Dr. Zarina Naizam, Au.D., CCC-A
Owner and Lead Audiologist
Dr. Zarina Naizam is a licensed clinical audiologist and the owner of ZN Audiology. She holds a Bachelor of Science in pre-med from Long Island University and a clinical doctorate in Audiology from Salus University. She specialises in adult and pediatric hearing evaluation and in the fitting, programming and repair of hearing aids of all makes and models, and practices at both the Forest Hills and Brooklyn clinics.
An audiologist has specialist clinical training to evaluate and diagnose hearing and balance disorders, not only to sell and fit devices. In New York, an audiologist who also dispenses hearing aids registers with the Department of State as a hearing aid dispenser in addition to holding the State Education Department audiology licence — so the two are not alternatives, and Dr. Naizam holds both.
She fits hearing aids from all major manufacturers rather than a single brand, and verifies fittings with real-ear measurement and speech mapping, which confirms what a device is actually delivering inside the ear canal rather than trusting the manufacturer first-fit setting.
She also sees patients at home across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Long Island where travelling to a clinic is not possible.
In her own words
As to why she became an audiologist, Dr Naizam explains, “My exposure to the world of hearing impairment started in early childhood when I witnessed its wide range of effects firsthand. My mother had hearing loss, and it began to compromise her relationships with others. Constantly misunderstanding people caused her to be ashamed and led her to avoid conversation altogether. Hearing aids were not readily available in Russia at the time. When we came to America, the first thing we did was fit her with hearing aids. I was inspired by the overwhelmingly positive effects the devices had on my mother’s life and relationships, and I longed to improve others’ lives through better hearing.
Hearing loss is a challenging condition—it can have an impact on all areas of life, including personal relationships and career success. It is very emotional for not only the patient, but also for their family and friends. I love helping my patients restore their ability to connect with the people who are important in their lives.”
Also listed on Zocdoc.