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Associates in Hearing


By | Resources












3. You matter. Making a sale doesn’t.





  1. Treating your hearing loss and recognizing any underlying causes.
  2. Providing personalized care that is attentive to your needs.


What is a looped building?

By | Resources

The best way to treat your hearing loss is by wearing hearing aids that are personally fit for you and your hearing loss needs. They can effectively and easily transmit sound you would normally miss right into your ears, meaning you aren’t going to miss a moment.

Not every situation or place is designed for people with hearing loss. An airport, for example, could easily be overwhelming. With crowds and announcements over the loudspeakers, you could miss something important and not even know it. Wearing hearing aids should make it easier.

Now, buildings, arenas, auditoriums, and airports are making it easier. With something called a hearing loop, buildings everywhere (now called looped buildings), take sound and feed it directly into your hearing aids.

Let’s answer some of your questions you might have about what a hearing loop is and how to use it.

1. What exactly is a hearing loop?

A hearing loop is almost exactly what it sounds like. It is a wire loop that surrounds an audience that picks up sound from a sound system and transforms it into a magnetic signal that is sent out into the audience. The telecoil within your hearing aid receives the signal, allowing your hearing aid to become your own personal speaker.

2. Where is hearing loop located?

To identify where a hearing loop is located, you should see a hearing assistance sign with a “T” on it. This signals those with hearing aids that their telecoils when turned on within the device, will pick up the sound and transmit it straight to the ear through their devices.

In America, hearing loops are found in airports, movie theaters, churches, auditoriums, train and subway stations, taxis, and arenas all around the country.

3. How do I use a hearing loop?

Like we noted earlier, a hearing loop is easily identifiable with a hearing assistance sign. These should be located in easily viewable public areas and have a “T” on it.

Make sure your hearing aids are on, and the magnetic signal should be picked up by the telecoil within your devices. Not to mention, hearing loops don’t cost you anything to use.

Your hearing aids are working hard to give you the hearing experience you want. But even with your personalized devices, you might struggle to hear in larger spaces with more people around. That’s normal.

Looped buildings offer hearing assistance to those who need it in an inconspicuous way. You don’t need large headphones or obvious devices. Instead, simply make sure the telecoil on your devices is on, and whatever everyone else is hearing, you can hear too.

If you ever wonder what buildings have a hearing loop, ask! You might be able to experience more than you thought.

If you have hearing loss and wonder what life would be like with hearing aids, we can help. Our goal at Associates in Hearing is to make sure you have the hearing you want to live the life you love. We can provide you with the hearing devices you need to help you stay connected to the people and experiences around you.

Give us a call today, and we would love to help!

Don’t Let Hearing Loss Keep You From Enjoying New Cities

By | Resources

The bustling atmosphere of a big city can either draw you in or keep you away. It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure! Making a visit to a new city, especially one that is busy and exciting, can be a great getaway. Unless you have hearing loss. Exploring a new city could be altogether intimidating and uninviting.

You might be hesitant to visit a new city because you have hearing loss. Your sense of awareness has to be heightened to accommodate your inability to hear well. You’ll need to keep in mind the increase in traffic and when it’s safe to cross the street while being mindful of the crowds of people. Not to mention how easily you could get turned around walking through new streets.

Being a new city can be intimidating, but it isn’t impossible. Your hearing loss doesn’t have to keep you away. There’s still an adventure out there waiting for you!

Here’s how you can enjoy your next trip while embracing your hearing loss.

1. Take care of your hearing aids.

This is obvious, right? We don’t just mean you should keep them from breaking. Your hearing aids are a bridge to keep you connected to the world around you. Taking care of them is essential to your awareness, safety, and enjoyment.

You should always keep an extra set of batteries for your devices on hand. If they are rechargeable, have an extra charging station in your bag. The last thing you need is a set of unusable hearing aids because the battery died.

You should also routinely maintain your devices by keeping them clean and free of debris. It’s not always easy to do it yourself, which is why our audiologists are always willing to help you. We can look at your devices, send them out for maintenance if they’re under warranty, and clean them ourselves.

