The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition Sept 2020

theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 26 SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS By Ellyn Mantell Needless to say, it has been many years since I was in college, where I studied Speech and Audi- ology, and even many years since obtaining my Masters’ Degree in Speech and Language Patholo- gy. But some things stick in one’s mind, long after the need to re- call the information determines a grade on a transcript. As a young woman, I learned anatomy and the function of the ear, and cer- tain precepts were believed to be written in stone. I am happy to say that some of those precepts are no longer true. For example, it was understood that profound- ly deaf individuals would never be able to hear. And then, the co- chlear implant was invented. An- other example was that the aging ear (suffering from presbycusis or age-related hearing loss) would be able to receive an amplified hearing, but not regain acuity. The industry of enhancing and providing hearing is growing, and our generation is benefiting. Recently, I revisited a frustra- tion I have had for many years, and in fact, had checked over a decade ago. At that time, I was told there wasn’t an aide that would benefit me, and I learned to cope the best I could. The problem is I hear sound quite well, in fact, very well, but I lose the ends of words, the ends of sentences, and find myself read- ing lips whenever possible. I felt it becoming more and more a detriment since I was so busy try- ing to catch a word that I was ei- ther nodding or a little behind in the conversation, neither sitting well with me, a communicator! Not one to ignore these things, I had an audiological eval- uation and it was confirmed...my ability to hear the sounds around me at a “normal level” is fine, but my ability to hear speech sounds is quite impacted by my loss. I was so relieved when the Audiologist told me I would benefit from binaural (both ears) aides. So without looking back, I ordered my aides and couldn’t wait to receive them. I wear my hair short, particularly around my ears, so I was very happy to see that the newest generation of aides sits behind the ear, and only a small filament-type wire rests in front of the ear. Looking at myself from all angles, I only saw the wire, which fit beautifully, and almost transparently, in front of my ear. As for the appearance of the aide, obviously, no problem! And then the consideration was for the increased acuity I longed to re- ceive. I am so happy to say that I am very much benefiting from my “new best friends!” What a dif- ference better hearing makes...I had no idea that the keys on the keyboard actually make a sound when typing...a clear, strong sound. No doubt, as I continue to ac- climate myself, and find myself in comparable situations that pre- sented problems now corrected, I will appreciate my aides even more. Our generation gets very frustrated with technology we don’t understand and have a dif- ficult time mastering, but BRAVO to the technology that gives us a better hearing. And when there is even more improvement in the future...well, just sign me up! THE QUESTION ISN’T NECESSARILY BETTER HEARING, BUT BETTER ACUITY S enior C orner I am so happy to say that I am very much benefiting from my “new best friends!” What a difference better hearing makes...I had no idea that the keys on the keyboard actually make a sound when typing...a clear, strong sound. Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, Inc. Since 1935 Compassion. Comfort. Caring. BASKING RIDGE 908-766-0250 www.gcfuneralhome.com R. Michael Gallaway, President/Manager N.J. Lic. No. 4803 Michael J. Badolato, Vice President/Director N.J. Lic. No. 4976 Three generations of one family serving the Somerset Hills for over 100 years with caring and nurturing support at heartfelt loss. George R. Layton III Director/Manager 475 Main Street PO Box 133 Bedminster, NJ 07921 908.234.0766 Fax 908.234.0371 george@laytonfuneralhome.com www.laytonfuneralhome.com Directors George R. Layton 1907-1949 George R. Layton Jr. 1949-2003 LAYTON FUNERAL HOME Since 1907 NJ License #3691