48 / 60
www.theconnectionsnj.com
Personally Yours Lingerie
Expert Bra Fitting
est. 1974
315 Main Street, Bedminster • 908-234-1444
www.personallyyourslingerie.com
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 10-4 • Closed Sun. & Mon.
Why wait any longer?
Now is the time to
LOVE
your
BRA
We can help!
+," *!
%"(, #+-
+0,(".
&*
-&.&.
+*.0(/ /&+*
" +1"- #-+) /%" /- 0)
-&!$" /%" !&1&!" *! ,0/ /%"
,&" ". ' /+$"/%"-
&/% +- 2&/%+0/ 3+0- , -/*"-
%+! *!+1
+ %
-%+! +*!+1 $) &( +)
*!+1 "( /&+*.%&, + %&*$
&* /-""/ 0&/"
+)"-1&(("
+0,(".&* -&.&. + % +)
+ %&*$ &. *+/ +1"-"! 3 &*.0- * "
TIME TO
DITCH
YOUR
WINTER
COAT
3150 US HWY 22 - Branchburg
908.969.1022
f
WaxingBranchburg
Waxingthecity.com
A dedicated waxing studio
for every body (and face).
YOUR
F I RS T
W A X
3150 US HWY 22 - Branchburg
08.969.1022
f
WaxingBranchburg
Waxingthecity.com
*New clients only, first visit. If used on combo
services, discount applied to highest priced
service only. Not valid with other offers.
HEARING LOSS:
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT
BECOMES HARD TO HEAR
By: Todd A. Schneiderman, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Hearing loss is a serious problem that
affects nearly all of us in some way,
whether you personally suffer hearing loss
or not. The difficulty for anyone impacted
by hearing loss is obvious, however we
often overlook the impact to those around
the sufferer. Basic communication can
become difficult, causing frustration. I have
seen this occurrence personally with my
family and friends, and also with many
patients that I see in my practice. The
majority of patients that we treat are
adults, but children with ear infections may
have hearing loss.
There are many different causes of hearing
loss, from exposure to noise to age-related
hearing loss and trauma. Depending on the
cause and severity, there are many different
treatments that can improve quality of life.
At Schneiderman ENT, we start with an ear,
nose and throat evaluation, as well as with
a hearing test. The first culprit to address is
surprisingly ear wax! If we see a significant
build up in the ear canal, we can clear it.
This is a quick procedure which can (in
some cases) greatly improve hearing! Many
patients have been surprised at how much
something as small as wax can impact their
day-to-day life.
If the ears are found to be otherwise unre-
markable – without obvious obstruction,
infection, or wax – a hearing test can be
done to assess the degree and type of hear-
ing loss. The hearing loss may be associated
with an obstruction of the ear canal, a dis-
order of the middle ear, or a nerve-related
hearing loss. Sometimes, imaging may be
helpful to evaluate the structures of the ear.
Associated symptoms such as dizziness and
tinnitus may also be discussed at this point.
By taking a holistic ENT approach we can
better treat patients, particularly if there are
multiple related conditions. For instance,
the treatment of hearing loss may also be
helpful in the treatment of the tinnitus!
When we are doing the evaluations, it can
be helpful to have other family members,
spouses or friends come to the office to dis-
cuss these issues. The impact of hearing loss
may be played down by the patient. In some
cases, they may not even notice that there is
a major issue, since it is often more of an
issue for the family. Having to repeat oneself
frequently can be a source of conflict.
Once a diagnosis is made, it is time to fig-
ure out a treatment plan. Hearing aids are
often very successful in helping with hear-
ing loss. These can be programmed so that
the degree of hearing loss and type of
hearing loss can be individually treated.
Tinnitus may also be reduced with the use
of a hearing aid. Different types of hearing
aids are available, and may fit inside of the
ear canal, or behind the ear. We can help
you decide what the best option is for your
unique problem. Many different features
are offered, and these may affect the price.
We also take this into consideration with
our recommendations.
If the degree of loss is profound, other
options such as a cochlear implant can be
offered. This is a more intensive treatment
that involves a surgical procedure which
would be performed by a sub-specialist in a
hospital setting.
Children can also be impacted by hearing
loss. Assessment of hearing issues in chil-
dren is extremely important as it can cause
long-term problems or be a symptom of a
greater issue. All children have a newborn
hearing screen. Any hearing problems
found with this evaluation should be fur-
ther assessed, as with changes in hearing
ability as they age.
In patients who have other disabilities,
especially visual loss or issues with cogni-
tion, it is especially important to treat any
degree of hearing loss. Loss of another
major sense can cause further difficulty in
day-to-day activities, so evaluation and
treatment can easily positively impact such
a patient.
There are also things that you can do to pro-
tect your hearing, as not all hearing loss is
caused by age, disease or genetics. Avoid-
ing loud noises is very important. If you find
yourself in a very loud situation such as
work-related noise or a concert, wearing
earplugs is important. There are many
options that range from foam to silicon,
and some are virtually invisible. Remember,
while concerts are typically loud, you should
also consider parties and restaurants as like-
ly culprits. Also be aware of how loudly you
set your music in your car or when using
headphones. A great trick is to go into your
settings and lower the maximum noise
threshold for the system.
Hearing protection should be used if you
have underlying hearing loss already, but
we want to make sure to protect healthy
hearing, as well! If you are concerned
about your hearing because of a history of
hearing loss in the family, don't be afraid to
contact a doctor. Schneiderman ENT office
offers evaluations of the ear with an audi-
ology specialist in the office. Please call us
for an appointment or with any questions.
Todd A. Schneiderman, M.D. F.A.C.S.
215 Union Ave., Suite C, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-725-5050 www.drschneiderman.com
PAGE 48