2. Plan ahead.

Having a plan might seem like it takes the spontaneity out of a trip to a new city, but you’ll be glad you did. You don’t necessarily need to plan every detail of your day, but you can create a plan that will keep you safe and allow you to enjoy yourself.

You should have a map of the city. This is essential for just about everyone, hearing loss or not! If you’re traveling in a group, designate a meeting place in the event that you split up. You should always be open and honest with the people you’re with, too. Telling them about your hearing loss is helpful, not harmful.

Planning for your trip means being prepared for anything. If you’re traveling alone, make sure someone back home knows you’re on a trip.

3. Communicate.

Untreated hearing loss causes many people to withdraw and cease communicating effectively. Embarrassment or frustration could be a key factor.

Traveling can be an incredible experience, and it is enhanced by communicating with the people around you. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone or with others, there is so much you can learn from the people who are native to the place you’re visiting.

Communicating with locals gives you the chance to learn new things. You can ask them for help, directions, or their recommendations. Communicating is one of the most important tools to a great trip, so use it to your advantage.

Traveling and seeing new cities is an amazing experience! You can see the world even if you have hearing loss.

We want to help you enjoy your next trip. If you suspect you have hearing loss, we can evaluate if hearing aids would be right for you. If your hearing devices haven’t been serviced in a while, we can help with that too! Give us a call at 215-855-4217.

Happy travels!

Changing Lives Through Hearing Healthcare: Our Trip to Alaska

By | Humanitarian Trips

This past August, Dr. Patricia Reiff traveled to Alaska to provide the gift of hearing. Travelling across the world to countries in need has been incredible, but this time, Dr. Reiff wanted to give back in a place that we might overlook. Providing hearing healthcare is essential for connection and survival in a place where sunlight is scarce in the winter.

We asked Dr. Reiff about her experience the effects this trip had on her and the people she served.

Why were you in Alaska?

I was there for a conference and a mission trip to the more remote part of Alaska where limited or no hearing care services are available.

How did you end up providing care to the community?

It was arranged by a hearing aid manufacturer to provide hearing care services to native Alaskans. I wanted to volunteer to help the citizens of our country since my last two mission trips have been abroad.

What type of problems are people facing in Alaska?

A lot of people there have hearing loss due to noise exposure from hunting, target shooting, and oil rig work. Because the areas where these people live is so remote, getting hearing healthcare is next to impossible. Sometimes flying a plane is the only means to get to a neighboring town. If you are in an underprivileged area, hearing care is far from an option.

How does hearing loss affect these people emotionally, and how does it impact their community?

It makes you feel more isolated and depressed. Alaska can feel very lonely, and when you are around people, you value the connections. In the winter months, the sun is barely visible for eight hours a day. It can become overwhelming. For survival, being able to hear animals approaching and being able to hear animals for hunting is necessary to survive in the region.

What kind of work was done? How did it make you feel to provide this care?

We provided many aspects of hearing care, intake case history, hearing testing, wax removal, ENT referrals, hearing aid programming, assessments, and fittings. We were able to provide full hearing healthcare services and also began to train people on how to take care of themselves in between visits.

What type of impact made? What will they be able to experience now?

A big impact was made to improve their quality of life. Now they are able to work, socialize, enjoy music, enjoy television and be better providers for their families that depend so much on them.

What was your favorite moment of the trip?

My favorite moment was with a 90 year old man who felt he could finally hear his children again. He was a musician and played over eight instruments. Now he could hear what he was playing with better definition. His eyes began to water, which only made me run up to him and give him a hug.

Trips like these are possible because of generous people like you. When you donate your old hearing aids or provide a monetary donation, you are helping people everywhere receive the hearing healthcare they need to live a fulfilling life.

Want to learn more? You can partner with us today. Learn more here!

We Love First Fridays in Lansdale! Here’s Why You Should Too.

By | Resources

For over 30 years, we’ve been serving downtown Landsdale as the premier audiology practice. We love our city! The highlight of our location is continually seeing our patients thrive in their lives and in our community.

We care about Landsdale and our incredible community. When we asked for donated hearing aids, our patients delivered, bringing in used devices to be donated to people in need across the world. Being able to serve you and your families is a privilege to us!

