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March 2019
Do You Feel Lucky? Long Island Sound How to Respond to Luck, Even If You Feel Unlucky W hen I was just a month away from graduating with a master’s degree from Columbia started to focus on helping people overcome the challenges of hearing difficulty to enjoy a better quality of life. I found the opportunity to use my talents and passion to enhance the lives of people with hearing loss as I was originally inspired to do.
University, I started developing an identity crisis of sorts. After doing internships in audiology departments at a number of hospitals like Mount Sinai and Columbia Presbyterian hospitals, I had begun to realize that, at that time, most audiologists worked in hospitals and spent most of their time on diagnostic testing. I was interested in helping people improve their lives with better hearing — solving problems with hearing rehabilitation, not just describing problems with diagnostic testing. I remember wondering if I had made a grave mistake in choosing my course of study and my career. I came to this conclusion when I was just a month away from graduating with my master’s degree in audiology. I felt like I was making a huge mistake. To an outsider, it may have appeared that I was stuck in a bout of bad luck. I decided, however, to stick with it and pursue my goal of helping people overcome the challenges of hearing loss. I actively sought out information about how an audiologist could help people enjoy the benefits of better hearing and avoid the deleterious effects of hearing loss — rather than just perform tests. I also sought out colleagues and researchers in audiology who had similar interests. Fortunately, the field of audiology evolved. More clinical audiologists and researchers in audiology
Dr. Larry wishing you good luck
there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg, they let him off.”
Ultimately, I learned a valuable lesson about luck and persistence. If I had ceased my education, I may not be where I am today, helping others find real-life solutions to hearing loss. I found a way around this obstacle instead of admitting defeat to it. There are going to be setbacks and struggles whenever you strive for a worthy goal, but quitting will never solve anything. Living with a hearing impairment can feel like a large obstacle to conquer, but it can be done. Ultimately, it could also be a blessing shrouded in bad news. There’s an ancient Chinese story that often reminds me of this. It is the tale of a farmer’s son who lives through the death of his father, the inheritance of a strong work horse, the horse running off, and breaking his leg while trying to break in a wild stallion as a result of losing his work horse. When things that seem to be good happen, problems result. Each time something that seems bad happens, it turns out to be for his benefit. For example, after the son breaks his leg, the story ends with one last lesson on luck: “Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found
With each of these occurrences, the son would always say to the supportive — albeit nosy — villagers, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Living with a hearing loss can seem like a bad hand to be dealt. However, as a result of experiencing hearing loss, you may come to understand others with hearing loss better and learn to use nonverbal communications better. (See Page 3 for more information on nonverbal communication.) You may become a better, more attentive listener. You may learn to value relationships and good conversation more. And after the proper treatment of your hearing loss, you may appreciate your hearing more than you would have if you had not experienced hearing loss. Does good luck or bad luck exist? Who knows? But one thing is certain: With the right attitude, you can learn from any challenge that comes your way.
–Lawrence Cardano, Au.D.
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‘I’m Fine’
Common Reasons People Avoid Seeing the Audiologist
treating your hearing loss should not be forgotten. Increased risk of dementia, frustration, isolation, depression, reduced earning potential, an even increased risk of hospitalization are all associated with untreated hearing loss. Fortunately, we now offer a number of options that make it easy to afford top- notch hearing care instead of settling for less than the best results. For example, one program allows us to treat your hearing loss with the most advanced, most discrete technology available -– including all initial and ongoing services of our expert doctors of audiology, any accessories needed, and replacement of your state-of-the-art hearing devices every 3–4 years — at a cost of $175 per month. Rather than worrying about how you will afford the best hearing care, you can enjoy better hearing and know you will have the best care at an affordable rate. Have you or someone you know been putting off seeking help hearing loss? If so, call us at 516-872-8485 and set up free consultation with one of our doctors of audiology to address your concerns.
Below is a brief description of just some of the reasons we hear from patients about why they delayed care, as well as some perspective to help you understand why delay and avoidance of the issue is not helpful. ‘It cannot be true.’ It is common for people with hearing loss to trick themselves into believing everything is fine — or to “fake it” if they know they may be missing some of the conversation. The most typical hearing loss happens gradually, so family members usually situations where it is easier to hear — such as one-on-one conversations in a quiet home — as examples that their hearing is fine. Some people who are aware of their hearing difficulty believe there is nothing that can be done to solve their problem and are reluctant to deal with the issue. Fortunately, for those with hearing loss, it can almost always be improved with proper treatment if you work with the right professional. notice it first. People can also trick themselves, and others, by using 2 • We’re listening to you. “When I first came to Hearing Center of Long Island, I was certain I did not want or need hearing aids. My family had been complaining about my hearing and was frustrated with me. I thought they were just being picky, but I decided to have my hearing checked to prove them wrong. I’m so glad that I chose to go to Hearing Center of Long Island. Dr. Lazzaro worked closely with me to see what my hearing needs were. When I discovered that I did in fact have hearing loss, I was still skeptical about needing hearing aids. Fortunately, I was able to try hearing aids before actually purchasing them. The experience of trying customized hearing aids with no cost or
‘I amnot that old.’ Hearing loss can happen at any age. Too often, people suffer much longer than they need to with hearing difficulty. Keep in mind that by the time you have a mild loss of hearing for loudness, more than half of the neurons from your inner ear to the brain are not functioning properly. That means that even though loudness my not be much of a problem, clarity, listening to rapid speech, and listening in background noise can already be a significant problem. For those concerned with cosmetics and “looking older,” it is important to note that there are now a number of different invisible or virtually invisible options. Of course, you will appear to be older if you are often needing to ask others to repeat themselves or mishearing what they say. More importantly, research indicates that hearing clarity can usually be restored more fully if hearing loss is treated earlier. ‘I cannot afford that.’ As with any degenerative disorder, the cost of treatment of hearing loss can be a concern. Of course, the cost of not obligation — in real life for a number of weeks and not just in the office — was an eye-opening experience. I found that I was hearing so much better and started to realize how much I had been missing! It took some time to get used to hearing things that I had not been hearing for a long time, but Dr. Lazzaro guided me through the process with care, patience, and expertise that made it easy. My hearing and ability to understand conversation are so much better now. My family is just as happy as I am, and I’m not arguing with them about my hearing anymore!
