HES Expands TEAM OF AUDIOLOGISTS

Audiologist Articles, Hearing Health, Press Releases, Tinnitus

Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo is pleased to welcome Jennifer Baumann, Au.D., Jenna Hendler, Au.D, and Cherise S. Keane, Au.D. to the expanding Audiologist team.

Dr. Baumann graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2017 and has been a practicing Audiologist for four years, working in Syracuse, NY and Buffalo, NY. She specializes in personalized audiological care and tinnitus management.

Dr. Hendler is a familiar face at HES, as she recently completed her Audiology residency with HES earlier this year. Dr. Hendler graduated from the University at Buffalo and is a certified Lyric provider. She also has a special focus on tinnitus evaluation and management.

She is the recipient of the Wanda Frey Joiner Award for exhibiting excellence in academic and clinical studies in audiology, and also attended a clinical observation at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in London, UK in 2019.

She is originally from Clarence, NY, where she currently resides with her husband, and her dog, Rocky.

Dr. Keane has been an Audiologist for 10 years, graduating from the University at Buffalo in 2011. Dr. Keane actually completed her Audiology residency at HES in 2010, and we are so glad to have her back.

She specializes in diagnostic audiometric assessment and treatment, amplification, Bluetooth-integrated hearing technologies, custom hearing protection, and counseling.

Dr. Keane is originally from Buffalo, NY, and after spending some time in Chester County, PA, she returned to Buffalo to be closer to family. She currently resides in Lancaster, NY with her husband and children.

Dr. Jennifer Baumann

Dr. Jenna Hendler

Dr. Cherise S. Keane

HLAA providing resources for WNY

Hearing Health, Press Releases, Tinnitus

Hearing Loss Association of America’s New York State Association (HLAA – New York) was established with the mission to make hearing loss an issue of statewide concern by promoting the HLAA philosophy of self-help while specifically addressing access, advocacy, awareness, and education. Ultimately, the goal is to help people with hearing loss lead more satisfying and productive lives.

HLAA – New York holds a monthly seminar – which provides resources, updated information, and education on hearing loss. These complimentary presentations will be held on the first Tuesday of every month, through June 2022 from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Further information and the presentation link can be found on the WNY Chapter’s website – www.HearingLossRochester.org.

HES Celebrates 40th Year

Audiologist Articles, Hearing Health, Press Releases, Tinnitus

Last month, Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo hit a milestone by celebrating its 40th year as an organization.

HES was founded in 1981 by Audiologist, Tom White, shortly after the America Speech-Language and Hearing Association granted audiologists the ability to dispense hearing aids.

HES established an important professional model of leading with a counseling, non-commissioned approach in order to truly fit the patient with the best hearing aid based on their needs – vs. pushing a “sale.”

Over the years, HES has dramatically expanded its range of audiological services, including tinnitus management, ototoxic management, cochlear implants, as well as an extensive dizziness and balance program in partnership with DENT Neurologic Institute.

HES Launches Virtual appointment care

Hearing Health, Press Releases, Tinnitus

COVID-19 forced many organizations to rethink, and at times, reinvent how they provide service and care. Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo were no different. Although we already had extensive sanitation protocols in place, we had to take things a step further through curbside or phone appointments, limitations for in-office settings, and custom accommodations for those in need.

This led to the development of launching our official Tele-Health/Virtual Appointment Care!

The telehealth service is for both new patients, current patients, active hearing aid users, and potential hearing aid candidates, hearing tests, and more.

When a patient requests a telehealth appointment, they simply need access to their own computer, smartphone, or tablet, as well as earbuds or headphones. No special equipment is necessary.

Many hearing aid models are equipped with technology that allows the audiologist to provide follow-up care and programming adjustments without a trip to the office.

Another major advantage of this new program is the increase in our ability to provide continued care for our “snowbird” patients or patients that might be traveling out of town that encounters an issue. You no longer have to delay your care because of travel or location. We are here to help.

HES LAUNCHES HEARING AID LEASING PROGRAM

Hearing Health, Insurance and Benefits, Press Releases, Tinnitus

Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo launched a new Hearing Aid Leasing Program! This brand new program allows our patients to enjoy all of the features that premium and advanced hearing aids have to offer, at a low monthly rate!

