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Hearing Health & Wellness News
Sound Relief Hearing Center Quarterly Newsletter | Winter 2023
Tips to Better Communication for the Holidays
By Dr. Pitrone
1. Rephrase Don’t Repeat
Ask speakers to rephrase what they’ve said rather than repeat. This often feels less frustrating and will provide a different opportunity to understand key words. For example. “I heard you say something about traveling over the holidays, but I missed that last part. Can you elaborate for me?”
“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as being heard”
– William Hazlitt
October was National Protect Your Hearing Month
Regardless of the time of year, hearing protection is important for everyone. The good news? You can help prevent tinnitus & hearing loss by protecting your hearing.
Avoid loud noise (85dbB+) whenever possible and turn down the volume on personal listening devices. If you can’t avoid loud noise, use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears.
What has
Dr. Julie been up to?
Dr. Julie has been busy over the past several months with the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). Along with attending Board meetings in Detroit and San Diego and presenting at the Colorado Academy of Audiology conference in Colorado Springs, she has been tasked with finding the ATA’s next Executive Director.
She has also committed countless hours to write a review of Dr. James Henry, Ph. D’s new book, The Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Book, Walking You Through TRT (2023). Be on the lookout for her book review in the ATA’s next edition of Tinnitus Today magazine.
We Love Referrals!
Referrals are the greatest compliment you can give us!
Tips and Tricks from Your Favorite Audiologists!
TIP #1 To better improve your Bluetooth connection, make sure to turn your phone on and off at least once a week. It works wonders!
TIP #2 Weak sounding device? Check for wax or debris in domes and filters and change them every 30-60 days. Those are usually the culprits!
TIP #3 Q-Tips are for cleaning… but not your ears! They push wax deeper into the ear canal and make it harder to remove. Instead, ask your Audiologist which wax removal drops they recommend using between your follow-up appointment(s).
Welcome Our New Audiologist: Dr. Madison Brown
By Franchesca Zavala
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Madison Brown to our esteemed team of Audiologists. With her warm heart, boundless energy, and genuine compassion, Dr. Brown has quickly become a cherished member of our community.
Beyond the realm of audiology, Dr. Brown finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. On Sundays, you might find her on the golf course, spending quality time with her family. Her children Gavin and Gracie both share enthusiasm for golf creating a beautiful opportunity for Dr. Brown to nurture their bonds and share in their excitement. In her time here, Dr. Brown has exemplified compassionate care. She doesn’t just treat patients; she builds lasting relationships, guiding them toward a more fulfilling life through better hearing and tinnitus relief. Her dedication to understanding her patients’ needs goes beyond the clinic, making each individual feel truly valued.
Join us in welcoming Dr. Madison Brown, a remarkable audiologist whose passion for both her work and her family enriches the lives of everyone she touches. We are honored to have her as a part of our team, leading the way in compassionate audiological care.
Hearing Joke
By Valerie
How do mountains hear?
With mountain-“ears”!
Special
Announcements
Please welcome Highlands Ranch’s newest PCC, Natalie, she joined our office on October 25th.
Dr. Madison Brown with Gavin & Grace
Drumroll, Please!
Prepare for some joyful baby giggles because the Sound Relief family has just welcomed its most adorable member yet—Baby Leo! On September 12th, weighing in at a perfect seven pounds and four ounces, little Leo made a grand entrance into the world. We’re thrilled to report that both Dr. Bomina and Leo are doing brilliantly, basking in this delightful new chapter of their lives. Dr. Bomina will be taking a short break to enjoy these precious moments with her bundle of joy. But fear not, for she’ll be back, recharged and ready to share her expertise and warmth, right after Thanksgiving. So, mark your calendars and get ready to shower Dr. Bomina with love and warm wishes upon her return!
Fun Facts
5 fun facts about dog’s ears
1. A dog’s hearing frequency is higher than a human’s range.
2. Dogs have over a dozen muscles in their ears.
3. Dog emotions are expressed with their ears.
4. Dog’s ears are essential for balance.
5. Dogs can hear things humans can’t
FT. COLLINS, WESTMINSTER & CHERRY CREEK
Kelsey in the Spotlight
Kelsey started as the patient care coordinator at Sound Relief in Fort Collins and started her doctoral studies of audiology at the University of Northern Colorado, 3+ years ago. Between classes, Kelsey continues to help by assisting our doctors as much as possible. She is currently working in our Westminster, Fort Collins, and Cherry Creek offices. Before moving to Colorado, she grew up in the Chicago area. When she isn’t spending time with patients, Kelsey is spending time with her family, daughter, Jaylee and husband, John. Kelsey and her husband love driving around town in their Porsche. Unfortunately, it is only a 2-seater, so her beautiful great dane fur babies, Roux and Brie are not able to join in on the ride. Kelsey has a warm heart and great sense of humor that radiates throughout the office. Sound Relief is excited to be a part of Kelsey’s audiology journey!
Kelsey Harris
Important Updates & Reminders!
ARIZONA
Walk-in Hours For Scottsdale & Mesa Only
Our Audiology assistant, Layla will be available starting in November for walk-in hours alternating on Fridays between Scottsdale and Mesa. (Mesa starting November 10th.) If you have a simple issue or just need a little extra guidance, Layla, our Audiology Assistant, will be available during this time.
Please Note
We are unable to do wax removal or Lyric during walk-in hours. Walk-in hours will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis and may require a wait time, depending on demand. If you have an issue outside of walk-in hours, please call ahead, and we will do our best to work you into our schedule. If you have any questions about walk-in hours, just give us a call.
All Offices Closed
Happy Birthday!
Scottsdale – Franchesca Zavala’s birthday is November 28th.
Welcome Morgan to the Sound Relief Family
Morgan is our newest Patient Care Coordinator for our Denver/Cherry Creek office. She was born and raised in Portland, Maine and recently moved to Denver over the summer. She hit the ground running with all that Colorado has to offer. From hiking, to walks around Sloan’s Lake, exploring the Rocky Mountains and enjoying concerts at Red Rocks. Morgan also has a love for music; listening to live music as well as playing. Her forte is playing the drums, but her hobbies include the guitar, bass guitar, piano and the ukulele. Morgan is passionate, kind, funny and finds happiness when helping people make a positive difference in their lives.
Tips to Better Communication
1. Face the Speaker
Direct eye contact is critical for communication. Visible body language and facial expressions significantly increase the likelihood of good communication.
2. Not Too Fast, Not Too Slow
Speak in an even, steady voice at a moderate speed. While speaking slowly seems helpful it distorts speech and makes conversation difficult to follow. The same is true for shouting louder – is not always clearer.
3. Use Short Sentences
Short, simple sentences contain less information and help the listener process information more easily.
4. Reduce Noise and Distractions Whenever possible, find a quiet space or reduce background noise. Communication is always easier when there is less competing noise.
Morgan Rand
Halloween Fun
Community
Outreach
Brentwood Mesa Community Resource Fair Oct. 26th
