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(516) 872-8485 www.HearingCenterofLI.com
November 2018
Long Island Sound
Car Shows and Hearing Aids
Diving Into the Freedoms of Technology
I n September, I stepped back in time at the Valley Stream Lions Club Classic Car show, held every Thursday evening just a few blocks from our office from the beginning of July to the beginning of September. The show was a display of classic cars and memories for people like me who appreciate the history and charm of old vehicles as well as the personal connection people have had with them. I remember my grandfather talking about his Model T Ford. It was the first vehicle the average person could afford, and he bought it back when you did not even need a driver’s license to get behind the wheel and cruise. The stories my grandfather used to tell me about the adventures he had driving that car helped me understand how it liberated him and many others to be able to travel as never before. It was the beginning of a new era. At the car show, I came upon a Model A Ford, a close relative of the Model T. The owner was pretty proud of his vehicle. He had put a lot of time and care into its restoration and used only original parts. I also spoke with another classic car owner, this one of a 1957 Thunderbird, who had likewise put much time into restoring it to its original glory. Each owner was proud of the history and memories they preserved.
The car show reminded me of the progress that has been made in the automobile industry. The drivers of new 1957 Ford Thunderbirds enjoyed significant improvements over the Model A, but there have been many innovations in comfort, performance, and safety since then. Many of those innovations are features that we have become so accustomed to that we no longer even think about them, such as GPS systems that speak to you to make sure you do not get lost, backup cameras to help you avoid accidents, heated seats to keep you comfortable on cold days … and on and on. Much like the improvements in driving technology since the Model A, hearing technology has come a long way in just the last few years. Like the Model T that gave my grandfather freedom to travel anywhere, hearing aids are liberating patients from the limitations of hearing loss. We can now do things with hearing aids that were impossible not so long ago. For example, wireless connections between hearing aids and other devices like TVs and cellphones are commonplace. Some hearing aids use GPS information to adjust settings automatically based on your location or to allow them to be adjusted remotely by your audiologist. Some can actually translate languages in conversation
Dr. Larry with a ‘57 Thunderbird
Dr. Larry with a Model A Ford
for you. The technology for improving hearing in situations with background noise continues to advance. The methods we use to customize and optimize the performance of hearing aids has also advanced significantly. At Hearing Center of Long Island, we take full advantage of the latest technology and techniques to ensure that each solution is best suited for each individual’s needs. Fortunately, the hearing care technology and techniques of just a few years ago are now like the Model A Ford: charming to some, but not nearly as effective as what we have now.
–Lawrence Cardano, Au.D.
• 1 www.HearingCenterofLI.com
New Developments in Voice-to- Text Telephone Communication
How Voice-to-Text Software Can Benefit You and Your Conversations
can get a fully equipped telephone, have it installed, and use the service all at absolutely no cost to you. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, but it is paid from a federally administered fund. Some voice-to-text caption phones can even be programmed to provide amplification of conversation that is customized based on the configuration of your hearing loss. At the Hearing Center of Long Island, we provide this programming as a courtesy at no charge. (Note: Federal law prohibits anyone but registered users with hearing loss from using these “internet protocol” captioning services.) If you have never had a hearing test or if you want to learn more about hearing solutions other than hearing aids — like caption phones — that may fit your needs and lifestyle, just call us at 516-872-8485 to set up a time to speak with a Hearing Center of Long Island audiologist or send a question to info@HearingCenterofLI.com. Ultum
As with most technology, scientists have been working to improve this. In the past, you would have to communicate what you were saying to the operator who would type it out for the listener. Now, software can translate words you say into text — called “captions” — for the listener to read on their display screen while they listen at the same time. The phone can still be used normally by people who do not have a hearing impairment, but it can work wonders for someone who does. Recent developments include apps that allow you to use this service from and iPad. In addition, telephones capable of using this voice-to-text translation now have added the ability to stream conversation via a wireless blue tooth connection directly to hearing aids, blue tooth enabled headphones or other blue tooth streamers. Fortunately, if you have your hearing loss certified by an audiologist, you
Telephones have been affecting the way people communicate since Alexander Graham Bell first said “Ahoy.” (Here’s a fun fact: “Ahoy” was the way Bell intended people to answer the phone.) From small rotary phones to cordless docks and cellular devices that can connect you to virtually anywhere in the world, the phone has become a necessary communication tool. Unfortunately for people with hearing loss, this tool can be cumbersome. Even with hearing aids, picking up on audio communication between the two devices can be difficult for some people. But solutions to this problem have also been evolving. By the mid-20th century the teletypewriter was invented, revolutionizing the way people with hearing loss could function in everyday life. For the first time, even people with no hearing at all effectively use technology to communicate using the telephone.
