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.

Artificial Intelligence In Hearing Aids

Artificial intelligence (AI) is all over the news. Even hearing aids are getting solid press for AI advancements. It might sound like science fiction — but AI has been available in hearing aids for a long time.

Humble Beginnings. In 2006, the Centra hearing device hit the market. It included machine learning — your hearing aids learned how you adjusted a setting called gain (the level of sound boost needed). After a couple of weeks, your hearing aids would automatically set the gain to your preferences.

Fine-Tuning Abounds. At first, gain adjustments affected all sound output equally. But tech advancements let you adjust different parts of the sound spectrum — and your hearing aids would learn your preferences for each. You had to do this for each program on your device. Then hearing aids were developed that learned your sound preferences and set them accordingly across all your programs.

Beyond Programming. Now, developers are trying to reduce reliance on distinct programs. One breakthrough, the deep-neural-network model — mimicking how your brain processes sound — constantly adapts to your environment, improving speech in background noise and listening comfort. Hearing aid manufacturer’s such as Oticon and Starkey utilize this deep neural network model.

The Next Horizon. Today’s hearing aids have embraced AI: One hearing aid combines nextgen machine learning with direct wearer input to optimize settings. Another keeps speech clear amid noise without sacrificing enjoyable sounds, like birdsong. Still a third has a wellness tracker, fall sensor that notifies loved ones, and digital personal assistant. As you can see, hearing aids have used AI for a long time to improve your well-being, hearing and otherwise.

Ready to see how AI can help your hearing? Contact Garden State Hearing & Balance Center at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstate hearing.com.

Chlorinated Pools Vs. Ocean Water: 6 Things To Know For Skin Health

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Here in Colorado, they open our community pool in late May and it stays open for swimming until September. I only go swimming there a couple of times during the season, however, I use my hot tub pretty routinely, especially in the winter when it’s cold or snowy.

Exposure to the chlorinated hot tub makes my skin very dry, and sometimes itchy and “pruney.”

Today, I thought it would be fun to take a look into the effects of chlorine exposure and compare that to beach water since I went swimming in Cancun recently but had to get out almost immediately due to the sargassum seaweed.

Most swimming pools rely on chlorine as a robust disinfectant, keeping the water free from harmful bacteria and providing us with a relatively germ-free swimming experience. Chlorine very quickly strips away the natural oils that protect the skin, leading to dryness, dehydration, and sometimes an itchy, flaky texture.

On the other end of the spectrum, the vast, open waters of the ocean provide a different swimming experience. Historically, saltwater has been used therapeutically for its healing properties. But the high salt concentration can cause also dehydration and dryness.

Just like chlorine, the worsening of eczema and psoriasis is due to the disruption of the skin’s barrier function. That is after all the skin’s #1 job, to provide a barrier between the environment and the inside of you!

Certain seaweeds, like sargassum, present unique challenges and again, I can tell you that firsthand. It wasn’t horrible, but it was sweeping against my legs constantly so while in Cancun, I pretty much stayed out of the water!

Navigating the aquatic terrain can be tricky, so here’s how to enjoy swimming and offset the potential problems:

1. Always rinse thoroughly after a swim. In many hotels, and certainly, at home, you should take a quick shower after your hot tub or pool event.

2. Hydrate your skin using a lightweight moisturizer.

3. Monitor any changes in your skin condition because if you’ve been swimming in a pool that does not have enough chlorine you will notice the rash, bumps, or redness pretty quickly and you can then receive treatment before it becomes full-blown.

4. If you live near the beach and you’re an ocean swimmer, avoid swimming in areas with sargassum seaweed. It’s mainly on the beaches that are Atlantic side.

5. If you’re prone to dry skin or itchiness, try a good skin care supplement that will provide skin-loving probiotics that are healing and soothing. I custom-formulated such a product called DermaScript.

6. There’s the problem of premature aging due to the sun’s UVA/UVB rays. Always wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself.

With a touch of care and a splash of awareness, you can have the best of both water worlds. Happy swimming! If this topic interests you, you can read the longer, comprehensive article posted at suzycohen.com.

DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.