What Our Patients Are Saying
Dr. Lazzaro and Roger Diehm
My thanks to the entire staff of Hearing Center of Long Island for making such a difference in my hearing and my quality of life.” - Roger Diehm Elmont, NY
Body Language Fluency
How Nonverbal Communication Affects Our Conversations
What do movie stars and those with hearing impairments have in common? They are experts when it comes to nonverbal communication. For actors and actresses, facial expressions and body language are vital to their performances; for those with hearing loss, nonverbal cues are especially important for simply understanding a conversation. Science suggests that nonverbal communication is a huge part of how we interact with each other. According to psychologists, our communication is 55 percent body language, 38 percent tone of voice, and 7 percent spoken words. So, when you are at a concert or near a busy road, sometimes you have to rely on the nonverbal language of the person you are communicating with rather than the inflection and substance of their words. Choosing your words carefully is always a great choice, but how you act and present your message may be more important in getting your meaning across.
The digital age has made communication even more complicated. A person may say “okay” with a cheerful demeanor in person, whereas over email, the word “okay” can come across as harsh or intense. Their nonverbal communication is cut because of the platform the message is being delivered with, despite their intent. Furthermore, nonverbal communication is not only important when you are trying to get your message across to someone else, but to be an effective listener, you also have to give cues to the person speaking with you that you are still listening. An occasional “uh-huh” or nod of the head can go a long way to improving communication by assuring the speaker that you are paying attention. Conversely, turning away when they are in the middle of their sentence or showing a blank facial expression can create a basis for miscommunication or shut the conversation down completely.
However, it is important to remember that nonverbal communication has its limits. If a person has their arms crossed and their shoulders hunched over, we may read that as a sign that this person is standoffish and wants to avoid speaking. But if we know that it is only 5 degrees outside and they are wearing a thin coat, this person could actually just be cold. This is why we also rely on tones of voice, the words that are being said, and outside context to create meaning.
On Listening
Word Search
ASH BIRDS DAY FAT
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
FLOWERS FORWARD
–Will Rogers
GRAS LAMB LEPRECHAUN LION MARCH MARDI PARADE PATRICKS RAINBOW SHAMROCK SPRING TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
The Sound of Laughter Q: What should you say to a runner in the St. Patrick’s Day marathon? A: “Irish you luck.”
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INSIDE This Issue
Page 1 Does Luck Exist? Page 2 Why People Avoid the Audiologist Our Patients Say It Best Page 3 Nonverbal Communication 101 Word Search The Sound of Laughter On Listening Page 4 Don’t Let the Rain Dampen Your Spirits
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. 4 Rainy Day Activities Enjoy Yourself!
way to pass the time. You can watch some of the classics, like “Forrest Gump” or “Singing in the Rain,” fill the day with “The Lord of the Rings” series, or start a new Netflix show. If you want to involve your kids in the binge- watching, you can let them pick out one of their favorite movies too. Piece Together a Puzzle A rainy day is a great opportunity to pull out a puzzle. You can also grab your friends or family members and make the puzzle a team activity. With the whole day ahead of you, you’ll have several hours to devote to one of your favorite hobbies. Don’t let the rain keep you down! Instead, take advantage of the weather and enjoy a cozy day at home.
As the weather warms up, the urge to get out of the house becomes stronger. However, any plans you might have can be abruptly canceled due to rain. If you find yourself stuck inside for the day, here are a few activities to keep you occupied.
Get Bakin’ A wet and chilly day is an excellent opportunity to warm yourself up with some baked goods. Bake your favorite snickerdoodle cookies or fudge brownies, and pour yourself a mug full of hot chocolate or cider to get through the stormy day. Read a Book If you have a bookshelf full of novels you’ve not cracked open, a rainy day is the perfect time to jump in. Settle down on the sofa with a cuddly blanket and enjoy some uninterrupted reading. The rain smattering against your windows creates the perfect background noise to delve into the pages of a new adventure. Create Your Own Film Festival Having a movie or TV series marathon is another great
4 • We’re listening to you.
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