Author: Hearing Doctors of NJ

Why Real Ear Measurements are so Important

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date August 6, 2020
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When treating hearing loss, it is crucial that your hearing aids properly fit and are tailored to meet your needs. One of the most important parts of this process is performing real ear measurements, which allows your audiologist to program your new hearing aids to best suit your needs. While this should be a commonplace practice, only 30% of hearing aid practices perform real ear measurements. To get the best possible results, it is important to visit an experienced audiologist who will take this step to improve your hearing.

What are Real Ear Measurements?

Real ear measurements ensure that your hearing aids are properly programmed according to your prescription for your hearing loss. By taking real ear measurements, your audiologist adjusts the programming of your hearing aids from the manufacturer so that it matches your hearing needs.

Why are Real Ear Measurements Necessary?

Hearing aids are programmed by the manufacturer to meet hearing needs as closely as possible, but the unique shape and size of each patients’ ears affects hearing as well. Real ear measurements allow your audiologist to adjust the frequency and intensity of the hearing aids according to your unique size and shape of your ear, creating a more custom fit for your hearing loss.

You can think of this process like a vision test. Rather than offering several glasses and asking you to pick the best one, your optometrist carefully adjusts your prescription and asks for your feedback before arriving at a solution specified for your needs. By taking real ear measurements, your audiologist similarly creates a customized, accurate fit for your hearing aids.

How are Real Ear Measurements Taken?

During real-ear measurements, a thin probe microphone is inserted into the ear canal alongside the hearing aid. The audiologist obtains readings of the exact sound levels the user is receiving from the hearing aid while listening to various recorded speech samples. Using specialized software, the audiologist is able to adjust the hearing aid settings to ensure a customized, accurate fit and guarantee that all speech sounds are now audible.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are frustrated that you have to say “what” often or feel that your current hearing aids are not working properly, you should schedule an appointment with Hearing Doctors of New Jersey. Call our Livingston office at (973) 577-4100 or request your appointment online.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Hearing Aids Hearing Challenges

How Hearing Aids Can Reduce Your Risk of Dementia

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date August 6, 2020
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There are a number of reasons that hearing aids can help— they can improve your quality of life, help you maintain your relationships, and even improve your mental health. But did you know that hearing aids can also help prevent some health concerns later in life? Most people who experience hearing loss wait as many as ten years before opting for treatment with hearing aids. By this time, you can experience irreversible problems with your physical and mental health, so it’s important to act early. Here are some ways hearing aids can help your health and your cognitive function as you discuss your best options with your Doctor of Audiology.

The link between hearing loss and dementia

One recent study, which followed almost 3,800 people for 25 years, found that elderly people who experienced hearing loss but did not use hearing aids were at a higher risk for dementia. It also found that using hearing aids eliminated this heightened risk. This can be attributed to the fact that hearing loss prevents you from participating in activities that can help slow cognitive decline. This is exciting news that confirms the link between your brain’s health and your hearing— and means you can take tangible steps in preventing the development of dementia early on.

What causes dementia?

We have a lot to learn about what exactly causes dementia— what we do know is that it’s a catch-all term for abnormal changes to the brain’s cells. This affects your ability to think, function, and have healthy behaviors, feelings, and relationships. There are many different types of dementia and they are most often progressive, meaning it worsens over time. We also know that there are many different factors that can contribute to the progression of dementia and that there are some ways to help prevent it.

How can hearing aids help?

The biggest benefit that comes with hearing aids is staying cognitively and mentally fit. Because hearing loss can negatively affect so many different aspects of your life, hearing aids can help improve many different aspects of your life. Hearing loss can affect your ability to participate in social interactions, your favorite activities, and relationships that are important to you. When these things suffer, it can negatively affect your mental health and cognitive function over the long term. It can also affect your physical health when it is difficult to lead an active lifestyle, leading to certain types of dementia. When your brain stays active, it can better maintain its function, which is integral to preventing cognitive decline.

How can Hearing Doctors of New Jersey help?

