Jul
30
2015
July 30th, 2015 by hearingdoc

Why Italian Day?

The idea for this wonderful Centers for Hearing Care event came from several of our patients of Italian Heritage. In 2005, Sheryl and Fortunato Figliano were married in Tropea, VV Italy (Calabria) and since then, have enjoyed their annual return to vacation with relatives. Upon returning home each year, they are filled with excitement in sharing their experiences and their love of Italy. This stirred an interest from many Centers for Hearing Care patients and the idea came about to hold an “Italian Day” event for our Italian speaking patients.
The initial gathering was a small group of fourteen who shared their intimate stories of immigration as well as the struggles and triumphs that came with adapting to a new life in the United States many years ago. In addition to the abundance of food, a short documentary about Italian-Americans was projected onto the wall in the lobby of our Boardman office. Next, everyone formed a circle as each attendee introduced themselves and shared the part of Italy each had originated. Afterward, each person had the opportunity to tell their personal immigration story. It was during this time that the room came to life as we all stepped back in time. Once everyone had a chance to talk about their lives and their journey to the States, there was not a dry eye in the room. This is what truly fueled the spirit of “Italian Day” and the reason we continue to share it with our friends.
In our first festa, a story was told by a man who spoke of his experience as a teenager, travelling alone from Italy to New York City in anticipation of finding work and reuniting with his father, who had immigrated years earlier. When he arrived on New York’s Ellis Island, he did not know the value of the American Dollar. In an attempt to purchase food before continuing his journey to Youngstown, he realized too late that he had been cheated out of a sizable amount of money and that he no longer had enough money to travel. He found himself in a huge metropolis that he never imagined could ever exist in only knowing the small town from which he came. He was broke, afraid, and embarrassed. He was able to seek aid from fellow Italian-Americans who were able to contact his father. It was at this point in this man’s story that he became emotional in telling the group what happened next. His father had traveled by train from Ohio to New York City to meet him and take him to their new home. Now, as an elderly man sharing his story, he was still very much humbled by the love his father showed him that day. He went on to say that he worked as hard as he could all of his life so as to not let down his father. He was proud that he never experienced another day without money because of his diligence in working hard and being smart to save.
There are many stories told each year since first hosting “Italian Day” that it would take a countless number of blogs to share them all! It is a wonderful experience for all who attend. This year, the event was held at Caffe Capri Restaurant and we had approximately thirty guests. Like in past years, we shared good food and touching stories all tied to a common past. We also managed to collect funds for the Hearing Missions Foundation after this group heard of our efforts to support local and international missions.
 
The love for Italy and the Italian culture still brings this group together and we found that beyond this love, we also share a love and passion for the USA. There is a deep gratitude to the United States of America for the opportunities we have to work and build a great quality of life for our families. This year, one of our Italian American attendees addressed the group with how important it is to buy products made in America, stating that “…this is who we are and we should take care of our own first.” God Bless America!!!
 
Grazie a tutti voi che avete partecipato nella nostra festa italiana. Veramente un onore conoscervi e speriamo di rivedervi presto. Per i nostri amici italiani che non potevano venire, ci vediamo alla prossima! per informazione manda un messaggio via email [email protected] Ciao, i vostri amici di Centers for Hearing Care.
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Jul
21
2015
July 21st, 2015 by hearingdoc

“I believe in challenging myself to do things that may be out of my comfort zone or push my limits. The last time I ran a half marathon, I told myself I would never do that again! Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on who you ask), I am easily convinced, and my sister, who works for ESPN, suggested we push ourselves to run another. I let her decide the marathon since her goal is to run a marathon in every state (something I will not join her in), and she picked a meeting point of Lake George, NY.

At first, my goal was similar to my last half marathon: FINISH! It wasn’t until I reflected on my time at Centers for Hearing Care that I realized I needed to run for another purpose.  I am blessed to have the ability to enjoy the everyday senses in life like running and hearing the cheers and encouragement from the crowd, yet so many people are not as fortunate.

I am running to share my experience with locally, nationally, and internationally hearing impaired persons who don’t have the opportunity to hear the encouragement from their loved ones or strangers due to financial limitations. Thanks to the Hearing Missions Foundation, I will be able to run for a cause I live everyday for: the ability for every person in the world to be able to hear the cheers of their loved ones! Help me help the world to hear!!! “

 -Dr. Jessica Hoefler

For information on how to donate to Dr. Jessica’s Run

Call 330-779-8090 or Email us at [email protected]

All proceeds go to the Hearing Missions Foundation

 

7th Annual Camp Chingachgook Challenge 

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

Saturday, August 15, 2015 Lake George, NY

 

Hearing Missions Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization reaches out to men, women and children with hearing loss that live in extreme poverty conditions.  Our mission is to identify these hearing impaired persons in deep financial crisis worldwide and to help them one person at a time, with love, compassion and commitment.

For more information, visit us online at www.hearingmissionsfoundation.org

 

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Jul
03
2015
July 3rd, 2015 by hearingdoc

by Stefanie Adams, Community Relations Coordinator

Honestly, I have to admit this Independence Day will be the first time I have considered if my family and I should wear ear plugs.  (Brief pause for Audiologists gasping. haha)  I am a new team member at Centers for Hearing Care and I am learning an incredible amount from our fantastic staff, including that much of what I thought I knew about hearing in general is wrong! Yes, I admit it, WRONG!  There are many causes of hearing loss to which I had no idea about, as well as the effects untreated hearing loss can have on someone. Actually, I could go on and on about all the things that have amazed me since I started here, but I will save it for another blog post.

