Corporate: 20350 N. Cave Creek Rd., Suite 130 Phoenix, Arizona 85024 Online at: www.ArizonaHears.

com March 2011 Dear Friend, It continues to amaze me how quickly time can fly by, as it seems like this year just began, yet the first quarter is already coming to an end. I am excited to share the enthusiasm many of you have been displaying through participation in our monthly quiz and telling others about PrTone. As a result, quiz contest entries and your referrals continue to grow, and we are very grateful for the interest and support. This is great progress in our quest to become Arizonas first choice for better hearing. This month, I would like to introduce Stephanie Vogel to those of you who have not already had the pleasure. Originally working at our Scottsdale office, she is now based at the Phoenix location. She is the Administrative Assistant for PrTone, responsible for payroll and some other HR duties while working closely with Edward (president) and Jaime (Dir. of Operations). In addition to those duties she is the Coordinator of First Impressions (front desk) at the Phoenix office. Stephanies life goes far beyond PrTone, as she has been happily married for over twenty years. She and her husband are the proud parents of a 17 year old son, who will graduate high school this May. They have a special interest in southwestern cuisine. Their taste for good food has led to the creation of a line of chili seasonings, hot sauces and southwestern soups, which they market online at www.CaveCreekChiliCompany.com. Stephanie said she loves working with our staff, but most of all loves to experience the joy of helping our patients hear their friends and loved ones better. As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, suggestions and success stories (we may even share your personal story in our monthly Evidence of Success postcard). On behalf of all of us at PrTone, thank-you in advance for referring your friends and relatives to us as we look forward to being your Hearing Consultants for Life. Sincerely,

Brian Jason
Brian Jason, BSM Practice Referral Manager BJason@PurToneUSA.com Corporate 602-971-3900 Direct 623-935-1700

MARCH 2011
IN THIS ISSUE
* A Little Luck o the Irish * A Funny Thing Happened Funny Bone * Insiders Corner *Apparently It IS What You Know! * Leapin Leprechauns Answers * Pot o Gold Coupon * Ear-to-Ear Wireless Communication * Looney Law * Now Ear This * Fun Zone: Lucky Cluster of Questions * Fun Fact

PRESIdEnTS corner
Edward Maznio, President
th

a LITTLE LUCK O THE IRISH

March 17 is designated as St. Patricks Day, and many folks scattered around the globe will be wearin o the green and kissin the Blarney Stone. Interestingly, it was a British-born lad, Maewyn Succat, who actually became Irelands Saint Patrick. Maewyn was largely credited with being the force behind Irelands conversion to the Christian faith and was declared a saint in 432 A.D. It is believed that St. Patrick died th on March 17 around the year 460 A.D., hence the designated date of celebration. Ironically enough, the largest celebrations are held in America, where nearly 36.5 million Irish descendants call home. Thats nearly nine times the population of Ireland itself, which is home to only somewhat more than four million Irishmen. th Today, people around the world gather every March 17 to share a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage; play some billiards, darts, or dominoes; or perhaps share a game of cards like Nine-Card Don, Phat or the Irish national favorite, 25. One of the most popular places to gather is at the local Irish Pub, often sporting strange-sounding names like Slug and Lettuce, The Cat and the Fiddle, or The Bag o Nails. Here theyll drink some ale and play popular pub games such as Ringing the Bull (also known as Wall-hooky), Aunt Sally or Toad in the Hole. The more athletic are inclined to play Gaelic Football, Hurling, Cricket, Rugby or Soccer. There are many icons associated with St. Patricks Day. The shamrock th symbolizes the birth of spring, but by the 17 century it had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism, with many wearing the shamrock as a statement of pride in their heritage. In America today, fun little leprechauns are almost synonymous with the holiday, but in reality, these cranky tricksters really had nothing to do with St. Patrick, or the observance of this Catholic holy day. The friendly, cheerful leprechauns that we think of today are actually a recent American creation, and are very different from the cantankerous little men of Irish folklore. And, of course, we cant forget the legendary pot o gold at the end of the rainbow. Irish music, too, is very much a part of St. Patricks Day. Their music is produced with instruments that have been used for centuries, including the fiddle, elaborate bagpipes and the tin whistle (a type of lute). Irelands melodic, pure, and sometimes haunting music has been highly popularized in recent years by vocalist and musician, Enya, and Irish singers Celtic Woman; as has traditional Irish stepdancing, highlighted in the spectacular performances of the entertainment phenomenon, Riverdance. If yed like to celebrate St. Paddys Day more quietly than downin a spot o ale at the local pub and kissin a Blarney Stone furr good luck, there are several things ye kin do to rremember the Irrish. Furrst, enjoy ye a hearrty pot o yerr Irish stew, sopped up with some Irrish Brrown Brread, with some chump furr a side dish. Sarrve killarney cake and pistachio ice crream furr dessarrt whilst watchin a movie of Irrish flavor, like The Quiet Man, Boys Town, Darby OGill and the Little People or revisit the OHare family in Gone With the Wind. After sendin the lads and lassies off to slumberrland, finish yurr own St. Paddys Day celebrration with a cup of Irrish Coffee and whippin cream whilst listenin to the auld melodies of Sweet Rrosie OGrrady, When Irrish Eyes Are Smilin,n My Wild Irrish Rose aforre ye th turrn out the lights and say gnight to March 17 furr anotherr yarre. Until next month, Toodle Pip!