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we focus on custom, crafted hearing solutions. Our Doctors of Audiology follow our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™ in hearing aid selection, verification, and fitting so that you never miss another word – guaranteed.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are frustrated that you have to say “what” often or feel that your current hearing aids are not working properly, you should schedule an appointment with Hearing Doctors of New Jersey. To get started, we invite you to contact our Livingston office by calling or filling out our online form.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Hearing Challenges

“What did you say?” Face masks, hearing loss, and reading lips.

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date June 11, 2020
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It goes without saying that over the past few months, everyone’s lives have changed dramatically. Our social interactions have become much more limited. But hearing and being heard is still incredibly critical to our well-being. People want to see other people and are finding innovative ways to do so. FaceTime and Zoom calls with family and friends have become commonplace. But I cannot help but think about those family and friends who struggle to hear. Communication is challenging when you miss part of what is being said.

Resuming to a “New Normal”

Now that the world is slowly beginning to “open up” and life is resuming to a “new normal”, I cannot help but think about those who have difficulty hearing. To be around others, we now have to remain 6 feet apart and wear face masks. Those who have hearing difficulty have unique challenges today. When you cover your mouth, it is harder to hear and understand what is being said. I’ve seen wonderful posts online of people wearing pins that explain they have hearing loss and face masks that have a plastic panel to help people read lips (we just ordered some for our office!!). These simple measures can help others so much to hear and be heard.

If you know someone who is struggling to hear during these times, please consider encouraging them to get the help they need now. One of the most common things patients say when they finally get hearing aids is, “I can’t believe that I waited this long to get the help I need. It really wasn’t a big deal and now I can finally hear!” Communication struggles are real, especially now.

Customized Hearing Solutions for You

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey we strive to find customized solutions for you, your family and friends so they can hear to their fullest potential. Call us today to schedule your appointment. Do not put off what you can do today to live your fullest life and remain connected to others around you. Hear and be heard.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Hearing Loss

Don’t Ignore Hearing Loss.

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date June 4, 2020
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Don’t let hearing loss hurt your relationships

It’s frustrating when you can’t hear everything being said to you — and not just for you.

Not hearing well may make it hard to keep up with friends and family. After a while, you might start feeling excluded from conversations because you have trouble hearing what’s being said.

That may make you feel alone. But you’re not alone. About 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Aging. That number climbs with older age.

If people don’t know you’re having a hard time hearing, they may assume you’re uninterested, confused, or irritable. That may create problems in your relationships and leave you and others feeling angry or frustrated.

That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about hearing loss. In many cases, a hearing aid may help. Or there may be other reasons for your hearing loss — reasons that could be treated.

Hiding hearing loss from the ones who love you is never a good idea. Instead, try these tips for staying in the conversation:

Let people know you have a hearing problem.
Ask them to face you and speak clearly and slowly.
Let them know if you didn’t catch what they said.
Look for quieter places to talk.
Pay attention. It’s easier to understand missed words when you know the context of the conversation.

Instead of withdrawing, turn to your loved ones for help if you’re experiencing hearing loss. Chances are, they want to support you through this.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Sources: American Geriatrics Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging

Local Services

Hearing Loss Treatments in South Orange, NJ

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date May 1, 2020
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Hearing Doctors of New Jersey is dedicated to your overall health and well-being with comprehensive hearing loss treatments and treatment for ear conditions or injuries. Our Livingston office is easily accessible to patients in South Orange and the following areas. Our Doctors of Audiology have years of training and experience and we are dedicated to helping our patients develop the best course of treatment for their hearing health.

Adult Hearing Assessment in South Orange, NJ

A hearing assessment is much more than a hearing test in South Orange. During your hearing assessment, one of our Doctors of Audiology will discuss your overall health history to determine the root cause of your hearing loss. A hearing test will be performed along with a test that looks at how the ear reacts to different pressure degrees. An audiogram, or graph created during your hearing test, is used to see where the hearing loss is coming from. A QuickSIN test can also be performed to determine the best type of hearing aid for you.

Pediatric Hearing Test in South Orange, NJ

Our Doctors of Audiology also offer hearing assessments for children in South Orange. Although hearing loss is typically associated with old age, children can be born with poor hearing or develop hearing loss early on. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects (congenital disorder). Ear infections or other conditions and injuries can also result in pediatric hearing loss.

