With so many factors affecting our hearing, it’s crucial to create a provider relationship with a team that embraces technology while putting people first

By Mary Malik

Early detection is critical for almost any health condition. Hearing health is no different. In fact, research is finding more and more links between poor hearing and conditions like heart disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and more, not to mention the social withdrawal and isolation associated with hearing deficits.

“The holidays are a time of year that often showcase hearing difficulties,” Sarah Curtis, Au.D., founder of Sounds of Life Hearing Center, says. “Background noise, busy dining table conversation and all the activity involved with a holiday gathering can make hearing difficulties more noticeable.”

Whether you’re the one suffering or trying to help a loved one, hearing health can be a difficult topic to approach, and treatments for hearing loss are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many with loss have struggled with hearing aids in the past or not tried them at all based on lack of knowledge, support or vanity reasons.

“Many know people who have made an investments of time and money in hearing aids, and it didn’t work out very well,” Dr. Curtis says, “We advise seeing an audiologist first. We are the healthcare professionals who specializes in this area and offer the appropriate care for the best outcome.”

The Sounds of Life team has expanded its practice and moved just across the parking lot in Concord to a brand-new facility nearly double the size of the previous space.

“We are growing,” Cara Donovan, Au.D., says “Our new space has four treatment areas, including two testing booths. We even recessed our large booth into the floor, removing the step and making it easier for those with mobility difficulties and wheelchairs. This all allows us to serve more patients.”

Those patients include both children and adults. Dr. Donovan specializes in pediatric hearing and helms the pediatric program at Sounds of Life to address children’s hearing needs.

“Our hearing and auditory processing, the ability to process the sounds we hear, begins to change from the moment we are born,” Dr. Donovan says. “It’s rewarding working with children and seeing them grow and gain confidence and skills once their hearing improves.”

And if you’re bothered by tinnitus, that constant ringing or unidentified sound in your ears, Sounds of Life now offers a promising new treatment.

“In April 2023, the U.S. FDA approved the use of the Neuromod Lenire tinnitus treatment device,” Dr. Curtis says. “We are one of only 44 practices in the U.S. (2 in Ohio)offering the treatment that works by bimodal neuromodulation. It helps the brain to reframe its reaction to tinnitus and can make it non-bothersome after approximately 12 weeks of one-hour daily treatment sessions done at home. It’s just one more tool to serve our patients’ needs. We’ve been fitting since early October and our patients have been quite successful so far.”

“I became an audiologist because I wanted to make a direct difference in the lives of my patients,” Dr. Faldowski says. “I offer support and real solutions for those hearing difficulties and guide parents with hearing-impaired children.”

Another recent staff addition at Sounds of Life is patient care coordinator Carmella Ware. As a CODA (child of deaf adult), Carmella brings a unique perspective to patient care.

“Sign language is my first language,” Carmella says. “This atmosphere was a very natural fit for me. I love helping people navigate their hearing health because I understand how important it is. I’m at home here.”

You might think the audiologists at Sounds of Life don’t agree with the recent “over the counter” access to hearing aids, but that’s not the case. They believe that anything that provides people with more access to the possibility of better hearing is a positive step.

“We recognize they may be a more comfortable approach for many,” says Dr. Curtis. “The problem is that success with hearing loss treatment is defined more by the process, not the product. It’s not a quick fix, and more often requires a well-educated, skilled audiologist. A poor instant fit can even make things sound worse, leading to a discouraged patient who assumes aids just won’t work and put them in the drawer.” This is not at all what happens at Sounds of Life and the audiologists say their patients wear their aids all day, every day, and have significant, measured improvement in outcomes.

“We don’t just test hearing, hand out hearing aids, wish you luck and off you go. We are your partner in hearing health, and hearing aids require time and often several adjustments to work best for your individual needs,” she adds.

Whatever your needs may be, a comprehensive hearing screening at Sounds of Life Hearing can provide the information and support needed for better hearing and overall health today and in the future.

Sounds of Life Hearing Center is located at 8003 Auburn Road, Suite 4 in Concord. For more information call 440-579-4085 or check the website SoundsOfLifeHC.com.