Hearing Center of Long Island - January 2019

Hearing Center of Long Island - January 2019

(516) 872-8485 www.HearingCenterofLI.com

January 2019

A Year of Learning Long Island Sound Completing Our 2018 Goal and Looking to the New Year

Last year, I made a promise and worked diligently to keep it. On the cover of our January 2018 newsletter, I wrote, “This year, I want to extend our positive impact further by providing useful, entertaining, and educational information that can help improve your quality of life in many ways.” I am proud to say that through our monthly print and digital newsletter, weekly emails, free reports and expanded resources on our new website, and continuing with our educational seminars, we have been making information and advice about hearing loss, hearing help, and ways to improve your quality of life more readily available. In addition to this, I recently updated my book, “Better Hearing With or Without Hearing Aids.” It is one matter for us at Hearing Center of Long Island to use our state-of the-art expertise and years of experience to help patients avoid or overcome the social, emotional, and cognitive effects of hearing loss. It is, however, an entirely different endeavor to educate those who are reluctant to seek the help they need. In 2018, we provided resources to help people coping with hearing difficulty in a number of ways. When patients came to see us, even if they did not feel ready to treat their hearing loss, we offered advice and information to help them help themselves, including ways they could

improve their communication ability without hearing aids. (See the first half of my book.) In addition, we offer families the opportunity to hear for themselves how their loved ones with hearing impairment hear. We give them the chance to learn more about how they can make it easier for their loved ones to hear and understand conversation. When we simulate what it sounds like to listen to conversation with the hearing loss their loved ones have, we find that family members are often shocked by the severity of their loved one’s impairment. They frequently apologize for all the times they were so hard on them, and it is usually a moment of understanding. Yet, as a perfectionist, I believe we can always do better. In 2019, we will continue to provide resources to help those with hearing difficulties and their families to learn about the many deleterious effects of hearing loss on quality of life and cognitive function and how these effects can be avoided. While we continue to work toward our 2018 goal, I am also making a personal resolution for 2019. It is a goal I know those with hearing difficulty can understand. In 2019, I want to develop my relationships with family and friends. Having healthy, supportive relationships is

Dr. Larry and the staff at Hearing Center of Long Island wish you a happy and healthy New Year.

something many people with hearing loss struggle with. Even after their hearing loss is treated and their hearing is improved, old habits leading to social isolation sometimes linger. I encourage you to join me as I commit to this goal. It may feel a bit uncomfortable, and you may feel discouraged in some instances, but many scientific studies point to the importance of meaningful relationships for long-term health and happiness — and it is always our goal to see our patients happy. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or comments about this newsletter or any of our other resources, please let us know. Just contact us by phone at (516) 872-8485, by email at info@ hearingcenterofli.com, or let us know in-person when you come to the office. Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy 2019.

–Lawrence Cardano, Au.D.

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New Technology for the New Year

The Latest Trends in Hearing Help

Hear Better, Feel Better There are also now hearing devices that can function as both a hearing aid and a fitness tracker. These wellness aids offer a variety of services, from connecting to apps that encourage you to continue wearing your hearing aids to little devices that aid in tracking your calories, heart rate, and activity. With numerous studies on the effects of untreated hearing impairments, including an increased rate of hospitalization and poor health, these little trackers may be the key to motivating you to stay fit. At the Hearing Center of Long Island, we know hearing aids are not one-size-fits- all. If you’re interested in learning more about hearing solutions, visit our website or give us a call.

As technology continues to boom, hearing devices are among some of the latest evolving items. There are now many options for a variety of hearing impairments and lifestyles. Below are some of the more interesting trends I have been seeing — just in time for the new year! Life of Leisure When you live with hearing loss, you live without some of your favorite sounds. Hearing devices have evolved to not only connect you to everyday sounds, but to also give you more engagement for your favorite sounds. There are now hearing aids designed for a music lover, devices that send sound from your television or smart phone directly to your ears. In addition, some hearing devices now allow

“I’ve worn hearing aids for the past 25 years and cannot imagine my life without them. In the morning before I’m wearing my aids, I feel like I’m alone in my own world not being able to hear. They are so comfortable I don’t even know I’m wearing them. I visit Hearing Center of Long Island every six months for preventative maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, I call or e-mail HCLI whenever I need batteries. Hearing Center of Long Island is very unique in the world of health care. I am thankful for their “Walk-n Service” every day between the hours of us to make fine-tuning adjustments from our office while the patient wearing the devices and relaxing at home. Catch Me Before I Fall Research links hearing loss with an increased risk of falls. Falling can happen to anyone at any time, but according to the National Institute on Aging, 1 in 4 persons older than 65 falls each day in the U.S. Their medical bills can collectively rack up to more than $50 billion. Similarly, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Communicative Disorders, hearing loss also affects a predominant number of older adults. Now, some hearing aids can provide fall detection and alerts. This connects two problems for older adults into one compact and safe solution.

