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The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss, tinnitus, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA.

On this episode we interview Valli Gideons. Valli is a military bride, who writes about navigating through the fog of raising kids with cochlear implants and other things from the heart. She has discovered that there is no such thing as “typical” and prefers square pegs. Valli has a degree in journalism and in second grade wrote her first short story about a walking/talking sponge (Can you say: “She was robbed?” Hello, SPONGEBOB); She's been an exercise instructor since her teen years (Flashdance sweatshirts, leg warmers, and vinyl records to prove it); and may have been an extra on the vintage 90’s hit, Beverly Hills 90210 (proof still found on VHS tapes).

During this episode you will learn:

• How Valli and her husband responded when they were told their children were diagnosed with Pendred Syndrome 
• The importance of advocating for your children when they present with hearing loss 
• Raising children born with hearing loss 
• The importance of hearing healthcare providers practicing empathy while working with patients 
• Realistic expectations as it pertains to hearing aid and cochlear implant fittings 
• Harper Gideon's newest book Now Hear This: Harper Soars With Her Magic Ears 

Now Hear This: Harper Soars With Her Magic Ears

When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it is overwhelming. The future can feel uncertain and parents might worry whether or not their child will thrive. Harper's real life story allows readers to follow her journey, providing both parents and children who are facing any kind of diagnosis a much-needed dose of encouragement. Through Harper's navigation of hearing loss, kids can imagine what is possible. Understanding and awareness are key to feeling included, and the community around a child with hearing loss is critical. This story shares ways people in a deaf or hard of hearing child's life can better support them. Harper's witty approach to storytelling resonates with young readers and will surely inspire the people who love and support them.

Audiologists are Angels

We are grateful for the opportunity to have Valli Gideons as a guest on the Hearing Matters Podcast! It was either in a blog post or another podcast, but we heard Valli say, "Audiologists are angels." The aforementioned describes the impact that Harper and Battle's (Valli's son) audiologist has had and continues to have on their life! The countless follow-ups, reprogramming, and clean and checks all positively influenced Harper's and Battle's hearing world. If your child presents with hearing loss, or you're an adult who presents with hearing loss, teaming up with an

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