Dr. Izzy’s Sound News

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

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

Dr. Izzy’s Top OTC Hearing Aid For 2023

Over-the-counter hearing aids are designed for cognitively healthy adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who are able to clearly communicate feedback. Someone with mild hearing loss is able to hear some normal-volume speech but is unable to discern what’s being said. Someone with moderate hearing loss can barely hear or cannot hear speech at a normal conversational level. OTCs are only intended for adults not children. Many adults are seeking OTCs due to geographic location, time commitment, and transportation issues.

Financial constraints are another very common concern. Over 50% of those in need of hearing help have zero insurance coverage for hearing aids. The cost of prescription hearing aids varies from around $1,000 to $8000 per pair; the most expensive pair of OTC hearing aids is $6,000, but the average price was closer to $850.

In choosing the best OTC, the top six things you should look for is a) Trial period exceeding 30 days, b) Bluetooth Capabilities, c) 3 yr. warranty including loss/damage, d) adjustable APP to change volume, multiple listening programs, and GPS to locate the hearing aid if lost, e) no interest payment plans for at least 12 months and f) follow-up care.

In Dr. Izzy’s opinion, the best OTC on the market is the Jabra Enhance Select 100 or Select 200 models. These models used to be called Lively Plus and Lively Pro, respectively which is basically a GN Resound product. Both products offer a 100-day trial period, 3-year warranty including L & D, Bluetooth streaming, intuitive app, rechargeability, and multiple sound modes. If you purchase the Premium package, the Jabra Enhance Select 100 costs $1,695 and the Jabra Enhance Select 200 costs $1,995 (with 12- to 36-month payment plans available); the price includes three years of access to follow-up care.

There are several downfalls to selecting any type of OTC, including the Jabra Enhance. First and most importantly, you are taking an “online hearing test” which is not as accurate as being tested in a calibrated Sound Booth. Secondly, there is no bone-conduction testing performed for any online hearing test and the purpose of bone-conduction testing is to rule out any middle ear involvement such as middle ear fluid, TM perforation, middle ear tumor, Otosclerosis, etc. Third, you cannot perform otoscopic examination of the ears online so you could have impacted wax and the online test would not be accurate. In terms of the actual fit of the Jabra product, there are up to 5 different receiver/wire lengths and at least 6 different dome sizes. It is quite likely that the fit of the product will not be optimal unless you actually see a hearing care professional which defeats the purpose of the OTC model. Finally, all of the support is “remote” and quite often this approach is not very effective for the senior population which requires a lot of in person support.

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

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!

Motorcyclist Injured In Route 70 Crash

By Alyssa Riccardi

MANCHESTER – A motorcyclist was injured in a crash on Route 70 that occurred in the early morning hours of July 27, police said.

Around 2:11 a.m., officers and EMS responded to the accident just west of the intersection of County Route 571 (Ridgeway Rd.), near the entrance to the Colby Commons shopping center.

According to police, 36-year-old Collin Boyle of Manchester was traveling west bound on Route 70 in a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country when he attempted to turn left in front of a motorcycle to gain entrance into the plaza.

The motorcyclist, 54-year-old Geoffrey Hawkins of Brick, was traveling east on Route 70 prior to the crash.

As a result, Hawkins suffered several injuries including a head injury. He was transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester EMS for further treatment of his injuries. Boyle refused medical treatment at the scene.

Police said Hawkins was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing.

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Dermatographia, Causes, Risk Factors And 5 Potential Treatments

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Last week, one of our readers reached out with a puzzling skin condition that left her feeling physically uncomfortable and emotionally drained. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was an allergic reaction to a new supplement or food, making the situation even more frustrating. Today, let’s shed some light on this intriguing skin disorder known as dermatographia.”

This is a condition in which the skin becomes overly sensitive to touch or pressure, and when scratched or stroked, it raises in a red, itchy welt or hive-like reaction.

Sometimes you’ll see it referred to as the “skin writing” disease because of it’s name. The name “dermatographia” comes from the Greek words “derma” (skin) and “graphos” (writing), which describes the characteristic of the skin being able to display a visible reaction when it is scratched or written on. Dermatographia is a relatively common skin condition, affecting approximately 3 percent of the population worldwide. It has to do with mast cells which dump out histamine. They become hypersensitive, and release histamine when your skin is scratched, or pressure is put upon it. Lately a couple of case studies suggest that in sensitive people, the covid booster shot may increase risk for dermatographia, and it could even occur as a delayed reaction weeks later.

Symptoms can vary widely among individuals, ranging from mild redness to more pronounced raised welts resembling hives. Apart from scratching or pressure, dermatographia can also be triggered by emotional stress, heat, or certain fabrics coming into contact with the skin. Research suggests that there may be a correlation between NSAIDs as well as one of the flu shots. Drug reactions aren’t the only factor.

Organisms are sometimes associated with dermatographia, for example H. pylori as well as some yeast and fungi. This speaks to the need of eating right, and supporting yourself with a probiotic.

5 Potential Treatments and Ways To Manage Dermatographia:

1. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can help reduce histamine release and alleviate the symptoms of dermatographia. Natural ones like DHQ, Vitamin C, or Quercetin could help.

2. Topical Steroids: Corticosteroid creams or ointments can be applied to the affected skin to reduce inflammation and itching. Hydrocortisone would be an easy-to-find affordable tube of help!

3. Avoid Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers such as scratching, pressure, emotional stress, and certain fabrics can help manage the condition.

4. Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the affected area can help soothe itching and inflammation.

5. Immunosuppressive Medications: Something like a low-dose steroid could help. These require prescription.

In conclusion, dermatographia is a unique skin condition that affects a significant percentage of the population worldwide. I have a longer version of this article posted at my website in case you’re interested. The condition arises from an exaggerated release of histamine when the skin experiences pressure or scratching. While it might look alarming and red, dermatographia is typically harmless and poses no significant medical risk. See a dermatologist for proper treatment.