Hearing Center of Long Island - February 2019

Hearing Center of Long Island - February 2019

(516) 872-8485 www.HearingCenterofLI.com

February 2019

Long Island Sound

What ‘The 5 Love Languages’ Can Teach Us About Listening emotionally. Saying the same thing the same way to two different people can have very different effects. Understanding this will help you become a better spouse, parent, friend, neighbor, manager or coworker. This might seem difficult to do when you consider the number of people you interact with on any given day. However, there are simple ways to discover what kind of message or action will mean the most to someone want to communicate with. For example, you can observe how they react to what others say to them or do for them. If you notice your neighbor is raving about a small gift their spouse got them, bring over a bottle of wine or their favorite coffee beans next time they invite you over. They will not only appreciate the gesture, but the person will feel a stronger connection to you, blossoming your relationship. Of course, if the relationship is close enough there is a simpler approach: You can just list the five love languages and ask that person which of them mean the most to him or her. I spend much of my day helping patients hear better, but the ability to hear is pointless unless you actively listen and engage with those around you and discover ways others want you to treat them. We can call that “The Golden Rule 2.0.”

Golden Rule 2.0

can be categorized into five topics. These are: 1. words of affirmation, 2. quality time, 3. receiving gifts, 4. acts of service, and 5. physical touch. He described these in his very popular and often-referenced book, “The 5 Love Languages.” While Dr. Chapman wrote about this as it applies to romantic couples, I think the idea can be usefully applied to any important relationship. Using the framework of “5 Love Languages,” my wife and I found that we have quite different expectations of one another. My wife’s top love language category is quality time, while I thrive on words of affirmation. It was interesting to see such big differences between us in what makes us feel cared for, but this has helped us see our relationship in a new light and improve the way we communicate with each other. People have a tendency to approach others the way they would want to be approached. It is right there in the golden rule: Treat others how you would want to be treated. What we often forget, however, is that not everyone responds or engages exactly like we do. For example, I could encourage and support my wife with lots of verbal compliments and affirmations — something I respond very well to when it is directed at me — but if we do not spend quality time together, these words will mean nothing to her. If you want to get a message across to another person effectively, it helps to know how to do it in a way that person will understand

As an audiologist who specializes in solving hearing and listening problems, a significant part of my job is counseling and

Dr. Larry wishes you a Happy Valentines Day!

coaching the patients I work with. I am not licensed in psychology or therapy, but counseling was part of my academic and practical training. I am well-versed in deciphering the frustrations, fears and concerns people have about their hearing and giving them guidance on how to get the most out of their improved hearing. Still, as M. Scott Peck, M.D. said in his classic book “The Road Less Traveled,” “While it is true that one’s capacity to truly listen may improve gradually with practice, it never becomes an effortless process.” I am thankful that my wife occasionally (gently) points out my communication lapses and coaches me to be a better communicator. As readers will remember from my January cover article, I have a personal goal for 2019 to foster stronger relationships with friends and family. Even after decades of a wonderful marriage, my wife and I wanted to apply that goal to our relationship. With Valentine’s Day this month, I am reminded of that goal. Dr. Gary Chapman has spent 30 years as a marriage and family counselor. When he reviewed the cases of couples he worked with, Chapman discovered that what couples crave from one another

–Lawrence Cardano, Au.D.

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Love Your Ears; Love Your Heart

How Your Hearing Loss Is Impacting Your Heart Health

In the time it takes you to count to 40, one person dies from cardiovascular disease. In fact, it is the No. 1 cause of death among Americans. Experts have warned us that an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise is deadly, but not many people know that hearing impairment can also negatively affect your heart. According to a comparative study by Raymond H. Hull and Stacy R. Kerschen published in the American Journal of Audiology, poor cardiovascular health has negative effects on the auditory system, especially as a person ages. The study also found that mitigating hearing loss improved heart health, and this was more apparent among older adults. To understand how your heart can affect your hearing you have to understand how you actually hear. Your cochlea is a

convenient but, most importantly, I came into contact with an audiologist who was knowledgeable in his field of work, compassionate, both friendly and sociable, and was not pushy. He presented several options to treat my hearing loss and answered any questions I posed. In addition, the office staff and other audiologists are personable and professional and will always address any concerns I have. They are simply “service-oriented.” As a result of the above, I am totally satisfied with the staff and the treatment that were recommended to me, and I would highly recommend the Hearing Center of Long Island for your hearing needs.” tiny coiled tube that sits inside your ear behind your ear drum. Inside is a complex structure including membranes, moving parts, and fluids with special chemical properties. The vibration of the eardrum causes movement of these fluids which, in turn, sets off a complex series of chain reactions that result in nerve impulses sent to your brain. The brain then works to recognize and interpret the sounds represented by these impulses. Like other parts of your body, the cochlea relies on proper blood flow to stay healthy and function properly. Meanwhile, many things we do can have a positive or negative effect on the ability of your heart and cardiovascular to provide adequate blood supply to the cochlea. Consuming a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, managing stress, and adhering to a proper sleep

schedule all help. Your ears need a healthy cardiovascular system in order to function the best they can. Furthermore, stress that comes from straining to hear can affect your cardiovascular health by increasing your blood pressure. Additionally, stroke survivors often find hearing to be more difficult. Strokes can change the way our brains function, which can make the message our ears are sending to our brains overwhelming or unintelligible. This, in turn, causes the very same stress, as the patient has to retrain their brain. Remember: Your hearing depends on your cardiovascular health. If you are interested in learning more about hearing difficulties and hearing help, visit our website www.HearingCenterofLI.com or call our office for more information.

