PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Garden State Hearing And Balance Center

Acommitment to patients, coupled with technology and value have set Garden State Hearing & Balance Center apart for years, with recent investments making the treatment of hearing loss and similar conditions more manageable than ever.

The practice, which has offices in Toms River, Manahawkin and Whiting, was the first in the United States to be Audigy-Certified, a testament to its adherence to the industry’s best practices that are required for certification.

“Any business that is Audigy-Certified, from a best practices standpoint, is in the top two to three percent in the country,” said Dr. Isidore Kirsh – commonly known as Dr. Izzy – founder and director of the practice, who holds a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) from the Union Institute & University.

The Center performs testing for patients with auditory processing disorders and testing for people who are suffering from tinnitus – ringing in the ears – as well as hearing loss and balance issues.

Dr. Kirsh’s practice includes state-of-the art equipment to evaluate hearing and balance issues, which are often related to inner ear disorders.

“Seventy percent of patients who complain of balance problems usually have an inner ear component,” Dr.

Kirsh said.

Hearing loss, unfortunately, often goes untreated since it is not painful and often not a priority for patients. But for the 40 million people who suffer from it, Dr. Kirsh explains, it is important that they seek diagnosis and treatment to improve their life and ensure good health.

“Over the last few years, there have been a lot of studies that show a relationship between untreated hearing loss and memory deficits such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, which means your susceptibility to obtaining these memory issues increases as a function of the hearing loss that you have,” Dr. Kirsh said.

With rare exception, the only way to help preserve your hearing is through a hearing aid –sometimes a stumbling block for patients who are self-conscious about wearing one. But technological improvements have led to the devices becoming virtually invisible, and more helpful than ever.

“They can be 100 percent invisible, they can have Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi capabilities,” Dr. Kirsh explained.

“You can stream a signal through your iPhone or your television, even movies and Broadway shows, right to your hearing aid. Most of today’s hearing aids are very inconspicuous, meaning the cosmetic issue is really not an issue anymore.”

Hearing aids also can have features such as GPS locator capability.

“The technology is improving significantly every year,” Dr. Kirsh said.

For patients, hearing aids can be financed interest free for 24 months, and Dr. Kirsh’s practice provides free battery replacements for life. Patients can also return a hearing aid during a 75 day trial period, during which time they return to Garden State Hearing &

Balance Center a minimum of three times to check on their progress.

“We don’t over schedule or double book, so people are generally seen on time,” said Dr. Kirsh.

The practice has thrived on accessibility for patients, investments in technology, and the easing of the financial aspect of treatment.

“We try to give people as much value as possible, and that really separates us from some of the other hearing care professionals out there,” Better hearing is a priceless gift! Dr. Kirsh said.

Leaders:

Continued From Page 1 year, Toms River and Jackson saw deeper cuts that were unexpected when Murphy put forward the state’s budget.

During a recent meeting of the Board of Commissioners, members unanimously passed a resolution criticizing the cuts to districts in Ocean County and the state as a whole by the New Jersey Department of Education for the 2023-24 school year.

The resolution raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the state formula that determines how much aid each district receives. It also noted that 16 districts will see state aid cuts, including drastic cuts to Toms River and Jackson, which will lose $14.4 million and $6.3 million respectively.

It was noted in the resolution that the cuts would negatively impact both the education of students and the amount of money local taxpayers will be asked to pay to fund education in the coming year and that the school districts may be forced to cut important educational and extracurricular programs due to lack of funds.

The state is enjoying a $10 billion budget surplus at the current time and most schools in urban counties and the state’s largest cities are benefitting from increased state aid. 10th District Senator James Holzapfel and Assemblymen Gregory McGuckin and John Catalano are asking Governor Murphy to fund all the state’s public school districts fairly and equitably.

Copies of the of the resolution were sent to Governor Murphy’s office as well as the 9th, 10th, 12th and 30th Legislative District offices and the 16 impacted school districts.

Director of the Board of Commissioners

Joseph Vicari spoke to Jersey Shore Online. com prior to the start of the meeting noting his prior years as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He served in Brick and Toms River for many years and later Berkeley Township.

Vicari said, “we did so many good things in Berkeley, full day kindergarten programs and in Brick where I started in 1969, we did a lot,” Vicari said. He had been a middle school teacher teaching history and English and later a supervisor and a principal of an (Leaders - See Page 20)

Real Estate

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Estate Sale

Contents of House Sale - Saturday, March 25 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 13 Sheffield Dr. Forked River, 08731. Everything can go. (15)

Personals

Partner Wanted - To open thrift store. Also need garage rental for storage. Leave message and number for call back 732-678-6786. (17)

For Sale

For Sale - $3000 or Best Offer: Two Grave Plots At Ocean County Memorial Park Toms River. Location: Garden Of Remembrance Grave 277 and 278 (Singles). Number Of Spaces: 2. We hold the deed, and this sale will be conducted at the Memorial Park's office in Toms River. All paperwork will be signed over to new owner's name immediately. If interested, please call 201-400-9433 leave message, all calls will be answered within an hour. (16)

House For Sale By Owner - Pheasant Run section of Forked River. Prime lot. Asking $350,000. For more info, 609-290-9702. (15)

Items For Sale

Top of Line - Pellet gun with scop 22cal. New. 732-350-0190. 10-shot magazine. (14)

Items - Washing machine; sofa and matching rocker/recliner; 3-piece oak sofa table set; kitchen table set; outdoor table, umbrella and chairs; gas grill; white bakers rack. All excellent condition. 732-998-1702 (15)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL-

RY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (17)

Wanted Storage Space - Long term non-commercial use. Jackson, Manchester or surrounding area. Electric a plus, 732-278-5098. (16)