What Our Patients Are Saying
“We are quite satisfied!! The staff at Hearing Center of Long Island is very helpful, knowledgeable, and kind! Dr. Lorraine has the patience of a saint! She’s a gentle doctor who took care of me with kid gloves. In the midst of getting my hearing aids, I was hospitalized for a short time, and came home with oxygen. When I came back to the office, I explained the situation. Dr. Lorraine immediately changed my hearing aids to a different type that wouldn’t interfere with the oxygen hoses.
Now my family doesn’t mind visiting me, because I don’t set the TV volume so high. And they don’t have to shout anymore! I have to tell them to lower their voices now! I will highly recommend Hearing Center of Long Island to everyone and anyone who has concerns about hearing. That’s the way I feel. Thanks a million!”
-Charles Brown Oceanside, NY
Charles Brown Oceanside, NY
2 • We’re listening to you.
What Did You Say?
How Your Hearing Loss Is Impacting Your Loved Ones
When you have a hearing impairment, everyday tasks can become tiresome. Hearing problems can cause confusion, isolation, fear of doing things you love, and even fear of losing those who you love most. When you don’t take time to manage your hearing loss, you not only ignore a major problem, you ignore your loved ones, too. Here are some ways your hearing impairment could be impacting your family. Talk It Out Good communication is a pillar of any healthy relationship, but it’s hard to effectively talk to your loved ones when you can barely hear what they are saying. Your spouse might feel frustrated when they asked you to take the chicken out of the freezer, yet you swear they never said anything The Sound of Laughter Q: Why does a chicken coop have two doors? A: If it had four, it would be a chicken sedan.
about it. This issue might seem small, but these little problems can add up and fester, possibly ruining your relationships. Like Father, Like Son By avoiding seeking help with your hearing loss, you communicate to your children that it’s okay to ignore a lifelong problem. Hearing loss can be hereditary, so your children might avoid getting help with their future hearing impairment because they saw you refuse to admit you needed help. Furthermore, this flippant attitude may impact other parts of their health. Why should they go get that lump checked? According to what you may be teaching them, ignoring your problems is the best way to solve them.
Worrywarts This might seem obvious, but your family loves you. They want to see you happy, thriving, and most of all, safe. If they have to worry about you not being able to hear the warning honks of a bus as it comes flying through an intersection, they are going to live in a constant state of fear whenever you leave the house without them. They will be stressed, and you will be praying for some alone time. Don’t let hearing loss rule your life or push your loved ones away from you. Schedule an appointment with the Hearing Center of Long Island, and get back to doing what you enjoy with those you love.
Congratulations to the two winners of our ‘Anka Sings Sinatra’ concert ticket drawing:
Roland Caballes
Theresa Shamroth
Theresa Shamroth of East Rockaway and Roland Caballes of Rockville Centre. Both won a pair of tickets, including reserved parking, to the concert at The Theater at Westbury. Our thanks to everyone who entered our drawing by having us send a complimentary copy of Dr. Larry’s recently updated book “Better Hearing With or Without Hearing Aids: Your Guide to Solving Your Hearing Problems” to a friend. You helped educate others about better hearing, and your participation is greatly appreciated. • 3 (516) 872-8485
On Listening
The best way to persuade people is with your ears — by listening to them. –Dean Rusk, United States Secretary of State from 1961–1969
46 Rockaway Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580 (516) 872-8485 www.HearingCenterofLI.com
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INSIDE This Issue
Page 1 Car Shows and Hearing Aids Page 2
Evolving Communication Our Patients Say It Best Page 3 Your Hearing and Your Family The Sound of Laughter On Listening Congratulations to the Winners of Our Drawing! Page 4 A Historic Veterans Day
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A Historic Veterans Day Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I This year, Veterans Day takes on
the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future. THE RESTORATION OF PEACE In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing
4 • We’re listening to you. THE GREAT WAR By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it.
of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. VETERANS DAY Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.
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