Dr. Jill Bernstein – WNY Living – October 2023

Dr. Jill Bernstein joins WNY Living to discuss the new, state-of-the-art tinnitus treatment technology – The Lenire®.

Lenire® is scientifically proven in a ground-breaking controlled trial to significantly reduce tinnitus severity, leading to an overall improved quality of life. Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo is one of only 44 Audiology practices in the entire United States to offer this product.

To learn more, and request an appointment online, CLICK HERE!

HES Welcomes 2023 Doctoral Residents

Join us in welcoming our incoming 2018- 2019 Doctoral Residents, Heidi Ludwig, Eileen Clark, and Shannon McKinney:

Eileen Clark is a native of Rockford, Michigan where she attended Central Michigan University to study Communication Sciences and Disorders; she is currently attending graduate school there as well.

She will graduate in May 2019, hoping to pursue her interest in electrophysiology and vestibular assessment.

Eileen’s interest in Audiology began when she was required to take audiology classes for her intended field of speech-language pathologist. She soon discovered that her interest was in the audiology classes. She is now a member of the Student Academy of Audiology.

Outside of her Audiology work, she grew up as a competitive dancer and still enjoys tap and ballet in her free time. She also enjoys time outside and exploring the local neighborhood.

 

Heidi Ludwig, a native of Toronto, Ontario, attended Brock University to study Speech and Language Sciences.  She later received the Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) certification from Georgian College.

She will be graduating from Syracuse University in May 2019, where she then hopes to provide the best patient-focused care to audiological and vestibular patients, as an Audiologist, striving to address all future patient concerns.

Heidi is experienced as a VNG technician where she assisted the assessment of vestibular disorders and working as a cochlear implant technician. She is also certified as a speechreading instructor through the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.

Heidi is very interested in vestibular, cochlear implants, and patient-focused aural rehabilitation groups, and enjoys working in audiology, aiming to acquire her Doctorate in the field.

Outside of her Audiological work, Heidi enjoys learning and teaching others as much as she can. During her graduate studies she was chosen to be the teacher of perspective audiology students.

 

Shannon McKinney, originally from Clinton, New Jersey, attended Bloomsburg University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology while minoring in Psychology and concentrating in Aging Studies and Gerontology.

She will be graduating in May 2019 from East Tennessee State University and hopes to work as a military audiologist to provide hearing healthcare for active duty and veteran populations. She also plans to service those that do not have access to personalized healthcare and audiologic services through mission trips and philanthropic pursuits.

Shannon enjoys studying Aural Rehabilitation and Tinnitus Management and plans to help improve patients communication through these studies. She has also presented research involving the development of a Speech and Noise measure that could be implemented for patient use.

Outside of her study in Audiology, Shannon enjoys being outdoors, hiking, painting, and listening to music.

“I chose audiology because it allows me to work in a caring profession that puts the patient and their personal goals/challenges at the center focus.  I want to encourage patients that there are always options to improve hearing, communication, and quality of life.” – Shannon Mckinney

 

The Link between Dementia and Hearing Loss

We are in the midst of two campaigns that bring awareness to memory-related health issues. September was Dementia Awareness Month and November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. While these impairments can go hand-in-hand, they are two different health issues. Dementia is viewed as a “symptom,” for which there can be many different kinds of dementia diagnoses. Alzheimer’s is one such diagnosis that causes dementia.

Research has shown a link between dementia and hearing loss.

Several studies out of Johns Hopkins University and other prestigious institutions indicate that untreated hearing loss may be a risk factor for the development of dementia.

Studies have found:

  • Untreated hearing loss may be a risk factor for the development of dementia.
  • Patients with bilateral hearing loss are at higher risk for dementia than those without hearing loss.
  • The risk of dementia increases with the severity of hearing loss.
  • Hearing aid use reduces the risk of dementia

What to do:

  • Get tested. Everyone should have a baseline hearing test upon turning 50 years old and if any changes in hearing occur.
  • Take action. Don’t let your hearing loss cause other difficulties for you.
  • Wear your devices. It’s the best thing you can do. This will help to take the stress away from your brain, improve memory, and make you feel less fatigued at the end of the day.
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