Like leasing a car, you’ll never have to worry about having out-of-date technology ever again!

How the Leasing Program Works:

Similar to leasing a car, the process for leasing your hearing aid devices are nearly identical to the process if you were to purchase instead:

  • Take an up-to-date hearing test.
  • Discuss and assess your hearing with a Doctor of Audiology.
  • Determine which device is best for your hearing needs, budget, and lifestyle.
  • Once selected, opt into our leasing program – and walk home with your new devices!

Our leasing program includes a lot of additional benefits, all within your lower monthly price.

Benefits include:

  • Low Monthly Payments. Four years of office visits.
  • Trade-in OptionsLittle to no down payment. Covered by warranties.
  • Always enjoy the newest model.

If you are interested in our Hearing Aid Leasing Program, you can learn more, and you can request an appointment on our website – hesofbuffalo.org/lease.

You also have the ability to prequalify for the program, by submitting an application through our website as well.

Five Fun Facts from our Certified Tinnitus Specialists

Hearing Health, Press Releases, Tinnitus

At Hearing Evaluation Services, our Doctors of Audiology have the expertise to manage your tinnitus and help you hear well again. HES is the only practice in Western New York to have four Doctors of Audiology who are all members of the American Tinnitus Association as well as certified by the Tinnitus Practitioners Association, making them uniquely qualified to help with tinnitus. Here are some fun facts to help you get to know our Specialists:

Nicole L. Ball, Au.D

• Joined HES in 2012.

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

• Bilingual.

• Studied at the University of Costa Rica and Nova Southeastern University

• Mom of Twin Boys

Alyssa Beaton, Au.D.

• Joined HES in 2015.

• Certified in Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment.

• Worked as an Audiology Assistant and completed her residency with HES

• Western New York native.

• Getting married June 2019.

Jennifer Sutton, Au.D.

• Joined HES in 2007.

• Has extensive experience in vestibular and pediatric testing.

• Specializes in non-sedated auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing for infants.

• Helps train Doctoral-level audiology students from the University at Buffalo.

• Mom of two boys and a girl.

Carolyn Yates, Au.D.

• Joined HES in 2013.

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo.

• 2013 Recipient of the Tindle-Schupe Award for Clinical Excellence in Audiology.

• Participates in clinical research studies for Tinnitus, Dizziness, and Balance disorders.

• Proud Mom of two boxers.

Tinnitus – FAQs

Hearing Health, Press Releases, Tinnitus

Hearing Evaluation Services has developed a Tinnitus Management Program that is built off of treatment research and years of tinnitus treatment outcomes. Many patients we treat have suffered for years before seeking treatment because they didn’t know that getting help was even an option.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about tinnitus that may help you have a better understanding of this condition:

What is tinnitus? – Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Tinnitus is often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, crickets chirping, etc. It can be present constantly or occur intermittently and can fluctuate in volume or type of sound. Tinnitus is considered a symptom and not a disease.

What causes tinnitus? – The biological mechanism of tinnitus is still unknown; however, current research suggests it is a result of the brain’s reaction to a change within the auditory system. Roughly 90% of people who experience tinnitus have an underlying hearing loss. It can also occur temporarily because of ear wax that is plugging the ears, ear infections, exposure to loud sounds or as a side effect of certain medications. Tinnitus is also associated with other non-auditory conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder as well as head or neck injuries.

Is there a cure for Tinnitus? – Tinnitus that is the result of certain ear-related issues (including impacted ear wax and conductive hearing loss) will typically diminish once the underlying medical issue is resolved. Tinnitus that is related to permanent hearing loss is not generally curable but it is often manageable using sound therapy and counseling techniques so that is no longer bothersome. Our Tinnitus Management Program is extremely successful. Over 85% of patients reported a reduction in how bothersome their tinnitus was in just six weeks.

What options are available to help patients better manage their tinnitus? – The certified tinnitus specialists at Hearing Evaluation Services are trained in various aspects of Sound Therapy and work with patients to develop an individualized tinnitus management plan.

Current management options include:

• Hearing Devices

• Masking Devices

• Neuromonics™ Devices

• Combination Devices

• Counseling

• Stress and Sleep Management

If you are experiencing bothersome tinnitus, please call our office today to set up an appointment with one of our specialists.