Listen Up Rockland!

People are often confused on which professional to see when seeking treatment for hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. What’s the difference between an audiologist, an ENT doctor and a hearing aid dispenser?  I'm joined in the studio with fourth year resident Amanda Rodriguez as we explain these differences for you, which includes education, training, licensure, and patient experience.  

We also answer callers' questions about Medicare coverage of hearing aids, ear wax, and someone who's been to the ER multiple times for dizziness.

Steve Possell has been the lengendary voice of Rockland for over 50 years on WRKL, WRCR and WRCR.com, entering the homes of thousands of faithful listeners, entertaining us all with his unbridled passion for informative and engaging conversations, with the perfect twist of comedy. 

We talk about Steve’s journey through the years, hear some fun and interesting stories, and glean advice that we can all learn from.

In this episode, I’m privileged to welcome one of the first board certified neurotologists in the country, Dr. Mark Syms.  Dr. Syms is the founder of Arizona Hearing Center and has performed over 10,000 surgeries over the past 20 years.  He has authored a book and hosts a podcast, both titled “Listen Up”. 

Dr. Syms will discuss his passion to help those with hearing loss, what the numbers show, and how and why to take action.

http://www.listenuphearing.com/  

In this episode our very own Dr. Chris Herget and I  talk about the MMOs of hearing aids...that is the Myths, Misconceptions, and Objections.  

We’ll share some of the common MMOs that people generally have about hearing aids and provide valuable information for anyone who may be curious about what hearing aids do, how they work and what they look like!  

I close out the show with Dr. Herget answering a few personal questions...the last one will surely help you to steal some sunshine.

Years ago, Michael was diagnosed with otosclerosis, a condition in which the bones in the middle ear have limited movement due to abnormal growth.  We’ll discuss Michael’s journey, from what he initially noticed and his symptoms, to his eventual surgery and then referral to our office.  He will share how and why he is so satisfied with his current 24/7 invisible hearing devices.   We’ll also understand Michael's approach to his hearing, which can be a valuable guide for so many others, and how his situation created a calling for one of his daughters.  

Dr. Shannon gets back to why he started his show in the first place:  To bring awareness and education to hearing loss.  Do you hear people speak but fail to understand what they are saying?  Do you ask others to repeat themselves?  Do others say that your TV volume is too loud? He covers the causes of hearing loss, how your hearing should be tested, and what to expect from hearing aids.  Listen up, get educated and get back to hearing the way you should!  Plus a tribute to three great men who recently loss their lives.

That ringing, buzzing, hissing sound in your ears or head.  It’s called tinnitus, and for some, it’s a debilitating experience.  It's estimated that over 50 million Americans suffer from at least occasional bouts of tinnitus.  My guest on this show is Dr. Robert Folmer, a research investigator at the VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research and an associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR.  Dr. Folmer’s latest research involves several clinical trials of treatments for tinnitus, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and certain medications.  We discuss his time while working at the first tinnitus clinic in the country, different ways he has helped treat patients, and what the future may bring.  We close out the show that will surely help you to have a lovely day! 

The hardships of this pandemic are difficult, and one of them is  educating students in our schools.  But what is it like from the teacher’s perspective?  In this show I welcome David Katz, a teacher at Bronxville middle school.  The setup in Dr. Katz’s classroom has all desks six feet apart with plexiglass around each one.  In addition, Dr. Katz has hearing loss so this setup made it  extremely difficult for him to hear his students.  Fortunately we found a solution...a hearing loop was installed in the classroom.   This technology allows the voices of his students to feed directly into his hearing aids, which significantly reduces the barriers, and has actually created a new level of instruction that could be utilized in other classrooms and schools.  Plus hear what he has learned from 2020, his favorite sound, and the song that makes him, and especially his wife, happy :).

In this show I welcome Dr. Allison Young and Dr. Noelle Roth, audiologists from the University of North Carolina.  We discuss new updates on who can receive a cochlear implant, and the latest research coming out of their program.  Patients who have one sided hearing loss or asymmetrical hearing loss and receive a cochlear implant are showing great improvements in hearing and quality of life.  It was a stimulating conversation!

Did you know that dizziness is the third most common medical complaint that physicians hear and see?  Over 15% of those 65 and older will experience a dizzy episode, with women more often affected than men.  Many of these people do not receive the proper treatment that would address these symptoms and improve their quality of life.   

On this episode I welcome Dr. Jennifer Reid, Physical Therapist and owner of Ebb & Flow Physical Therapy.  Dr. Reid is Board Certified in Neurologic Rehabilitation, and is a Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist.  She will explain how dizziness is evaluated and diagnosed, and how she provides effective treatment to her patients.  

In this episode we interview one of our favorite patients, Anita Levine.  Anita is a new recipient of a cochlear implant.  She has lived with hearing loss for years and although she benefited from using hearing aids, it just wasn't enough.  In this show Anita will explain her experience of being implanted and how her life has changed as a result.  She shares her story of hardship, perseverance, support and success.  

We are currently living in a time of social distancing, which creates feelings of fear and anxiety.  But what if was a struggle to be social and communicate every day of your life?  In this episode I interview Mark Alfieri, a 9th grade student at Nyack High School, and has lived with severe hearing loss his entire life.  He has a story to share of acceptance, perseverance, and hope.  And his lens of the world might bring all of us a little closer together.