Italian Day 2015
Jul
30
2015
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.
Posted in Events Tagged with: Audiologist, Austintown, Boardman, caffe capri italian restaurant, Calabria, Centers for Hearing Care, Cleveland, Columbiana, Columbiana County, Doctor of Audiology, Figliano, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aid Center, Hearing Aids, hearing loss, Hearing Missions Foundation, Howland, Italian, Italian American, Italian heritage, italian immigration stories, Italian Language, Italy, Liberty, Mahoning County, Northeast Ohio, Ohio, Pepper Pike, Salem, Tropea, Trumbull County, Youngstown
Running for Individuals with Hearing Loss in Financial Crisis
Jul
21
2015
“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
Posted in Events, Hearing Missions Foundation, Hearing Missions Foundation Fundraising Tagged with: 7th Annual Camp Chingachgook Challenge, Audiologist, Austintown, Boardman, Centers for Hearing Care, Cleveland, Columbiana, Columbiana County, Doctor of Audiology, ESPN, Half Marathon, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aid Center, Hearing Aids, hearing loss, Hearing Missions Foundation, Howland, Lake George, Liberty, Mahoning County, Northeast Ohio, NY, Pepper Pike, Salem, Trumbull County, Youngstown
Congratulations Dr. Ashley and Joe!
Jul
10
2015
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
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: Audiologist, Austintown, Boardman, Centers for Hearing Care, Cleveland, Columbiana, Columbiana County, Doctor of Audiology, Genevieve Nisly Photography, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aid Center, Hearing Aids, hearing loss, Howland, Liberty, Mahoning County, Nikki's Perfect Petal Designs, Northeast Ohio, Occasions Party Centre, Ohio, Pepper Pike, Salem, The Cake Shop, The Dress (Medina), Trumbull County, What to expect with hearing loss, Youngstown
WHAT TO EXPECT
Jun
23
2015
by 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.
Posted in Educational Tagged with: Audiologist, Austintown, Boardman, Centers for Hearing Care, Doctor of Audiology, ear infection, ear wax, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aids, hearing evaluation, hearing loss, hearing problem, Liberty, Northeast Ohio, Ohio, Pepper Pike, Salem, tinnitus, wax buildup, What to expect with hearing loss, Youngstown
Congratulations!!
May
18
2015
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!!
Posted in Meet Our Staff Tagged with: American Academy of Audiology, Associated Hearing Aid Services, Audiologist, Austintown, Bachelors of Science, Boardman, Centers for Assistive Technology, Centers for Hearing Care, Children’s Hospital Lawrenceville, Children’s Hospital Monroeville, Columbiana, Columbiana County, Doctor of Audiology, El Salvador, Eye and Ear Institute, Hearing Aid Center, Hearing Missions Foundation, Howland, Kent State University, Liberty, Mahoning County, Mexico, Northeast Ohio, Ohio, Ohio Academy of Audiology, Pepper Pike, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Salem, Schuman Juvenile Detention Center, Starkey Entrepreneurial Program, Starkey Hearing Foundation, Trumbull County, University of Pittsburgh, West Indies, Youngstown
Watch us Grow!
May
17
2015
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
Posted in Meet Our Staff Tagged with: All American, Audiologist, Austintown, Boardman, Centers for Hearing Care, Columbiana, Columbiana County, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aid Center, Hearing Aids, Hearing Missions Foundation, Howland, Liberty, Mahoning County, Northeast Ohio, Ohio, Patient Appreciation, Pepper Pike, Picnic, Salem, Trumbull County, White, Youngstown
Patient Appreciation Picnic 2015
May
16
2015
Patient Appreciation Picnic!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
11:30am-2:00pm
Boardman Park
RSVP by June 5, 2015
Posted in Events Tagged with: All American, Audiologist, Austintown, Boardman, Boardman Park, Centers for Hearing Care, Columbiana, Columbiana County, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aid Center, Hearing Aids, Hearing Missions Foundation, Howland, Liberty, Mahoning County, Northeast Ohio, Ohio, Patient Appreciation, Pepper Pike, Picnic, Red White Blue, Salem, Trumbull County, Youngstown
Welcome to our Blog!!
May
15
2015
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.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged with: Audiologist, Austintown, Boardman, Centers for Hearing Care, Columbiana, Columbiana County, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aid Center, Hearing Aids, Hearing Missions Foundation, Howland, Liberty, Mahoning County, Northeast Ohio, Ohio, Pepper Pike, Salem, Trumbull County, Youngstown