What Our Patients Are Saying

1 p.m. and 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary. It’s a great convenience for people with a busy schedule. Of course, you can always make an appointment to fit your own personal needs. The doctors and the staff at Hearing Center of Long Island are great to work with and are caring individuals. I am never disappointed. There’s a lot to be heard in this world, and I’m glad I can hear it. Thank you, Hearing Center of Long Island.”

-Bill Piemonte, Massapequa, NY

Mr. Piemonte with Dr. Lazzaro

2 • We’re listening to you.

Why You Could Spend More Time in the Hospital There are numerous ways hearing loss can throw your life into chaos. Untreated hearing loss can make it difficult to enjoy hobbies, take the fun out of socializing, hospital than those who still enjoyed full hearing. Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss

Hearing experts have long noted the connection between hearing loss and mental decline, but this research shows how your entire body can suffer if you are struggling to hear. To start, research by Frank Lin, MD, Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University indicates that every additional 10-decibels of hearing loss increased the chances of falling by 1.4-fold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that falling is the leading cause of serious injury and death in people 65 and older. What’s worse, falling once doubles your chance of falling again. In 2017, Hearing Health Foundation’s CEO Nadine Dehgan published an article citing other physical struggles patients with untreated hearing loss experience in disproportionate numbers, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

and even put a strain on your family relationships, leading to social isolation and depression. Recently, new research suggests that hearing loss can also take a toll on your physical well-being. A study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health followed two groups of older adults for 10 years. One group of individuals had been diagnosed with hearing loss but were not using any form of hearing aids. Participants in the second group showed no signs of hearing loss. In two years, the patients who suffered from untreated hearing loss faced 26 percent more in health care costs. By the end of the full 10 years, that number had almost doubled to 46 percent! Patients with untreated hearing loss spent far more time in the

Hearing loss is a progressive degenerative disorder. Like other degenerative medical conditions, treating hearing loss sooner generally produces better results than trying to treat it later. If you have a loved one who is experiencing hearing difficulty, encourage them to make this the year they get the treatment they need. If you have any questions about how to encourage them or how to make it stress- free and risk-free for them to experience better hearing, just give the Hearing Center of Long Island a call at (516) 872-8485 and ask to talk with one of our doctors of audiology.

Black-Eyed Pea Soup

On Listening “The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.”

Who doesn’t enjoy a bowl of fresh, hot soup on a cold winter’s day? Warm up with a bowl of this Dr. Larry-approved black-eyed pea soup!

“This is one of my wife, Grace’s, favorite soup recipes. Black-eyed peas have many health benefits, including being high in fiber, potassium, protein, and iron. Plus, the soup is delicious!” –Dr. Larry

–Ram Dass

Ingredients • 1/4 cup olive oil • 2 chopped onions or leeks • 1 diced turnip

• Salt and pepper to taste • 1 bay leaf • 6 tablespoons lemon juice or juice from 2 lemons • 1/3 cup fresh parsley • Pinch of cumin

The Sound of Laughter

• 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas • 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth • 2/3 cup rice

Instructions

A worker at the calendar

1. Heat oil in a soup pot, and sauté the onions 2–3 minutes, or until they turn golden. 2. Add the turnip, black-eyed peas, broth, rice, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf to the mixture. Bring the soup to a boil. 3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until peas are cooked. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and cumin. 5. Let the soup sit uncovered for 5 minutes, then remove the bay leaf. 6. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and enjoy!

factory got fired because he took a day off.

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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 Making and Finishing Goals Page 2 Hot Technology for the New Year Our Patients Say It Best Page 3 Will Untreated Hearing Loss Land You in the Hospital? Dr. Larry’s Favorite Black-Eyed Pea Soup The Sound of Laughter On Listening Page 4 3 Wives’ Tales That Are True

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. Mom Really Does Know Best 3 Wives’ Tales Proven True

Garlic Cures Colds For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body

sound odd have proven to be true. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving

“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this from Mom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives’ tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true.

fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet. Heartburn Means a Hairy Baby It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based in intuition, but a few that

it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. Joint Pain Predicts the Weather Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during storm weather causes pain in arthritic joints.

4 • We’re listening to you.

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