Hearing Aids in South Orange, NJ

At our office, we offer a wide range of hearing aids with cutting-edge technology designed to maximize your level of restored hearing. Hearing aids are small electronic devices that consist of a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. They sit behind or in the ear to directly send amplified sounds to the ears. We rely on reputable hearing aid manufacturers like Oticon, Starkey, Widex, Phonak, and ReSound.

Hearing Aid Repairs in South Orange, NJ

If your hearing aid stops working, it can sometimes be easily repaired at our office. Before making an appointment, we encourage you to make sure it is charged and turned on properly and that the volume was not adjusted accidentally. If there is visible damage, we may suggest a hearing aid replacement since it can be more costly to repair. A new hearing aid will also have brand new technology that won’t need repair for a long time.

Hearing Aid Fittings in South Orange, NJ

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, so it is helpful to have the expert advice of a Doctor of Audiology when deciding on a hearing aid. Various hearing aid styles include:

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC): virtually undetectable with great noise-canceling technology
Completely-in-Canal (CIC): easily concealed but has greater control with an external switch
In-the-Canal (ITC): a custom, molded fit that won’t get in the way of eyeglasses or an active lifestyle
In-the-Ear (ITE): custom, molded fit that is the easiest to wear and remove
Reciever-in-Canal (RIC): lightweight, comfortable, flexible fitting range with Bluetooth features and rechargeable batteries
Behind-the-Ear (BTE): advanced technology like Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and remote adjustments via Telehealth

Central Auditory Processing Evaluation in South Orange, NJ

Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) causes distorted signals to the ears, causing inhibited hearing. CAPD is sometimes difficult to diagnose, especially in children, because symptoms seem like a cognitive disorder or learning disability like ADD or ADHD. The distorted signals make it difficult to concentrate, understand spoken words, and follow directions. Treatment options like low-gain amplification can help your child be more engaged in school and other social environments.

H.E.A.R. Method Treatment Program

The H.E.A.R. Method Treatment Program is our comprehensive approach to hearing healthcare. Treating your hearing loss is a form of preventative medicine that can prevent symptoms of ear injuries from worsening. Early treatment is always best, so we encourage you to schedule a hearing assessment immediately when you start noticing changes to your hearing, even if the changes are subtle.

The H.E.A.R. Method Treatment Program includes lifetime hearing loss coverage at a fixed cost, a lifetime warranty, and an advanced-technology hearing solution. We can target any of your hearing loss, tinnitus, or cognitive needs.

Schedule a Hearing Test in South Orange, NJ

If you need a hearing test or other hearing treatments, schedule an appointment today at the Hearing Doctors of New Jersey. We look forward to helping you get back to the things you love with a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.

About South Orange, NJ

South Orange, NJ, is located just outside Newark in Essex County. The South Orange Village gives residents and visitors a small-town feel and there are many historic sites, including Prospect Street Historic District, Montrose Park Historic District, and the Old Stone House which was build in the 1600s. Unique to South Orange are the gas-lit streetlamps. South Orange is one of few communities in the United States to still use gas lights and they stand as a historic symbol of this residential town.

Hearing Aids

6 Hearing Aid Myths & Facts

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date April 1, 2020

Most people don’t think about hearing aids until they need them. This means that there can be a lot of misconceptions when it comes to hearing aids and how they can help optimize your hearing health. The truth is that hearing aids are constantly innovating and changing at a rapid pace, meaning it can be hard to keep up with what’s fact and what’s fiction when deciding on your options. As you work with your Doctor of Audiology, here’s what to know about hearing aids and what they can do for you.

Myth #1: Hearing aids are only for old people

Although most people have a picture in their head of hearing aids that are ancient, loud, and feedback constantly, modern hearing aids actually come with some extremely sophisticated technology that young people can take advantage of. Things like Bluetooth® connectivity, AI adjustment, and even direct streaming from your devices means that you can integrate hearing aids with your lifestyle— and even enhance it!

