a little wine. We don’t learn from talking; we learn from listening.

so helpful and patient and expert. I can hear very well now, and when there are any problems, they are fixed properly. So much caring and patience! “I highly recommend Hearing Center of Long Island to others who face hearing difficulty.”

Dr. Larry and Mrs. Kaminow

-Louise Kaminow, New York, NY

2 • We’re listening to you.

Making the Right Choice

The 2nd Step to Better Hearing

In each issue of the Long Island Sound, we have been breaking down each of the six key components of effective hearing care, as covered in Dr. Larry’s book, “Better Hearing With or Without Hearing Aids.” Last month, we covered how we help you determine your particular needs for treatment. These solutions could be hearing aids, communication techniques, listening-training programs, or other assistive methods. But if you and your audiologist have determined that hearing aids should be an important part of your communication-enhancement plans, it can be difficult to pick which type of device is right for you. That brings us to the second step of hearing treatment: hearing aid selection. What Is the Best Solution for Me? Our patients often ask, “Which type of hearing aid is best?” Or they request the same type of hearing aid that their friend uses. But this is the wrong approach, as the “best” hearing aid for one person might be completely wrong for another. With so many options available today and new options constantly becoming available, receiving

guidance from experts on the latest technology — like the doctors of audiology at our office — is critical. At Hearing Center of Long Island, we begin by using the results of the needs assessment we discussed in the last newsletter. This immediately narrows the choices by hearing aid style, technology level, and desired features. After eliminating the types of hearing aids that are not appropriate for you due to your type of hearing loss and factors like ear canal size and shape, we can further narrow the choices by your particular concerns. We also evaluate other factors, such as cosmetics, cost, performance, and ease of use to ensure that you get the help you need without paying for features you don’t. After going through each of these steps, we typically end up with two or three potential options for you to review in detail, allowing you to make an educated and carefully considered decision with all the guidance you need. To effectively choose the most appropriate hearing devices for you from the hundreds of available options takes not only

a thorough knowledge of the latest in hearing aid technology and fitting techniques, years of clinical experience with patients, and evaluation of your unique auditory system, but also an understanding of your personal preferences and priorities. In some cases, we may give you temporary hearing aids that will monitor and record information about your listening environments to help determine what features you do or do not need before making a final recommendation. Best of all, we can do this totally free of charge. We are experts in hearing-assistance technology and techniques, but you are the expert on your particular concerns, preferences, and priorities. Ensuring the best results requires clear communication between you and your hearing-care professional. That’s why our motto at Hearing Center of Long Island is, “We’re listening to you.” Our entire treatment framework is based around your needs, using our years of experience to guide you to the optimum solution for you.

Lemon Cream Scones

A Little Bite of England

Ingredients

“My mom grew up in Leeds, England. This is her English scone recipe.” –Sheena

For the scones: • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • Zest of one large lemon • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 8 tablespoons butter, frozen • 1 egg • 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the glaze: • 1 cup powdered sugar • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed • 3 tablespoons butter, melted • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4. In a small bowl, combine egg and cream. Mix well. Pour into flour mixture. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Scrape dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape dough into a ball. 5. Flatten the ball into a 7-inch circle and cut into eight equal triangles. With

Hearing Center of Long Island patient care coordinator, Sheena

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. In a medium bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Mix together using your fingertips. Stir in flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. 3. Using the largest holes on a box grater, grate frozen butter. Add to flour mixture and mix until it resembles coarse meal.

space between each triangle, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden. 6. As scones cool, prep glaze. In a small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled scones, and allow glaze to harden.

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46 Rockaway Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580 (516) 872-8485 www.HearingCenterofLI.com

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INSIDE This Issue

Page 1 Volunteering for Hearing Page 2 Lions Lend an Ear: Assistance and Donation Information Hear From Our Patients On Listening The Sound of Laughter Page 3

The Best Solution for You A Tasty Bite of England Page 4 The Message Behind Kindness Rocks

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With a Big Message A Small Token

message on it, and leaves it on the beach for others to find. And the idea has spread. As the project has grown, so have people’s stories about finding kindness rocks. When people find a kindness rock, they get a boost to their day, but they also feel inspired to pay the kindness forward. How to Make Your Own Kindness Rocks If you want to spread kindness, start with a few smooth 3- to 5-inch rocks. Part of the adventure is in finding the rocks, so take the time to explore outside to find them. Maybe take the kids for a trek to a nearby park or beach. Once you have your rocks, use nontoxic paint or spray paint to color them. Use bright colors so that others can spot them. After the paint has dried, use paint pens to write your messages on the rocks. These can be as simple as one word or as big as an inspiring quote or verse.

After you’ve written your message, use a clear nontoxic sealant to protect your artwork so it will be there when others find it. Find an outdoor space to leave your rock — maybe even in the original spot you found it. In a world that often seems dark, your message of kindness will serve as a beacon of hope for others. “One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” –Gautama Buddha

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go right? You wake up late, you can’t find your keys, the kids aren’t ready, and the day continues to unfold in a negative fog. Those difficult days are the reason Megan Murphy started the Kindness Rocks Project. After her parents passed away, she found comfort in finding heart-shaped rocks and sea glass on the beach. She realized that these small tokens might make other people feel better, too. Megan’s friend, one of the first to pick up a rock Megan had left behind, sent her an encouraging message after finding it: “If you did drop this rock, you made my day.” Since then, Megan has inspired others with randomly placed messages of kindness. She finds a rock, paints a kind

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CALL 1.888.700.0633 Or e-mail info@ hearingcenterofli.com February’s Winner: Terry Lanese of New Hyde Park

4 • We’re listening to you.

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