Finger Lakes Audiology, PLLC

Finger Lakes Audiology, PLLC As a Doctor of Audiology, hearing healthcare is my number one priority.

Earwax gets a bad wrap, but it actually plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy.Earwax is produced by gland...
01/28/2026

Earwax gets a bad wrap, but it actually plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy.

Earwax is produced by glands in the outer portion of the ear canal and works alongside tiny hairs (called cilia) to trap dust, dirt, and other debris before it can reach the eardrum. This helps protect the sensitive structures deeper in the ear.

The goal isn’t to remove earwax completely, it’s to keep it from building up and causing problems. Healthy ears need a little wax!

As we age, earwax doesn’t move out of the ears as efficiently, which can lead to buildup and hearing issues. But don’t worry… I am here to help with safe, professional ear wax removal if you need it!

Anyone else remember falling asleep to the hum of one of these fans?Turns out, that soothing sound may have been doing m...
01/26/2026

Anyone else remember falling asleep to the hum of one of these fans?

Turns out, that soothing sound may have been doing more than keeping you cool. It can also be a helpful tool for managing tinnitus!

Sound masking uses background noise, such as a fan, sound machine, or app, to give the brain something else to focus on besides the ringing or buzzing.
It’s especially helpful at bedtime or in quiet environments if you have trouble falling asleep.

Which one are you? Old-school or high-tech?

Have you used sound masking? Tell us what’s worked for you in the comments!

“I can hear people… I just can’t understand them.”Usually, it’s worse in restaurants, and it’s exhausting, because you’r...
01/22/2026

“I can hear people… I just can’t understand them.”

Usually, it’s worse in restaurants, and it’s exhausting, because you’re missing words, not volume. I get it. That kind of listening requires a lot of effort.

So we slow it down, talk through your toughest situations, and do a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Then I explain the results, because for many people, the issue is speech clarity in noise, not just “turn it up.”

The wins are often small but powerful:
✅ less guessing
✅ less repeating
✅ less listening fatigue
✅ more confidence

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. When you’re ready, we’re here to help!

We get this question a lot: “Do hearing aids actually help prevent cognitive decline?” The answer, more and more, is yes...
01/19/2026

We get this question a lot: “Do hearing aids actually help prevent cognitive decline?”

The answer, more and more, is yes, especially if they’re used early.

In fact, a major 2023 study found that using hearing aids was linked to a 48% lower risk of developing dementia in adults with hearing loss. (Source: Lin et al., Lancet Commission, 2023)

That’s a powerful reason to start thinking about hearing health! Can you think of anyone that has been putting off their hearing test?

Over time, untreated hearing loss can cause the brain to “reassign” the parts responsible for processing sound. Those ar...
01/14/2026

Over time, untreated hearing loss can cause the brain to “reassign” the parts responsible for processing sound. Those areas may start handling other senses instead, like vision.

This shift is what researchers call the Sensory Deprivation Theory.

Basically, if the brain isn’t getting sound input, it finds other things to focus on, and that may impact overall brain function.

Studies using brain imaging show decreased activity in the auditory cortex in people with untreated hearing loss. (Source: Glick & Sharma, 2020)

Keeping those sound pathways active is just one more reason to treat hearing loss early.

Just because, well, I’m an audiologist 🤓 … Here are a few hearing-healthy goals you ✨might✨ consider for 2026:🔊Get a bas...
01/12/2026

Just because, well, I’m an audiologist 🤓 … Here are a few hearing-healthy goals you ✨might✨ consider for 2026:

🔊Get a baseline or updated hearing test (if it’s been a while)
🦻 Clean & refresh your current hearing aids for the best performance
📱 Explore new tech if your needs or lifestyle have changed

Not sure where to start? Message us, we would LOVE to help!

Here’s something many people don’t realize: hearing loss and cognitive decline may actually share a common cause. Things...
01/07/2026

Here’s something many people don’t realize: hearing loss and cognitive decline may actually share a common cause.

