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.

Arti cial 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 fi rst, 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.

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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.

Walmart’s Sensory Friendly Shopping Hours Commended

TOMS RIVER – Walmart, one of the world’s biggest retailers, got a shout out from the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari for showing its sensitivity to individuals with sensory disabilities, autism and sensory processing disorders.

“Walmart has expressed a deep interest to be inclusive when it announced that it would dim store lights weekly to provide sensory-friendly shopping hours,” Vicari said. “I want to commend Walmart stores and the staff for doing this.”

According to Walmart, in an attempt to create a more inclusive shopping experience during the back-to-school season, the retailer is holding sensory-friendly hours. The sensory-friendly hours will allow customers who have sensory disabilities, autism and sensory processing disorders the ability to shop in a quieter environment.

Local Walmarts are offering this service from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays through August.

Vicari said he would like to see more businesses follow this example.

“I am aware of some local restaurants that have begun to do this also,” Vicari said. He noted that the Ocean County Library system offers patrons sensory spaces at two of its branches – the main branch on Washington Street in Toms River, and the Jackson Township branch on Jackson Drive in Jackson Township.

Vicari, who is liaison to the library system, said the new Stafford Township branch of the Ocean County Library also will have a sensory room.

“This is an innovative approach to helping our citizens with autism and other challenges,” Vicari said. “The library sensory rooms serve as a centerpiece of our efforts to be all inclusive in the programs and services we provide at the library.”

“If we can provide a feeling of calm and well-being to our patrons, than we have helped make a true difference for them,” he said.

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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.

(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) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Wildlife Rescue 911 – A Frantic Mother Mallard In Garwood

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed

Wildlife Rehabilitator

It was an afternoon in August and the weather was hot and humid. I had just arrived home from work, changed my clothes and was ready to relax after my long day. No sooner did I sit down when the phone rang. It was a concerned resident calling about a mother mallard (duck) who realized her eight babies had disappeared down a storm drain. Once the young hatch they can feed themselves but need to fi nd water sources, such as a pond, lake, or river. Getting there can be challenging due to their small size and varying landscape of roadways, curbs, cars, grass and whatever else they encounter.

I quickly got dressed and headed over to the site. Did I mention that this was during rush hour?! Upon arrival, I noticed a police officer had arrived to help maintain traffic flow. The mother mallard was actively letting us know her concern by quacking and pacing along the curb. Babies were peeping, huddled together at the bottom of the drainage space. Using my fishing net on a pole, I began scooping up as many babies at a time, bringing them up to the surface. Each time the net went down, the ducklings would move in unison, away from it.

The babies were reunited with their mother and the family quickly proceeded on their journey to water. I found out afterwards that the mother had laid her eggs underneath a shrub across the street from where the babies became trapped down the storm drain. They barely began their travel when fate took them down to the bottom of the storm drain. This is a common occurrence when waterfowl (in this case, ducklings) are navigating their way to water. I recall an earlier rescue I made when fi nding a single duckling on a residential lawn. Obviously, it was separated from its family while attempting to get to water. I retrieved the baby and took it to a local rehabilitation facility so it could be raised with others and properly released.

To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Crisis Hotline Volunteers Needed

NEW JERSEY – Crisis Hotline Volunteers needed for CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties’ training beginning September 19 twice a week every Tuesday & Thursday for six weeks from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Training will be held in person at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. CONTACT is a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline that also provides information and referral to community resources. All calls are free, confi dential and anonymous. Training is free.

Become a voice to those in distress. Make a difference in your community! Call 732-240-6104 or email contact@ contactoceanmonmouth.org for additional information and registration.

e Calendar Girls

JERSEY SHORE – Looking for entertainment for your organization? The Calendar Girls – a Senior Performance Show which includes a Master of Ceremonies/ Comedian 12 tap/jazz dancers, plus two vocalists.

They provide their own music, along with their beautiful costumes in a one-hour show. They entertain for special events at senior expos, clubhouses, fundraisers and assisted living facilities. They are available for holiday performances. Also, they continually look for tap dancers to join their group.

For information or to book a show, call the booking agent Jean at 732-730-3539.