This fall, downtown Landsdale is coming to life with events called First Fridays. First Fridays are events meant to bring you downtown and enjoy our city for all its worth. We’ll be right in the middle of it, and we want to see you there!

Here are a few reasons you should join us:

1. Bring our community together.

Life is more fun when we do life together, don’t you think? First Fridays are the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy our community in new and exciting ways. Each First Friday will have a different theme, so there’s something for everyone!

We think bringing our community together allows to learn about and care for one another in important ways. Imagine how fulfilling life would be if we cared about our neighbors! Coming together as a community is an opportunity to join one another in life.

2. Bring business to downtown Landsdale.

As a business right in the heart of downtown Landsdale, we know how important this is! At a First Friday event, there’s more than just downtown businesses. Local vendors, entertainment, and food will be available for you to enjoy.

Giving the local and small businesses in our community a platform to succeed is a highlight of First Fridays events. There might be a business in our city that you’ve never heard of and could use your business. Come out to First Fridays, and you can learn more about our city and the people who live here.

3. Provide a safe and fun environment for your family.

Being able to share our community with you and your kids is important to us. Having a fun and safe event is about serving our community the best way we can.

Every First Friday event is held in downtown Landsdale on the first Friday of the month from 6-9 PM. If you’re an adult, feel free to stay later! There will be lots of fun for you and your kids, like attractions, car shows, and music. There’s something for everyone!

We’ve loved Landsdale for the past 30 years, and we think it’s only going to get better. We’ll be at the next First Friday event on September 3. The theme is The Eagles (of course!). Make sure to stop by and enter our contest for FREE Eagles gear! Will we see you there?

Here are some of the themes for upcoming First Fridays:

  • Oct. 5: Harvest
  • Nov. 2: Zombie Walk
  • Nov. 30: Charity and Holidays

How to Enjoy Your Next Eagles Game

By | Resources

Are you ready for football season? It’s one of the best parts of fall, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably planning to attend a Philadelphia Eagles game. Going to a football game, or any sporting event is an incredibly fun experience. From tailgating, to the food, to the sense of comradery among a crowd–everything about a sporting event is more fun when you’re in the stands enjoying it.

If you’ve ever been to a football game, you know how loud it can be. It’s part of the experience, right? The average game has a noise level of around 80 to 90 decibels. In other words, it’s loud!

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, this level of noise is dangerous. Any noise exposure registering at 85 decibels or higher for long periods of time is damaging to your hearing, meaning you will experience noise-induced hearing loss.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that there’s something you can do about it and still enjoy an Eagles game from the stands. Here’s how:

1. Bring earplugs.

When a game gets exciting, you can bet that the crowd is going to get rowdy. That’s one of the best parts of the game day! You don’t have to miss it just because you’re worried it will be too loud. Earplugs are an easy, inexpensive way to protect your hearing.

At Associates in Hearing, we have earplugs available for purchase, and you can even buy some generic earplugs at a drugstore. If you’re looking for something more custom, we do custom-fit earplugs, too.

2. Have a plan.

Sporting events are fun, but it can be overwhelming if you or someone you’re with has hearing loss. It can be especially risky for someone with untreated hearing loss to go somewhere loud and unfamiliar. What if you can’t hear the people you’re with over the loud noise?

Most arenas have captioning services or other hearing assistance to those who need it, so make sure you or whoever you’re with knows what’s available to make the experience more enjoyable. Plan ahead if you get separated from your group by making sure you have everyone’s cell phone number and arrange a spot to meet up in case you get lost.

3. Treat your hearing loss.

Taking your hearing loss seriously might not seem related to enjoying a sporting event, but it could greatly affect just how much you enjoy your experience. Untreated hearing loss affects how you communicate with others. When you don’t communicate well, you might be tempted to forego effective communication altogether, ultimately isolating yourself from others and those you care about most.

Treating your hearing loss will let you hear and enjoy every aspect of the game. But more than that, it will let you enjoy the game with those you love and care about most.

The next time you go to an Eagles game, don’t leave home without being prepared. Bring earplugs to help protect your hearing from noise-induced hearing loss. Create a plan so you don’t find yourself frustrated. Treat your hearing loss so you can fully enjoy every second of the game.