Things like aging, oxidative stress, or changes in brain structure can affect both hearing and brain function at the same time.

This is known as the Co-Morbidity Theory, and it’s one of the reasons we look at the whole picture when we assess your hearing.

Brain scans show that adults with hearing loss experience faster rates of brain shrinkage, especially in areas tied to memory and speech processing. (Source: Peelle et al., 2011)

Say what? Yes, you heard that right…caring for your hearing is one step toward protecting your brain health, too.

Ever feel totally wiped out after a long conversation, especially in a noisy place? You’re not imagining it. When your b...
01/05/2026

Ever feel totally wiped out after a long conversation, especially in a noisy place?

You’re not imagining it.

When your brain works harder to make up for hearing loss, it can use up energy meant for other tasks, like memory or focus.

This idea is called Cognitive Load Theory, and it helps explain why untreated hearing loss can affect more than just your ears.

Research from Johns Hopkins found that people with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia if they don’t treat it. (Source: Lin et al., 2011)

Does listening feel exhausting? It might be time for a hearing check.

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉Here’s to 2026. Fresh starts, new goals, and maybe even… new sound for YOU. 👂✨This time of year natur...
01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉

Here’s to 2026. Fresh starts, new goals, and maybe even… new sound for YOU. 👂✨

This time of year naturally makes us think about what we want more of…

Have you considered being more socially engaged this year?

If better hearing is on your list (whether it’s been a whisper or a loud nudge from your loved one 😆), we’re here to help you make it happen in a way that feels comfortable, supportive, and doable.

As 2025 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful year we’ve had. I think of the laughter of family...
12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful year we’ve had. I think of the laughter of family and friends, the music that got stuck in my head, the little moments that made life feel alive. 👂

So here’s my question for you: How’d you hear this holiday season? Did you catch every conversation, every giggle, every “Merry Christmas” clearly? Or were there some not-so-clear moments?

Whether it’s checking your hearing, adjusting your devices, or finally addressing that nagging “huh?”... We're here to help you make 2026 the year of clear sound. 🎶

From Finger Lakes Audiology to you: Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎉

📌 Friendly reminder: Our office will be closed for the holiday, but we’ll be back on Monday, January 5, 2026 to help you hear every moment clearly very soon.

💬 What patients often tell me …“I thought I was too young for hearing aids.”“I didn’t want to feel old.”“I was nervous i...
12/29/2025

💬 What patients often tell me …
“I thought I was too young for hearing aids.”
“I didn’t want to feel old.”
“I was nervous it would be a sales pitch.”

These are real words I hear often… and I get it. Trusting someone with your hearing can feel vulnerable. There’s fear, hesitation, and sometimes even a little denial mixed in.

👂But here’s the thing…every single time someone takes that first brave step and sits down in my chair, they’re not just addressing hearing loss, they’re reclaiming connection.

So to everyone who trusted us this year, THANK YOU. Thank you for letting us walk alongside you, answer your questions, and help you hear the world more clearly again.

12/25/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Finger Lakes Audiology to you!

We hope your day is filled with the joyful sounds of the season:

👣 Footsteps running downstairs to the tree
🎁 The ripping of wrapping paper
🎶 Music playing in the background
❤️ Special moments with the people you love most

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas full of rest, celebration, and magical memories!

Address

18 Ridge Road, Suite 1
Horseheads, NY
14845

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16077956225

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Dr. Amanda Malvica Snell, Au.D.

My name is Dr. Amanda Malvica Snell and I am a Chemung county native who after recently moving back to my hometown decided to open my own Audiology practice; a life-long dream of mine. My goal is to address hearing health while providing affordable solutions for my patients. Most importantly, I will provide our community with early detection and early intervention leading to an improved quality of life. My belief is that through my knowledge and compassion I will be able to help those in need of hearing services.