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.

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!

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Holiday City Berkeley, Jamaica Boulevard/Barbados Drive, Berkeley Township, Ocean County, New Jersey may have aquatic pesticides applied on or between 12 August 2023 and 11 September 2023 for aquatic vegetation control with ClipperSC (flumioxazin), and/or Aquathol K (endothall), and/ or Tribune (diquat dibromide) and/or CaptainXTR (copper), Cutrine Ultra (copper), Navigate (2,4-D), and/or ProcellaCOR EC (florpyrauxifen-benzl), and/or RenovateMAXG (2,4-D + triclopyr), and/or SonarOne (fluridone) by boat or ground equipment by Princeton Hydro, LLC (NJDEP #97186A), 35 Clark Street, Trenton, NJ 08611. There may be an irrigation/watering restriction for up to 30-45 days following the application of SonarOne, Navigate, and Renovate MAXG. There may be a 3-45 day irrigation/ watering restriction following the application of Tribune and ClipperSC. Upon request, the pesticide applicator or applicator business shall provide a resident with notification at least 12 hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions necessitate pesticide applications sooner than that time. Emergency Information, contact NJ Poison Information and Education System 800-222-1222, National Pesticide Information Center 800-858-7378 for routine health inquiries, information about signs/symptoms of pesticide exposure, Pesticide Control Program 609-984-6666 “This number is for pesticide regulation information, pesticide complaints and health referrals”. Other information contact Tyler, Princeton Hydro, LLC, Senior Field Operations Manager 908-237-5660.

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

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.

Spots Remain For Cybersecurity Camp At OCC

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has room for 11 more students for session two of its Cybersecurity Camp which includes round-trip transportation from Toms River high schools. The program is open to high school students and is first come, first serve.

Interested in Hacking? A career in Cybersecurity? Protecting organizations, employees, and assets from cyber threats?

The GenCyber Safe camp creates a fun and educational experience for high school campers. Campers have five days of fun, highly interactive activities, led by experienced cybersecurity and telecom professionals using Ocean County College’s Cybersecurity curriculum and facilities. The college is a National Cybersecurity

Education and Training (NCyTE) member institution, and CompTIA Security+ and EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker Academia Partner.

Campers develop an improved sense of Cybersecurity practices for their devices, an elevated awareness of GenCyber Security Principles and Concepts, and exposure to the disciplines and career opportunities in the emerging field of information security professionals. They will be challenged to think securely and to stay GenCyber Safe through their lives.

The camp serves as an inroad to higher education and a career pathway for high school students who may otherwise be unfamiliar with the academic and professional opprotunities that an understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals can open for them.

The camp sessions are free thanks to a national grant, but are first come, first served. If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend the camp, please let us know so that we can move up a child from our waiting list.

Students must be in high school (grades 8-12) in order to participate in this camp. Camp runs August 7 through 11. For more information or to register, visit campsoncampusocc.coursestorm.com/course/gencyber-safe-youth-camp.

Packing House Tour At Double Trouble

BAYVILLE – Join a village historian for a guided tour of the historic Double Trouble Cranberry Sorting and Packing House as you hear stories of this former company town. Starts at 11 a.m. in front of the packing house on July 29. Held sun or drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels. Ages 8 and up. No pets. Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before program start.

Registration requested at DoubleTrouble.eventbrite.com. Groups of 10 or more people must contact us directly to inquire about arrangements for a tour at least one month before desired date. For additional information call 732-341-4098.

Memorial Garden For Pets

WHITING – Memorial Garden for Pets is now available for the cremains of your beloved pets at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. Call the Church Office at 732-350-2121 on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for details.