Dr. Izzy’s

•

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

Over-The-Counter (OTCs) Hearing Aids Revisited

Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published final rules establishing a new class of hearing devices — those available over the counter (OTC). Though specific to the United States, the new category may understandably spark questions for anybody seeking hearing care.

What does it mean for you? More than ever, it’s important to seek hearing help from a trained hearing care professional. Hearing loss is complex, and self-treating could worsen an existing problem. Working with a highly trained provider can help you make safe, effective decisions for your ear health.

Here’s What Else You Should Know… OTC Hearing Aids Are for Adults Only

The new class of FDA-regulated hearing instruments are approved only for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are not available for children and might not align with one’s actual hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived.

The Right Fit Plays a Big Role To maximize comfort and functionality, hearing aids must be custom fitted to each individual and programmed to support their listening lifestyle. Hearing professionals are espe-

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

cially skilled in helping ensure the right fit now and in the future as your hearing needs change.

You May Need Other Support Hearing loss can go hand in hand with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or balance issues and is also associated with serious conditions such as dementia. A comprehensive hearing evaluation may help uncover additional care needs that self-treating would likely not detect.

Self-Treatment Bypasses Critical Diagnostics It takes a trained professional to get to the bottom of hearing loss, which can have causes ranging from earwax buildup to head trauma, noise exposure, infection, disease, or even some medications. Self treating without the benefit of a diagnostic evaluation can mean missing key answers.

In a world of choices, deciding the right approach for your hearing wellness can feel overwhelming. Remember, price is only an issue in the absence of value! We’re here to help with the personalized advice and care you deserve. So, don’t wait. Call to schedule your appointment today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff can be reached at 732-818=3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

The 5 Most Common Causes Of Hematuria And When To See A Doctor

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The sudden appearance of pink-colored urine in your toilet can be very alarming, but the color you see depends on the amount of blood present and the concentration of the urine. Hematuria is the term which refers to the presence of blood in the urine.

The color may be pink, red or brownish in more serious cases. Usually, the intensity is a light pink tinge. It may also appear murky or cloudy. Most cases of hematuria are called “microscopic” and that just means that a lab needs to identify the presence of blood cells because you don’t see any color changes in the urine. So, in most cases, where it’s mild, your urine will appear totally normal in color - as in yellow!

Other than seeing hematuria (if you can even see it), there are other ways to evaluate yourself, such as simple urine tests (like a urinalysis or UA) or urine cytology. Additional diagnostic tests, such as imaging scans or cystoscopy, may be performed to further evaluate the urinary tract. But it usually starts with a UA, or what you might call a “pee test.” Here are the 5 most common causes for hematuria:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections of the urinary tract, such as bladder or kidney infections, can lead to hematuria. Other accompanying symptoms may include frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.

2. Kidney Stones: These are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. When the stones pass through the urinary tract, they can cause bleeding, resulting in hematuria. The pain associated with kidney stones is severe and localized in your back or side.

3. Bladder or Kidney Infections: Also termed cystitis, or pyelonephritis, an infection causes inflammation and irritation, leading to hematuria. Symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen or back, frequent urination, and fever.

4. Urinary Tract Obstruction: Obstruction in the urinary tract, like kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate gland, can cause hematuria. The blockage disrupts normal urine flow, leading to increased pressure and potential bleeding

5. Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants) like aspirin or warfarin, can increase the risk of bleeding and result in hematuria.

When I worked in long-term care facilities, we saw a lot of patients develop hematuria. The most common cause in them was a UTI (urinary tract infection). I also saw patients on prescribed blood thinners develop hematuria, however, UTIs were more common.

A lot of times, physicians will say hematuria comes with aging, but I disagree. This condition isn’t solely attributed to becoming a senior. I’d push for a complete evaluation that starts with a UA, and basic blood tests. So when should you see a doctor? Definitely if you notice any changes to the color of your urine, or if you develop pelvic pain or pressure. I have a longer version of this article at my website, suzycohen.com