If you need help treating your hearing loss, don’t wait to give us a call. At Associates in Hearing, we want to make sure you are hearing better than ever and staying connected to the people (and sports!) that matter to you most. Give us a call today at (215) 855-4217.

Also, make sure to enter our FREE Eagles Kickoff Giveaway! Click here to enter!

10 Questions with Dr. Trish Reiff

By | Humanitarian Trips, Resources

At Associates in Hearing, we want you to treat your hearing loss. We also want you to know how much we care about seeing you thrive in your life because hearing loss is no longer an obstacle. Getting to treat our patients in one of our highest honors.

Our practice began with Dr. Patricia Reiff, a doctor of audiology for over 30 years in the Philadelphia area. As the owner and founder, she has been instrumental in setting us apart from every other practice by making you, our patients, our top priority.

Here are a few facts about Dr. Reiff, the things she loves, and why she’s audiologist.


I always wanted to be in the medical profession. I started out in pre-med and switched to speech pathology and audiology.

What song from your teenage years do you still rock out to when nobody else is listening or watching?

ABBA – “Dancing Queen”

What made you decide to start your own practice?

I wanted to have control of how I provided audiology and hearing services. I saw the need for comprehensive care, and I wanted to design services to meet the needs of my patients.

Why did you decide to study audiology?

My aunt had a stroke and lost her ability to talk, speak, walk, and feed herself. Her inability to communicate was by far the most isolating and depressing result of her stroke.

What do you enjoy most about being an audiologist?

I enjoy direct patient care and being able to help the most difficult hearing losses. Hearing from patients about what an improvement hearing help has made in their lives is one of the highlights as well.

What is your favorite part about working at Associates in Hearing?

I love hearing from other staff members the stories about the impact we have on our patients and our patients’ families and friends. I also enjoy seeing other staff grow in their positions and find satisfaction in their work.

What do you love most about Associates in Hearing humanitarian trips?

It’s amazing how even small acts of kindness and hearing care can make such a difference in others’ lives. We live in a very privileged society, and it makes me grateful for all I have in our country.

Outside of audiology, what else are you passionate about?

Seeing people expand their thinking, work hard and never give up on themselves. I’m also passionate about traveling and experiencing new cultures and ways of viewing the world.

What is your favorite book and why?

I love to read novels with strong interesting characters. The last book I read was Small, Great Things by Jodi Picoult. I loved Ruth in the book. She was always fighting to do the best for her son and for her family.

When you retire and able to look back on your life, what do you hope to have accomplished?

I hope to have shown a lot of love to people and inspired them to live a full and rewarding life. The fact that I helped improve the quality of some people’s lives will be my major accomplishment.

Four occupations at higher risk for hearing loss

By | Resources

A lot of us probably work normal jobs that don’t put our health at risk. Or at least, we think we do. We might be neglecting to protect our hearing, something that is vital to more than just hearing someone next to you.

There are jobs out there that can put you at a higher risk of hearing loss, but that doesn’t mean they’re unsafe! It just means that there are precautions you should be taking to make sure your hearing is protected.

Any noise that is above 85 decibels is considered harmful to your hearing, and with exposure over long periods of time, your risk of damage increases. Hearing loss makes it difficult for you to stay connected to the ones you love, potentially puts you in danger, and can have negative effects on your brain health.

Staying safe is important. Here are the top four jobs that could be harmful to your hearing:

1. Airport Ground Staff

While directing jet engines during landing and take off, these people are exposed to some of the loudest noises someone can experience. A jet engine registers around 140 decibels, so it’s absolutely necessary for ground staff to do what it takes to protect their ears.

Wearing protective earmuffs is a requirement for this job, and making sure you take breaks from the noise is a necessity.

2. Construction Worker

We see construction happening all the time, and it’s pretty obvious that the machinery used in construction sites can be dangerously loud! A rattle gun is one of the loudest tools these workers use, and it registers at around 120 decibels.

Using protective earmuffs or ear plugs should be a requirement, even if they seem uncomfortable. It’s worth the discomfort if your hearing is protected–otherwise, you’re left with hearing loss that will affect you for a lifetime.

