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By: Dana Luzon, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Board-Certified Doctor of Audiology
As an audiologist, it is my job not only to diagnose a hearing problem, but to also determine what the biggest everyday struggles are that each patient has. Hearing loss is often very gradual and difficult for a patient to recognize when it starts. When it comes to hearing loss, most of the time it is a spouse, friend, or loved one who notices the problem first. During a consultation with a patient, I aim to discover what their biggest communication requirements are and who they struggle to hear the most. Having that person with you during the consultation process is really important. We address not only the patient’s hearing concerns, but the companion’s concern as well.
Most of the time we find that the hearing loss affects the patient’s AND the companion’s quality of life, and I want to make sure to answer everyone’s questions during the consultation appointment. I ask about the patient’s listening lifestyles and main goals for improvements in their everyday situations. As an AudigyCertified™ audiologist, I spend a lot of time making sure the patient and companion are heard and that all their questions and concerns have been answered.
If treatment with hearing devices is recommended during the consultation, realistic expectations are discussed with both the patient and the companion. Oftentimes, I find that patients or loved ones think the hearing devices will cure the hearing problem. In reality, hearing aids have specific limitations when it comes to hearing normally, and there are specific distance limitations as well. I counsel both the patient and companion that hearing devices work their best when you are communicating face-to-face at a 3–6 foot distance, and they do not clearly pick up speech through walls or from different rooms. I go over so much information during the consultation that the companion also acts as a second set of ears to hear what their loved one might have missed.
Once the patient has been fit with their hearing devices, I use a program called Live Speech Mapping to verify that the devices are picking up their companion’s speech at a soft and conversational level, ensuring an optimal hearing experience. It takes a team to help you achieve better hearing, and having a companion with you during the process will help obtain the best results. If you feel that you or a loved one are experiencing hearing difficulty, schedule an appointment today, and let us be your home for hearing healthcare!
Dana Luzon Coveney, Au. D. , FAAA,
Doctor of Audiology
Originally from Southern NJ, Dana Luzonreceived her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the Richard Stockton College of NJ, and continued on to receive her Doctorate of Audiology at Salus University’s residential program. Her varied clinical experiences throughout her doctoral studies include: VA hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, ENT and private practice settings. Her professional interests include: audiologic rehabilitation and progressive tinnitus devices. Her interests in the field outside of the clinic include: Humanitarian Audiology, and Audiology Awareness. Dr. Luzon currently lives in West Palm Beach, FL.
Audiology & Hearing Aids
561. 627. 3552
4266 Northlake Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens,
FL 33410
www.hearingcarefl. com