FROM THE PRESIDENT: With every good business, there are lots of moving parts, and so it is with PrTone. Each of those moving parts involves among others our valuable associates, business and accounting systems, suppliers and real estate. But ultimately, each of them are designed and improved upon with one purpose in mind: to give you the best total hearing healthcare experience possible. We have lots of exciting things going on under the hood that we will be announcing in the upcoming months, but one Id like to share now is the addition of our first Doctor of Audiology, Dr. Cassandra Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt has joined our company after completing her graduate work at Illinois State University and serving, most notably, on the staff of the Universitys Speech & Hearing Clinic, as well as at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Schmidt brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will uniquely strengthen not only our purpose and resolve to be the premier hearing healthcare provider in Arizona, but also address areas of perceived weakness from a clinical basis with PrTone. Cassandra will serve as our Director of Patient Care in Mesa, and will travel, as needed, within the Phoenix Valley to provide clinical support and outreach to our physician community. We welcome her as a critical team member and look forward to the service she will render to her fellow associates and many of you. Happy Hearing!

Funny Bone
A cheerful heart is good medicine
Proverbs 17:22

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Better Hearing

A friend of mine told me of the time he and his family were privileged to attend the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Huge hockey fans, the whole family from ages five to 78 packed up their suitcases and headed to the Winter Olympics to watch the most anticipated hockey game of them all: Canada versus the U.S. in a fierce battle for the gold medal. Although the trip was the experience of a lifetime, it was a major disappointment for Teds family when Canada won the Gold. When the players stood for their medals, the music swelled to play Canadas National Anthem. The Canadians sang out loud and proud, O Canada! We stand on guard for thee Teds family collectively sighed and left the stadium with heavy hearts. But Grandmas bad hearing gave everyone the lift they needed. Conceding the Canadian team deserved the medal, she said, Yes, but, their National Anthem could sure use a rewrite. WHY on earth would they sing, O Canada! We stand on cars and freeze?

Congratulations to Harold G. of Congratulations to Tom T. of Glendale, our Client of the Month for Everyone who faxes, emails, or calls in Goodyear, our Client of the Month December. the correct answer by the last business for February. As always, the Client of As always, the Client of lunch with day of March, 2011, will be entered Month will receive a freethe Month receives a free lunch with two friends into a drawing for a Chilis Restaurant two friends and PrTones President and PrTones President and Founder, $25.00 Dining Certificate. and Founder, Chilis Restaurant Edward Maznio, atEdward Maznio. & The winner will be selected by random Grill. drawing of participants. Januarys Quiz Call me to find out how YOU Call me to find out how YOU Question Winner is Carlys R. from Peoria. can become a Client of the Month! can become a Client of the Month! Watch for your name next month!

What is the Study of pologonology ?

Decembers FEBRUARYS Client of THE MONTH CLIENT OF the Month

WELCOME, NEW CLIENTS!

Among many others, here are some of the new clients who became members of our PrTone Family this past month. Id like to welcome you, and wish you all the best!

George L. from Goodyear

(referred by Tom T.)

Paula N. from Goodyear

(referred by Lyn C.)

Madeline T. from Yuma

(referred by Lee C.)

Lowell P. from Peoria

(referred by Chad G.)

Donovan P. from Yuma

(referred by Ginger B..)

Victoria V. from Lake Havasu City

(referred by Keith S.)

Jean F. from Lake Havasu City

(referred by Ellen K.)

We love giving recognition to our new friends and our wonderful existing clients who are kind enough to refer their friends, family and neighbors to us. Thank you so much for your kind support. We sincerely appreciate you.

WHO SAYS, ITS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT WHO YOU KNOW?
My brother-in-law is an engineer and is the first to recognize that engineers are an entity unto themselves. He recently told told this story about a co-worker who had retired. Sully was a recognized mechanical engineer genius. A loyal employee for 35 years, when he retired a few years ago Sully pledged he would not come back as a consultant, as engineers are often requested to do. Senior Management knew that Sully had been adamant he would not return and left him alone, until a seemingly impossible problem came up with one of their multi-million dollar machines. For days they tried to repair the equipment. It was concluded there was no choice but to try to cajole Sully out of retirement. Pleading with him to help them out, Sully finally grudgingly agreed to come in. He reviewed the equipment, poured over the design plans and studied the machinery carefully, grumbling the whole time. Finally, after a full day of analyzing, calculating and tinkering, Sully became a hero when he solved the problem. A few days later, the Accounting Department got Sullys bill for $50,500.00. Thinking there was an error, the Accounting Supervisor called Sully to request an itemization of his bill. Sully answered matter-of-factly, You dont need that. Its a simple case of math. Ten hours at $50.00 an hour and $50,000.00 for what I know.

