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Hearing Services
Loss of hearing is much more common than most people think - 16%
of the population experience some degree of hearing impairment. Millions
of people live with hearing loss without taking corrective action.
Many of these people have a difficult time believing, or accepting,
that they have a hearing loss. Part of the reason is that hearing
loss often occurs gradually, and it's not always easy to notice at
first.
Led by Dr. Isidore Kirsh, a board-certified audiologist and licensed
hearing aid dispenser, the treatment team at The Department of Hearing
at SOCH is committed to improving communication problems through
the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders. From
young children to older adults, the focus of the Department of Hearing
is on determining the cause of particular hearing disorders and providing
the best treatment available to effectively improve communication.
The Department of Hearing specializes in diagnosing and treating
several specific disorders, such as tinnitus and vertigo.
The Hearing Department provides a variety of
hearing healthcare services including hearing assessments and rehabilitation,
education, and counseling. The Hearing Department also fits and dispenses
sophisticated hearing aids and related devices to suit all types
of hearing loss and life styles. Assessments regarding the level
of amplification that would be best suited to patients are generally
completed following a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a qualified
hearing health care professional.
Comprehensive Hearing Services
Include:
Acoustic Immittance: Computerized,
objective measurement of middle ear function
Otoacoustic Emissions: Objective measure of outer
hall cell function utilized with newborns, pediatrics, auditory
processing, and tinnitus evaluations
Auditory Processing Evaluations: Auditory processing
is not how well we hear but rather what we do with what we
hear. Auditory processing disorders may present with the
following symptoms: difficulty hearing in noise, difficulty
following directions, attending, poor note taking skills,
and poor academic performance. The auditory processing evaluation
includes a comprehensive audiological evaluation to rule
out underlying hearing loss. If hearing is normal, a battery
of 'listening' tests are performed to determine the extent
of any auditory processing dysfunction. Appropriate recommendations
for the home, school, or work are provided.
Audiological Evaluation: Completed in a specially
treated sound booth with reliable, well-maintained calibrated
equipment which determines hearing ability for all age groups.
Tinnitus Evaluations: Tinnitus is a symptom people
usually describe as a noise in their ear(s) whether it is
a 'buzzing', 'hissing', or 'cricket' sound. Following the
audiological evaluation, tinnitus matching procedures are
utilized to determine candidacy for Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
(TRT).
Hearing Aid Services: Both the
patient and the audiologist with collectively determine the best
possible hearing aid, factoring in the patient’s unique listening needs, preferences, budget
and lifestyle. The patient will also be counseled about realistic
outcomes of wearing hearing aids during the trial period. The
Department of Hearing also provides fitting and follow up care services.
Audiology Staff
 Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., CCC-A, F.A.A.A.: Dr. Kirsh is
the Director of the Center. Dr. Kirsh received a Bachelor’s degree
in Biopsychology from the University of Maryland, a Master's of
Education (Audiology) from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D.
in Audiology from the Union Institute and University. Dr. Kirsh
has received his Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is also a Fellow
of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). Dr. Kirsh completed
a fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, has
multiple publications, and has received numerous continuing education
awards from both ASHA and AAA. Dr. Kirsh is currently a Founder
and Director for Audigy Group.
 Jennifer Elfert, Au.D., CCC-A, F.A.A.A.: As an audiologist
certified by both the American Speech-Language Hearing Association
and American Academy of Audiology, as well as licensed by the state
of New Jersey and New York, Dr. Elfert specializes in the prevention,
identification, assessment and treatment of hearing disorders, Her
educational background includes Bachelor’s and Master’s
degrees from Hofstra University and a Doctor of Audiology degree
from the University of Florida. Dr. Elfert has a particular
interest in the rehabilitation of hearing loss which is why she
was an adjunct professor at Yeshiva University’s Stern College
for Women in New York City for a number of years, Other areas
of particular interest are tinnitus and balance disorders.
 Tiffany L. Berth ScD.,
CCC-A, F.A.A.A.: Dr.
Berth received her Bachelor’s degree from The Richard Stockton
College of New Jersey and a Doctorate of Science (ScD) in Audiology
from Montclair State University. Dr. Berth has received her Certificate
of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA) and is also a Fellow of the American Academy
of Audiology (AAA). Dr. Berth is a member of the local New Jersey
Chapter of ASHA and The New Jersey Hearing Health Professional
Group (NJHHP). Dr. Berth was awarded a fellowship from the VA of
East Orange, NJ and with Family Hearing Centers. Dr. Berth is currently
involved with research at The City University of New York (CUNY).
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