On Listening “Listen. People start to heal the moment they feel heard. ” –Cheryl Richardson The Sound of Laughter Q: What happened when the man fell in love with his garden? A: It made him wed his plants.

What Our Patients Are Saying

“Several years ago, I started to develop symptoms of possible hearing loss. I began to speak louder. My wife

would periodically say, “Didn’t you hear what I said?” I couldn’t hear conversations behind me, I couldn’t hear certain sounds, and I usually had the television volume on high. So, I decided to go to an audiologist for an evaluation to determine if my hearing was impaired and, if so, to what extent and what were my options to improve my hearing. At that point, my journey with the Hearing Center of Long Island began. Not only did I find the office to be

-Joseph Svirida, Long Beach, NY

2 • We’re listening to you.

Heel to Better Relationships

Check Out ‘Listen Like a Dog’ to Improve Your Listening Skills

our sentences or try to top our stories. They don’t look at their cell phones when we try to talk to them. Dogs pay close attention to us, studying our facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. As a result, despite the animal’s inability to respond to us verbally, the person feels heard. In Lazarus’ book, he encourages readers to apply the techniques dogs naturally use every day to do more than just hear what another person says. Lazarus explains that listening is not so much about our acknowledgment of what a person said through advice or interjecting our own experiences. Instead, it’s more about our attentiveness to the person speaking. Our nonverbal communication can be one of the best ways to assure the speaker that we are listening and understanding what they are saying.

They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but they might also be our greatest teachers. As author and communication

people think and actively listen while communicating both professionally and personally. The book features light hearted,

specialist Jeff Lazarus writes in his 2016 book, “Listen Like a Dog,” our four-legged loyal

humorous approach with insightful observations that

you can easily use to improve your listening. Chapter such as “Leash Laws” and “Faux Paws” give the reader an engaging and relatable analogies and practical advice to help you enjoy the benefits of better communication. The concept behind Lazarus’ writing is simple: Everyone wants to feel heard. Think about the last time you talked to a dog, or give it a try if you haven’t. During this exercise, people often find themselves divulging their most private, unfiltered thoughts, while the dog actively listens. There’s no texting, interrupting, or advice giving; the dog just listens. Dogs don’t finish

companions are also some of the

best listeners. By observing their tendencies and applying their practices, we can foster greater relationships and connections. Lazarus is a sought-after coach and speaker who works with CEOs, business professionals, journalists, writers, and various other professionals to help them improve their communications skills. Since its debut, the book has been revolutionizing the way many

Pizza Dough (makes enough dough for two medium-sized pizzas) My Pizza Pie My wife and I have been making a pizza every Valentine’s Day for 10 years. It’s a fun project to do as a couple that tests our communication skills as we decide which toppings to use. Here is our recipe. Enjoy! –Dr. Larry

To make pizza:

1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. Oil pizza pan (or stone).

3. Work dough to make a thin crust. 4. Spread about 1 tablespoon extra- virgin oil on crust with back of spoon. 5. Sprinkle 1 clove garlic on crust

(optionally, put 2 medium cloves garlic on crust and none on top of pizza).

Pizza Ingredients • 1 packet yeast • 1 cup warm water • 1 1/2 tablespoon oil

• 1 or 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3 cups flour

6. Bake crust 8 minutes. 7. Cover crust with one layer of tomato slices, slightly overlapping. 8. Cover tomatoes with 1/2 of the shredded/sliced cheese. 9. Tear basil leaves onto top of pizza. 10. Sprinkle with another diced clove of garlic. 11. Drizzle 1/2 (1/4 cup total) of the 50/50 oil-vinegar mixture. 12. Bake 12 minutes. When cooled, enjoy with your friends!

• 8–10 thinly sliced Roma (plum) tomatoes • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil mixed with 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • Olive oil for pan and crust top 5. Cover and let rise (15–20 minutes) in warm spot. 6. Oil large pizza pan. 7. Put dough in oil and lightly spread dough to fit.

Dough Instructions • 1 ball of dough, divided in half • 4 medium cloves of garlic, diced • 16 oz shredded or sliced cheese(s) of your choice • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan • Fresh basil leaves, torn (to taste) 1. Dissolve 1 packet of yeast in 1 cup warm water. 2. Add oil and salt 3. Stir 3 cups flour into dissolved yeast. 4. Knead by hand to form ball.

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INSIDE This Issue

Page 1 How Love Languages Help Us Communicate Effectively Page 2 The Connections Between Hearing Loss and Heart Health

Our Patients Say It Best The Sound of Laughter On Listening Page 3 Book Review: ‘Listen Like a Dog’ Pizza Pie Page 4 Let’s Retire These Health Myths

If you know someone who might like to receive our newsletter, just have them call us at (516) 872-8485 to request a free subscription. The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe

Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self- reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false. The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health.

We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction. The 5-Second Rule Keeps Food Safe Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food

comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant. Bottled Water Is Safer Than Tap Water People seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.

4 • We’re listening to you.

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