Seriously, I know fireworks are loud, but earplugs and earmuffs? Really?????

I can now tell you the research shows a resounding YES!!!!!

I used to see parents who had their children wearing earmuffs to watch fireworks and would think, “Good for them for being overly cautious! It isn’t that big of a deal though, and I’m not “THAT kind of Mom” who sweats the small stuff (especially with three kids and the youngest of these being two crazy boys)!”  Now I realize, the only nonsensical thing is that the parents weren’t protecting their ears as well!

We DON’T reach an age where our hearing is no longer affected by loud sounds and we certainly NEVER reach an age where our hearing isn’t important and greatly affecting the quality of our lives! Therefore, ear plugs and ear muffs may not be fashionable, however, if you ask me, I would definitely rather spend 20 min wearing them and being “THAT Mom” that makes her family wear them too, then the rest of my life wishing I had!

Please celebrate safely with your loved ones this holiday weekend and every day!  🙂

Below is some of the information I had no idea about….

 

HAVE YOU HEARD????

Sounds louder than 85db can cause PERMANENT hearing loss.

For a point of reference, here are some common summer sounds and their decibel (dB) levels:

  • Rustling leaves: 10 dB
  • A whisper: 30 dB
  • Humming of a fridge: 40 dB
  • A conversation: 60 dB
  • Busy street traffic: 70 dB
  • Vacuum cleaner: 80 dB
  • Lawn mower: 90 dB

And now … how fireworks and other loud noises measure up:

  • Fireworks for spectators at 800 feet away: 88 to 126 dB
  • Fireworks at 3 feet away: 150 dB
  • Chainsaw: 100 dB
  • Front row of a rock concert, Maximum output of some MP3 players: 110 dB
  • Jet plane take off: 120 dB
  • Jackhammer: 130 dB
  • Motorcycles, firearms, small firearms: 120 to 150 dB

 

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May
18
2015
May 18th, 2015 by hearingdoc

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Shobel, Au.D. has accepted a position with us as a staff Audiologist!

Dr. Shobel received her Bachelors of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders (Cum Laude Minor: Psychology) ​from Kent State University.  She received her Master’s and clinical doctoral degree in Audiology from The University of Pittsburgh.  She completed clinical rotations at different organizations including:

  • ​Centers for Hearing Care
  • Eye and Ear Institute, Hearing Aid Center
  • Children’s Hospital Lawrenceville
  • Children’s Hospital Monroeville
  • Schuman Juvenile Detention Center
  • Centers for Assistive Technology
  • Pittsburgh Public Schools
  • Associated Hearing Aid Services

Elizabeth has been highly active in both local and international charitable activities including the 3 local missions with the Centers for Hearing Care and 6 international mission trips with the Centers for Hearing Care and the Starkey Hearing Foundation to El Salvador, Mexico and the West Indies.  She is a member of the Ohio Academy of Audiology and the American Academy of Audiology.  Liz was also selected for the prestigious Starkey Entrepreneurial Program (August 2014- December 2014).

Elizabeth has been with Centers for Hearing Care since 2008 as a student and since then has been a valuable team member to all of us.  She has willingly accepted and excelled at just about every position in our organization.  We are so very proud to witness the drive and determination in her journey of professional growth from student intern to now a Doctor of Audiology.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Shobel as our newest Doctor of Audiology!! ​

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May
17
2015
May 17th, 2015 by hearingdoc

Centers for Hearing Care has been part of Northeast Ohio for over 26 years and counting…

Our staff is dedicated and passionate to serve you!

We have grown to 21 team members and 7 locations!

Austintown – Boardman – Columbiana – Howland – Liberty – Pepper Pike – Salem

 

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May
16
2015
May 16th, 2015 by hearingdoc

 

 

Patient Appreciation Picnic! 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

11:30am-2:00pm

Boardman Park

RSVP by June 5, 2015

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May
15
2015
May 15th, 2015 by hearingdoc

 

We are delighted to begin sharing our thoughts, hearts, and expertise with you to maintain a healthy hearing lifestyle!  Whether you experience hearing loss or someone you love, hearing loss affects all of us.  We have an excellent team of Audiologists and Patient Care Coordinators that will be blogging to help you achieve the best quality of life you can!

Centers for Hearing Care is an independent, locally owned audiology practice serving Youngstown, Warren, Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio since 1989. You will find each of our seven offices staffed with a full-time Doctor of Audiology or Licensed Audiologist trained and licensed to specifically identify, evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing disorders. So if you are in need of a simple hearing test or are searching for invisible or behind the ear hearing aids we can help.

Hearing loss affects people of all ages. In fact, more than 38 million Americans strive daily to surmount the isolation that hearing impairment so often brings. There have been many advances in all aspects of hearing health care with new and exciting options available to help. Our knowledge and experience ensures that we can best match your needs with the right hearing solution and help you improve your quality of life with better hearing. We offer the latest technology and only partner with hearing aid manufacturers committed to improving the technology of hearing.

If you or a loved one has experienced sudden hearing loss or gradually over time, we understand how it can leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted. We would like to change that. Call us today at 1-888-866-HEAR for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss preventative and diagnostic hearing services including: hearing test, hearing protection, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) treatment, hearing aids (invisible, digital, and wireless), wax removal, video otoscopy and tympanometry screenings.

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