I took an intro to audiology class at the University of Maryland and fell in love with the subject matter.

The course made me more compassionate toward my grandmother’s long-term hearing loss and improved our relationship. This sparked a passion to improve people’s hearing and better the quality of life for people with hearing loss.

Most people don’t realize that hearing loss is the third most common health condition in America, behind only arthritis and heart disease. Early detection is essential, as hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression; researchers at Johns Hopkins University even found an increased risk of dementia among those suffering from hearing loss.

At the Taylor Listening Center in Pikesville, we encourage adults to come in for baseline and routine hearing exams, the same way one would get their eyes checked; this service is covered by insurance, even Medicare. Comfort for patients is key, so we make visiting the office a pleasant and positive experience, equating it with visiting a spa. We strive to create a comfortable atmosphere — even the center’s logo is an ear in the shape of a heart.

Before the practice opened, Rabbi Steven Fink of Temple Oheb Shalom blessed it and hung a mezuzah in the doorway. But what sets the Taylor Listening Center apart is our deep connection with the patients. It goes way beyond their hearing: I know the names of all of their grandchildren. I’m part of this community. I was raised here. This is where I plan to raise my family.

While it’s not unheard of for health care enterprises to put profits before wellness, at the Taylor Listening Center, we’re more concerned with helping patients improve their hearing. We even started a hearing-aid donation program so hearing aids are not cost-prohibitive. We offer extended appointment times, and we strive to make patients feel as relaxed as possible. This was important to me after seeing patients get lost in the shuffle at larger practices. Our honesty and commitment to all of our patients is evident by the number of referrals TLC receives on a daily basis from pleased patients.

And these are not your bubbie’s hearing aids!

Today, manufacturers are making hearing aids with younger people in mind. They are so small and comfortable that nobody notices them. They actually do what they need to do. The technology is so advanced that hearing aids can now separate background noise from speech. Hearing aids can automatically recognize when the patient is in different environments such as in a car, restaurants, museums or when listening to music, making them all the more seamless in someone’s life. The newer technology is also built to last longer.

After taking my advice, one patient heard every word at the movie theater for the first time in 30 years.

Hearing aids allow people to live their lives the way they want to. The technology improves quality of life. Once a patient gets used to new hearing aids, most say, “Wow, I wish I hadn’t waited so long.”

Article also featured in the Jewish Times: http://jewishtimes.com/34699/extra-extra-hear/

Dr. Taylor is passionate about helping each one of her patients improve their quality of life!