Dr. Izzy’s Sound News

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

Hearing Aids And Water

By now, you’ve probably heard that there are waterproof hearing aids. This is true, and they’re an amazing technological advancement, but most devices are only water resistant. This is made possible by a moisture-repellent nano-coating. It’s helpful but not impenetrable. Here are some tips to protect your tech from water damage: Want more advice on how to protect your investment in better hearing? Call us today — we’re HEAR to help! This may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind while wearing and caring for your devices, but the precautions are worth it. Over time, exposure to moisture can corrode the delicate electronics and shorten their lifespan. By doing what you can to keep them dry, you’ll save on repairs, replacements, and premature upgrades.

Avoid Moisture Altogether Remember to take your devices out of your ears before showering, hitting the pool, or getting into the hot tub. Be sure to store them in their own secure case rather than in a pocket or purse. The safest risk is the one you don’t take.

Wipe Them Down Wiping your devices daily with a clean, dry cloth helps clear moisture and debris. Audiowipes can be purchased from your hearing healthcare professional which is even a better option than using a dry cloth. This is especially important during the colder months when

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

condensation is more likely to form.

Use Hearing Aid Covers These can help protect your devices from water splashes, sweat, humidity, dust, and dirt.

Try a Hearing Aid Dryer or Dehumidifier

This small appliance not only dries and sanitizes your devices as you sleep but can also double as their regular storage container. Hearing aids should be dried every night. Many rechargeable hearing aids incorporate a dehumidifier built into the charging unit. Keep a Hat on Hand You never know when an unexpected rain shower might crash your outdoor fun. Having a spare hat can help keep the rain off you as well as your hearing aids.

Act Quickly If the worst happens and your hearing aids get soaked, thoroughly dry them and call your audiologist — don’t put them in a bag of rice!

This may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind while wearing and caring for your devices, but the precautions are worth it. Over time, exposure to moisture can corrode the delicate electronics and shorten their lifespan. By doing what you can to keep them dry, you’ll save on repairs, replacements, and premature upgrades.

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer all of your hearing care questions. They can be reached at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/ Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

Finding Relief: 10 Ways To Treat Hot Flashes

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause, affecting up to 75% of women. The frequency and severity of hot flashes can vary widely among women, with some experiencing only a few per year and others experiencing several per day. Some women, including myself, never even get one!

Your risk for them increases with family history, smoking, obesity, adrenal conditions, stress, and the use of certain medications.

Hormones are the mainstay. I think a common mistake women make is taking hormones equivalent to those produced by a 20-year-old woman when they are 60 years old, for example. I don’t think ‘industrial size’ hormone doses should be given to older women! I’ll share more about bioidentical hormones and HRT later on in this article.

Here are the 10 best things you can take to relieve hot flashes:

1. Black cohosh: This herb has been used for centuries. Black cohosh may work by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to regulate body temperature.

2. Red clover: Red clover is a plant that contains phytoestrogens, compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Some studies have suggested that red clover may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

3. Sage: This herbal option may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes due to it’s cooling effect on the body.

4. Evening primrose oil: This oil contains a fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid

(GLA). Some studies have suggested that taking evening primrose oil supplements may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

5. Flaxseed: It contains lignans, which may help balance hormone levels and reduce hot flashes. Flaxseed can be added to a variety of foods or consumed in supplement form.

6. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant and taking vitamin E supplements may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in some women.

7. B complex: Methylated B vitamins play a role in hormone regulation and may help reduce stress, which can trigger hot flashes.

8. Ginseng: Ginseng is an herb that has been traditionally used for menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. Some studies have suggested that ginseng may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

9. Maca root: Maca is a plant th at grows in the Andes Mountains and has been used traditionally for hormone balancing.

10. Bioidentical hormones are a type of HRT, and in my opinion, are the best option for hot flashes because they are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced naturally in your body. This option requires a prescription from a hormone expert. Bioidentical hormones are available in many dosage forms including creams and pills.

Everything I’ve listed has pros and cons so make sure you experiment and talk to a doctor about your options. If you like this topic, I have a longer version of this article posted on my website, suzycohen.com.