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About The Hearing Matters Podcast

The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing 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, Pennsylvania.

On this episode, we interview a current patient of ours at Audiology Services: Ms. Nancy Young. Nancy has been wearing hearing aids for almost twenty years. Her first set of hearing instruments were inherited and reprogrammed for her type and degree of hearing loss. Prior to wearing hearing aids, Nancy reports feelings of frustration and social isolation prior to being fit properly with hearing aids. When friends and family would laugh, she would grow frustrated because she couldn't understand speech when multiple speakers were holding a conversation.

On this episode we discuss: 

• Nancy's hearing journey 
• Why Nancy moved forward with hearing technology 
• What drives Nancy to spread awareness of hearing healthcare 
• The importance of implementing best practice 
• Nancy's experience at Audiology Services 
• Comorbidities linked to untreated hearing loss 
• Effortful listening 
• Hearing aid pricing 

Nancy has great passion for raising awareness of hearing healthcare. Being a long-term hearing aid user, she understands the importance of visiting an audiologist/hearing healthcare professional to address her hearing healthcare needs. During this episode, Nancy shares her experience as a long-term hearing aid user and the benefits of wearing hearing aids, which include: 

• Increased speech understanding, especially in complex listening situations 
• Decreased listening effort in complex listening situations (ex. restaurant, crowds, meetings, etc.) 
• Increased social interaction/communication with friends and loved ones (when you can't understand what people are saying, you begin to socially withdraw) 

What are comorbidities linked to untreated hearing loss? 

• Social isolation and loneliness
• Depression 
• Increased risk of falling 
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Diabetes 
• Cognitive impairment and dementia 

Why you should get your hearing tested every year? 

• Early treatment can help prevent future issues. Many people will wait until they are having difficulty before getting their hearing tested. The reality is that they have most likely been living with hearing loss anywhere from 5 to 15 years before they take action. Could you imagine living with high cholesterol or high blood pressure or diabetes for a dozen years before taking action?

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast

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