Jul
10
2015
July 10th, 2015 by hearingdoc

Dr. Ashley Vandlik is now Dr. Ashley Zifer!!

We wish you all the best in your marriage!

 

Dr. Ashely Zifer is at both our Pepper Pike (Cleveland) and Boardman offices.

      Click below to make an appointment with Dr. Zifer.

 http://www.centersforhearingcare.com/dr.-ashley-zifer.html

 

*Photos courtesy of Genevieve Nisly Photography

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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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Jun
23
2015
June 23rd, 2015 by hearingdoc

Ashley 2015-001by Dr. Ashley (Vandlik) Zifer

 

Do I have a hearing loss or does everyone just mumble?

The most common type of hearing loss greatly effects clarity of speech. You can hear that someone is talking but making out exactly what was said is difficult with this type of hearing loss. Individuals with undiagnosed hearing loss have the perception that “everyone mumbles” when in fact they are experiencing symptoms of a hearing impairment. Other symptoms of hearing loss include turning up the television, asking others to repeat, difficulty hearing speech in background noise, social withdrawal, or tinnitus. If you or your loved one experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to have your hearing evaluated. You don’t know what you’ve been missing…..

At Centers for Hearing Care, we pride ourselves in quality patient care. You are always greeted with a smile and treated as if you are a member of our family. Our locations are easily accessible and our schedules are set up to allow for extra time with patients.

During your visit, the audiologist will start by looking in your ears to determine if your hearing problem is potentially caused by conditions in the ear canal (such as wax buildup, ear infection, or foreign object).

The next step is a hearing evaluation. This evaluation, performed by the audiologist, is a painless procedure taken place in a soundproof booth for accurate test results. Throughout the test, you are instructed to listen for very soft beeps at low and high pitches. In addition, the audiologist will test your ability to understand words.

After the evaluation is complete we will explain the science of how hearing works, review the results of your test, and discuss treatment options.

It’s time to reconnect with the world. Being diagnosed with a hearing loss can be shocking for some, especially when the treatment option is to wear hearing aids. This diagnosis is commonly perceived as “getting old” or the thought of wearing a hearing aid can be embarrassing. Isn’t it more embarrassing to always ask others to repeat or inappropriately answer questions because you didn’t hear what was said? Hearing aids have come a long way in style, size, price and technology over the years. If you are a hearing aid candidate, the audiologist will take into consideration your cosmetic, financial, and technology needs to find a product that is perfect for you.

The benefits of wearing a hearing aid are endless. A research study of over 2,000 people found that individuals who wear hearing aids noted significant improvements in many areas in their life including more independence, better relationships at home, and increased attendance to social events. The best part of it all—most hearing aids are so tiny that no one even has to know you are wearing one!

It’s time to take the step towards improving your quality of life! You deserve to take the step towards better hearing. Centers for Hearing Care is here to help you.

 

 

 

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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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