Services
Comprehensive hearing care that focuses on you.
Enjoy Life Again
Enjoy Life Again
Communication is the key to life and to keeping relationships strong. Better hearing can improve your quality of life, yet many people do not do anything for their hearing loss. In fact, 30 million Americans have hearing loss, but less than 20% seek treatment. Better hearing can lead to an increase in socialization, stronger relationships, and a general enjoyment of life. Dr. Elena Maresca is dedicated to helping each and every patient on their individual journey to enjoy life again.
Hearing tests
in Stony Brook, NY
A hearing test is the first step in diagnosing hearing loss. We offer diagnostic hearing tests for people of all ages at our hearing center. During the test, you will sit in a soundproof booth with a pair of headphones on. You will listen for a series of sounds that vary in volume and frequency. Dr. Maresca will record your results on an audiogram and review them with you.
If you are not hearing as well as you use to, contact us today for a hearing test!
Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Evaluations
The hearing aid evaluation will last approximately 1 hour. During this appointment Dr. Elena Maresca will explain your hearing loss, all of the different hearing aid technologies, show you the various hearing aid styles, and answer any questions.
If you decide to be fit with hearing aids, Dr. Elena Maresca will take measurements of your ears. She will write your hearing aid prescription and order your hearing aids which should arrive within 3-5 business days. Although it is not mandatory, we do encourage you to bring a friend or family member to your hearing evaluation.
Hearing Aid Fittings
Dr. Elena Maresca has been fitting hearing aids for over 28 years. Once determined which hearing aid is best for you during your hearing evaluation, you will return a few days later for your hearing aid fitting. This will take about 1 hour, and during that time Dr. Elena Maresca will show you the parts of your new hearing aids, how to put them in and take them out, how to change the batteries, and how to clean them along with everyday general maintenance.
It is normal for you to have different emotions to hearing sounds again once you first put your hearing aids in. The goal of hearing aids is to make every day sounds audible, clear, and comfortable. Fine tunings can be made to the hearing aids at your first fitting if there are issues you want addressed right away. Dr. Elena Maresca will program your hearing aids based on your prescription which is taken from the results of your hearing test. After the hearing aid fitting, Dr. Elena Maresca would like to see you in a week to check in. When you return, Dr. Elena Maresca will want to know how your hearing is doing. Based on this report she will make the necessary changes to improve your hearing experience if needed.
Hearing Aid Check-Ups
Hearing aid check-ups generally last 15 minutes. During the first 30 days, it is very important to return for your follow-up visits. Dr. Elena Maresca will fine tune the hearing aids so they are programmed not only for your hearing loss, but also for your specific needs. After both you and Dr. Maresca feel the hearing aids are set properly for you, we recommend you return every 3 to 6 months for regular cleaning and maintenance.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus/Hyperacusis Evaluation
The tinnitus/hyperacusis evaluation is typically a 2-hour appointment. During this appointment, Dr. Elena Maresca will discuss your general health history, your hearing health history, and your tinnitus/hyperacusis history. Together you will review anatomy and physiology so you are familiar with your auditory system, to understand the basics of the disorder of tinnitus/hyperacusis and the specifics of your own tinnitus/hyperacusis.
Next Dr. Elena Maresca will perform a three-part exam. The first part is an audiological evaluation, followed by tinnitus testing for Dr. Maresca to get a good understanding of what you are hearing and ending with static testing to assess the plasticity of your system and possible treatment options. Dr. Elena Maresca will then explain all of the results with you and discuss possible options to treat your tinnitus.
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Sound Therapy/Treatment
Sound therapy is utilized for successful tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment. The patient wears sound therapy devices throughout treatment. The initial fitting appointment is 1 hour. During this appointment Dr. Elena Maresca will review the parts of the devices, insertion and removal, cleaning and wax management, charging or battery use and first week “conditioning” use of the devices. Understanding the tinnitus treatment process is key to getting the tinnitus to a point where you are no longer aware of it or hearing it.
Tinnitus Relief Program
It is extremely important for the patient to understand that tinnitus treatment is a process. Dr. Elena Maresca will usually have the tinnitus cut down by half by the end of the first 3 months. However, it generally takes 2 years to complete the treatment and for the patient to no longer be aware of or hear their tinnitus. For the first month, you will be seen weekly, then moving to every other week and finally every 3 to 4 weeks by the end of the 3rd month. After month 3, when your tinnitus has improved, you will be placed on maintenance. During maintenance, you will still be using your sound therapy devices daily, but you will only have to come into the office for follow-up appointments every 3 to 4 months.
Hearing Protection
Prolonged loud noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is often irreversible but can be treated with hearing aids. It is important to immediately see an audiologist if you suddenly lose your hearing or are experiencing symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss. In order to protect your hearing, it is important to wear ear protection, such as earmolds or earplugs, whenever you are going to be exposed to loud noise.
Dr. Elena Maresca can make custom earmolds to protect your hearing in high-level noise environments. Custom earmolds are designed from an impression of your ear so they can be created specifically for your unique ear shape. This provides excellent hearing protection to keep your ears safe.
Custom earplugs are also available but these are only fitted to your ear canal. Earplugs allow you to hear your surroundings while also protecting your hearing. These are most popular for musicians and hunters who need to hear the soft sounds around them but do not want to damage their hearing.
Dr. Elena Maresca has custom solutions to fit your individual lifestyle. Take care of your hearing and schedule an appointment today to be fit with custom hearing protection!
Insurance
Every insurance policy is different. It is in your best interest as a patient to know and understand your insurance plan benefits. You may contact your insurance company by calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card. You should understand what services are covered, as well as your responsibility for any co-payments, coinsurance or deductible amounts. Not all services are covered by every insurance company. If your insurance plan does not cover your service, or your claim has been denied, you are responsible for full payment. If your insurance company has not paid your claim in full within 45-days, then you will be held responsible for payment in full.