Sound News

from 2023-07-29 - The Manchester Times

by Jersey Shore Online

ARounD the JeRsey shoRe Ice Worlds At Robert J. Novins Planetarium

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

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

Rechargeable Versus Battery Operated Hearing Aids

The majority of my patients (80%) prefer the convenience of not having to replace batteries every 3-7 days along with opening and closing the battery door on a daily basis. The newer lithium-ion batteries will typically give you 20 hours of charge and you should rarely run out of charge while wearing the hearing aids throughout the day. You will have the option of choosing either a “standard” charger or “premium” charger. Always choose the premium charge because if you lose electricity in your home, the charger has a 2-3-day reserve charge. Rechargeable hearing aids are extremely moisture resistant so sweating is generally not an issue. For many years, those individuals wearing hearing aids with disposable batteries were subject to moisture seeping into the battery door and corroding the inside of the battery door and eventually screwing up the circuit. These issues are practically eliminated with rechargeable hearing aids. Some individuals with severe to profound hearing losses still require the use of “large” 675 batteries, although there are some high powered rechargeable BTEs. For experiencing hearing aid users who have been wearing hearing aids for many years, they may continue to replace their batteries on a weekly basis. For those that travel frequently, having to lug around a “charger” in the suitcase may not be preferred to have a few packs of 312 hearing aid batteries.

In my opinion, the vast majority should consider switching over to rechargeable hearing aid systems for improved reliability and cost savings in not having to purchase batteries all of the time.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to answer your questions about hearing health care issues. Please feel free to contact us at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or Manahawkin (609-978-8946).

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!

Thyroid Support Group

WHITING – Thyroid Support Group will meet on August 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. Information and support for thyroid issues will be shared. If you need directions, call the church office at 732-350-2121 on Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call the Facilitator Stefanie at 732-350-2904.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The Anatomy And Function Of The Thyroid Gland - A Pharmacist’s Perspective

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

I used to have hypothyroidism about 15 years ago, and I fixed myself. Ever since I’ve been okay! It dawned on me today while talking with a neighbor that she actually has hypothyroidism too, but her lab tests are considered normal for the most part, so today, let’s dive into the remarkable thyroid gland. It’s a small but powerful player in our overall health. Located just below the Adam’s apple and resembling a butterfly, the thyroid gland measures only about 2 inches in length but carries significant responsibilities. It acts as a conductor, harmonizing various bodily functions and regulating your metabolism. It helps you feel warm and plays a role in hair and nail growth. If you have hypothyroidism, you will not be able to lose weight no matter how hard you try.

Named for its shield-like shape, the thyroid gland was studied and described in medical literature for centuries. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that its role in metabolism was confirmed. The thyroid gland secretes hormones like Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), and Calcitonin.

T3 and T4 control our metabolic rate, influencing everything from heart rate to calorie burning. If you often feel cold, you may be low in thyroid hormone. When these hormones are balanced, we feel energetic, our metabolism functions optimally, and our hair, eyebrows, and nails grow beautifully. Imbalances can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Worse, if left untreated, hypothyroidism may contribute to OCD, depression, anx- iety and brain fog. These conditions will get treated with psychiatric medications instead of what’s really needed, natural thyroid hormone replacement!

The thyroid gland is part of the larger endocrine system, closely coordinated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Together, they form the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, which maintains thyroid hormone levels. Disruptions to this axis can result in thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism, characterized by reduced thyroid function, can cause fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, results from the overproduction of thyroid hormone and may lead to rapid heart rate, weight loss, and feeling hot. Trouble is that a TSH lab test won’t usually detect this. I can tell you exactly what tests with resources provided at my website suzycohen.com.

Understanding the thyroid gland’s anatomy and function is crucial for managing all sorts of signs and symptoms in your body. As a thyroid thriver, I’ve become a bit of a warrior to help others find the root cause of their problems when lab tests don’t! You probably know about my best-selling book on Amazon called “Thyroid Healthy” which is intended to help you navigate this condition and find appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, the thyroid gland is a small but essential part of our body. Its optimal function contributes to our overall well-being. So, let’s take care of this little butterfly-shaped powerhouse in our neck and appreciate its tireless efforts in keeping us at our best.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2023 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.