TO HIS CLUSTER O QUESTIONS ON BACK PAGE

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Lawn Chair Larry reached an altitude of 16,000 feet. Wyoming had the first female governor, Nelli T. Ross, voted in November 4, 1924. Walter Hunt, a prolific American inventor, sold his rights to the safety pin for $400 in 1849. Queen Victoria; she reigned as Queen of England for 64 years, from 1837 1901. Robert Louis Stevenson was known as Tusitala (Teller of Tales) while living out the last few years of his life in Samoa.

CALL US TODAY AND ASK ABOUT OUR

MUST HAVE COUPON GOOD UNTIL 03/31/2011

NOW! wireless HEARING IS hearing AT ITS BEST!

INTRODUCING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION THE ENTIRELY NEW WAY TO HEAR IN THE 21 This exciting new Ear-to-Ear technology offers advanced features engineered to: Provide clear, stereo sound directly into both ears! Improve listening to music and TV Help telephone calls sound better Eliminate whistling or buzzing Fit comfortably in your ears The industrys just-released wireless communication is the most advanced hearing aid system on the market today! Life offers a full spectrum of sound to enjoy. Now wireless communication lets you hear it all!
ST

CENTURY

Just plug your wireless system into your television, radio, or computer. When connected to the wireless transmitter, sound is streamed from the unit directly into your hearing aids, providing an incredible stereo sound you have to hear to believe! Todays wireless system can literally filter out unwanted background noise to help you st hear more naturally and at a distance! With 21 century technology, these hearing aids are designed to significantly reduce listening effort, giving the listener a more relaxed, enjoyable listening experience. If you currently wear hearing aids in both ears, todays wireless hearing aids help you hear distinctly in both ears, letting you more clearly hear and understand conversation; a favorite movie, talk show host, or news program; a recorded musical or vocal performance; a worship program or political debate anything you choose with more ease and comfort than ever before! Thanks to Ear-to-Ear Wireless Communication, your hearing aid system is now able to wirelessly communicate between both hearing aids instantly and automatically eliminating the need for you to manually adjust either or both devices. Isnt it time you could hear music, movies, TV, computer websites or normal conversation again? Now, the exciting full spectrum of sound is hear to enhance your life!

Heard all this before? Not really. This is just an appetizer. Grab your fork and call us for details! The main course is just an appointment away!

PrTone Corporate Office

20350 N. Cave Creek Rd., Ste. 130 Phoenix, Arizona 85024 602-971-3900 or 888-614-HEAR E-Mail: HealthyHearing@PurToneUSA.com Web: www.ArizonaHears.com

COPYRIGHT AUDIOGENIC, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LOONEY LAW: IN PULLMAN, IL, IT IS ILLEGAL TO FISH WHILE SITTING ON A GIRAFFES NECK. HOW BOUT A HIPPO?

How You Can Help Your Communication Partner Hear Better

Everyone knows that successful communication is a two-way street, requiring both a speaker and a listener who are engaged in the conversation. When the listener is hearing impaired, they tend to become disengaged if the conversation is difficult to understand. Eventually the speaker follows suit, leading to miscommunication or worse, no communication. In relationships, this often leaves both parties feeling frustrated, disconnected and lonely. Here are a few tips that you, as the hard-of-hearing (HOH) communication partner, can offer your circle of family and friends to help you understand words more clearly so that everyone can enjoy the conversations more. Ask them to:

TRY SAYING THAT FIVE TIMES FAST!

1. In 1983, a Southern California man created a

homemade flying machine using weather balloons. He was fined $4,000 for flying into controlled airspace. What was his name? Super Dave Lawnchair Larry Eddie the Eagle Air Bud 2. Which state was the first to have a female governor? Delaware Virginia Wyoming Massachusetts 3. Who was the American inventor who patented the safety pin? Joseph Glidden Chauncey Jerome Elias Howe Walter Hunt 4. Who was on the British throne at the beginning of th the 20 century? Queen Elizabeth II Queen Victoria King Edward II King George III

Slow down a bit Speak just a little louder; shouting does not help Say the words as clearly as possible, without making exaggerated mouth movements Pause at meaningful places so that your ears can catch up with their mouths Much of the ability to easily communicate comes from the context of a conversation, along with the content. If you misunderstand something, ask your partners to learn to rephrase the statement, not just repeat it the same way. Or, by using two different words to express the same thing, they can increase the opportunity for you to more easily understand their part of the conversation. For example, Did you see the photograph, the picture, that she took? By using different key words, they will increase your chances of understanding their comment the first time. While it may take time and patience to learn these few communication skills, it will truly be worth it!

5. Which famous writer was known as Tusitala during

the last few years of his life? Mark Twain Robert Louis Stevenson Sir Walter Scott Henry David Thoreau

FUN FACT: THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY TEN MILLION BRICKS IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.