Izzy’s Sound News

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

How Colds, e Flu & Covid 19 A ects Hearing

It’s been well over 2 years, and the Covid 19 variants are still wreaking havoc in our area. For the most part, the new variants just present with “cold-like” symptoms but the rate of infection spread is typically higher than the common cold. Unfortunately, once you start to exhibit symptoms such as a sore throat, headache, sinus pressure, post nasal drip, etc., you already have Covid 19 and more than likely you have spread the germs to others. Many individuals are taking in home rapid tests and are commonly “negative” for a few days before the result is positive. In my opinion, this is reason enough to frequently wash your hands, don a mask (when in large in group events), and get vaccinated. Unless you physician recommends otherwise, vaccinated individuals typically experience a significant reduction of Covid 19 symptoms and the recovery time is generally less.

Upper respiratory viruses often create fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to congestion, pain, muffled sound, and secondary infections. The flu virus has been known to affect the auditory nerve,

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

which can cause permanent hearing loss. Similar to the flu, COVID-19 has shown an alarming ability to attack the hearing and vestibular systems, although the exact reason is still under investigation. Patients with long-haul COVID are at increased risk. Luckily, serious hearing damage from viral infections is rare, though the temporary effects are uncomfortable — stuffiness, dizziness, tinnitus, and ear infections could put a damper on your future holiday plans.

If you have experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo during a bout of COVID 19 and these symptoms are continuing to “linger” I would contact your hearing healthcare professional for a complete hearing and dizziness evaluation. Protect your hearing by supporting your health!

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to answer your questions about hearing health. His offices are located in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Whiting and can be reached by calling 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying B Complex Vitamins

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

I was inspired to write this blog because I took a capsule of my Mito B complex today and sat down with hot tea. About 15 minutes after that walked into my hot yoga class, where I quickly developed a heat flush! I’m talking about a hot flush from the niacin. I did it to myself without thinking twice about the timing of a hot drink and a hot gym! Just FYI, the niacin flush is a pretty unusual occurrence with dietary supplements, but it can happen if you’re sensitive to niacin, or if you take it and then go into a room that is 102 degrees and do headstands, lol!

I have some tips on how to avoid a niacin flush. If you go to suzycohen.com and sign up to receive my newsletter, I’ll email you the longer version of this article. Anyway, it got me thinking about an article on B Complex vitamins. Some brands are better than others. If you don’t shop with me, you should read the rest of this article.

B Complex refers to a family of nutrients, it’s not just one nutrient. Most people take it for one of these 4 reasons:

1. Energy production: You will be tired if you are depleted in B vitamins. The B complex vitamins convert your food into energy, making ATP out of what you eat. This gives you zest and energy.

2. Brain function: All of the B complex nutrients are important for maintaining brain function, memory, and the ability to learn. They help make neurotransmitters.

3. Cell health: B complex vitamins are necessary for maintaining healthy cells, specifically our DNA synthesis and repair, which is essential for cell division and growth.

4. Nerve Sheath Health: B complex vitamins protect the myelin sheath and help with neuron regeneration. This could help neuropathy.

Most people take B vitamins for the reasons above, however, B vitamins also help men and women with estrogen metabolism. Specifically, the B vitamins help increase the formation of 2-hydroxyestrone (designated as 2-OH-E1 on your DUTCH test if you’ve ever taken that).

The 2-OH-E1 is a protective type of estrogen metabolite and again, B vitamins can help you create more of that.

Not all B Complex Vitamins are the same. Most of the supplements contain inactive precursor ingredients that your body has to activate before it even works. For example, pyridoxine is on the label of most B Complex supplements, but that isn’t active. You have to turn that into another compound “P5P” short for pyridoxal 5’ phosphate. Think of cyanocobalamin, it’s okay but methylcobalamin is methylated. That means it gets absorbed better.

Methylated B vitamins are beneficial for people who have a high demand for B vitamins, such as pregnant women, athletes, and regular people with certain health conditions like high homocysteine and fatigue. They also help people who are on a junk food diet, and those who have had gastric surgery. Always consult your practitioner before making changes to your vitamin regimen.