3. Nightclub Worker

For someone who spends most of their evenings working at nightclubs or bars, it’s easy to overlook the effects loud music can have. You might even be accustomed to the noise and think nothing of it! But when you work a long shift with loud music playing non-stop, you could easily be exposed to noise that registers at 115 decibels, at least.

It might not be possible to wear earplugs, but it is possible to take breaks from the noise and position yourself away from speakers. If noise exposure is unavoidable, be aware of the long-term effects of hearing loss. You might not regret it now, but you could regret it later in life when you’re struggling to hear well.

4. Farmers

Working on a farm might not seem like a noisy job, but there are times when loud noise exposure does happen and is often unavoidable. Using loud machinery and equipment could easily cause hearing loss. Squealing pigs can even make a lot of noise, registering around 105 decibels!

The best you can do is be aware of your hearing and the noise you’re finding yourself exposed to. Don’t neglect to use hearing protection, keeping a set of ear plugs around or near equipment when you need it.

These jobs are all important and valuable, but the risk for hearing loss is still there. Be aware of the noise you’re exposing yourself to, and educate yourself on how hearing loss can affect your life in the long run. You won’t regret taking the time to protect your hearing.

If you suspect you might have a noise-induced hearing loss, give us a call! We’d love to help you get your hearing back. With a hearing evaluation, we can help you determine if hearing aids are a good fit for your potential hearing loss, giving you back the ability to live life to the full.

What Type of Hearing Aid Is Right for You?

By | Resources

Finding out you need hearing aids might feel a little overwhelming, even if you were expecting the diagnosis. There seem to be endless options when it comes to hearing aids. How are you supposed to know what’s right for you?

Lucky for you, when you have a hearing evaluation at Associates in Hearing, we are able to figure out what kind of devices would work best for your type of hearing loss. We can narrow your options if you come to see us first.

Once you’ve been evaluated and shared with us the kind of lifestyle you have, it’s much easier to make a decision! Here are some different types of hearing aids and how they might work for you:

Completely in the Canal (CIC)

These devices are just as they’re described: fitting within your ear canal, they are the smallest and least visible types of hearing aids available. They use very small batteries and have much smaller parts, which could be difficult for some people to handle. Because they fit within your ear, they don’t pick up wind noise, but they can become clogged with earwax.

In the Canal (ITC)

Like the completely-in-the-canal devices, these hearing aids also fit within your ear canal but are still partially visible. They are susceptible to the same types of issues as the CIC devices, like earwax buildup, small parts, and small batteries that may need to be replaced often, but they do well to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. Because they’re a little bit larger, they can have more features than CIC devices.

In the Ear (ITE)

These hearing aids are specially molded to fit your ear, depending on where and how they fit on the bowl-shaped part of your ear. These devices will have more features than ITC and CIC devices, like access to volume control right on the device. They will be easier to handle than the smaller devices available, making it easier for you to change batteries and make sure they’re working properly. They do have larger batteries, meaning a longer battery life, and they are more visible when you wear them.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

These devices hook over and behind your ear with a tube connecting the inner, custom earpiece. Although these are traditionally the largest type of hearing aid, there are newer models available that are much more streamlined. These devices are the best at amplifying sounds compared to other styles.

Receiver in Canal (RIC)

Similar to the BTE style, these devices fit virtually the same. However, instead of a tube that connects the speaker to the receiver, there’s a tiny wire that connects the two. These devices are less visible than the BTE style, giving you even more confidence.

Open Fit

An open fit hearing aid is similar to the behind-the-ear devices, only the ear canal is left very open, giving you a much more natural hearing experience. You’re able to hear your own voice without it being muffled by an earpiece within the canal. These devices can have small parts, so they might not be the easiest to handle.

Clearly, they are many options when it comes to choosing your hearing aids. We know it can be overwhelming, but that’s why we’re available to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle. Let’s get you fit with the hearing aids that will work best for you. Give us a call today, and we’ll help you discover the devices that will treat your hearing loss without sacrificing your comfort.

3 Cleaning Tips for Your Hearing Aids

By | Resources





1. Regularly wipe clean and maintain your devices.



2. Look out for earwax.




3. Avoid extreme heat, cold, and moisture.