Myth #2: Hearing aids are big and unwieldy

There are plenty of different types of hearing aids, and not all of them are big or stand out. Some types of hearing aids can be completely concealed inside your ear, and even the bigger models come in different colors and can be accessorized. Modern hearing aids can be a stylish part of your look.

Myth #3: Hearing aids are only for people with advanced hearing loss

Hearing aids can be helpful at all stages of hearing loss— and they can even be more helpful in the early stages by helping to preserve your hearing. The truth is that hearing ability and cognitive function are intimately linked, meaning getting hearing aids during the early stages of hearing loss is an integral part of maintaining your health.

Myth #4: Hearing aids are unaffordable

Although the cost of hearing aids reflects the sophisticated technology used to make them, that doesn’t mean they’re out of budget for most people. There are more options than ever for hearing aids like financing, payment plans, and organizations dedicated to helping people afford hearing aids. Additionally, many hearing aids come with manufacturer warranties that can help offset the cost of things like maintenance and batteries.

Myth #5: Hearing aids can’t help tinnitus

Ear ringing is particularly frustrating, but hearing aids can actually help. This works by providing background noise matched to the precise pitch of your tinnitus to cancel it out so that you can hear everything else clearly instead. Hearing aids are actually one of the best ways to treat tinnitus along with lifestyle changes.

Myth #6: Hearing aids make everything louder

This is a holdover from early hearing aids which actually did make everything louder. Nowadays, hearing aids work digitally by taking in sound, processing it, adjusting it, and then feeding it into your ear at a safe level. This is an extremely precise mechanism that offers unparalleled customization, so you can enjoy sounds comfortably and clearly.

Schedule an Appointment

There’s a lot of misinformation about hearing aids and how they can help, so it’s important to meet with a Doctor of Audiology to learn more. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we can discuss your best options for hearing loss treatment during an appointment at our Livingston office. To learn more and schedule a consultation, we invite you to contact us by calling or filling out our online form.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Hearing Aids

What To Know About Insurance & Hearing Aids

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date April 1, 2020

It’s normal to stumble over pricing details when it comes to getting hearing aids as part of your hearing loss treatment. That’s because hearing aids can come at a high cost which causes many people to look for cheaper options or drop the idea altogether. What’s important to know is that there are multiple sources for getting financial help with your hearing aids. It can also be helpful to know what to expect from your insurance coverage during your hearing health care plan. Here’s what to know as you discuss your options with your Doctor of Audiology.

Does insurance cover hearing aids?

Hearing aids themselves are not usually covered by most medical insurance policies. However, it’s more common to find coverage for associated costs like hearing tests and fittings for hearing aids. Sometimes, insurance providers also give partial coverage toward hearing aids or even offer separate optional plans for hearing health costs. In some cases, insurance policies provide a designated amount toward the purchase of hearing aids to offset the cost or may require that you purchase from a designated provider in order to get discounts or an allowance deducted from your cost. Each plan will be different however, so we encourage each patient to check with their provider.

What questions should I ask when I call?

When you call your insurance provider to find out about your coverage options, it can be helpful to ask some of the following questions:

Does my plan offer any benefits for hearing aids?
Are there specific providers in my area that I need to purchase through?
If my plan offers an allowance, will I be reimbursed, or can the provider bill my plan directly?
Are there limits on models or brands?
Is my coverage dependent on a specific degree of hearing loss or other stipulations?

These questions can help you learn the ins and outs of how to maximize your benefits for hearing aid coverage and hearing health care costs. During your appointment with our team, we can help you navigate your benefits.

Are there other options for affording hearing aids?

Yes! Outside of insurance coverage, there are many different organizations that can help you afford hearing aids which usually vary by state— our team can walk you through your best options during your appointment. Additionally, you can finance your hearing aids with programs like CareCredit® to create a payment plan that works with your budget. If you feel like hearing aids are out of your budget, it’s important to talk with our team to find the option that works best for you. Hearing aids are an integral part of treatment for hearing loss, so it’s worth exploring your payment options!

Schedule an Appointment

Hearing aids are more affordable than you think when you have the right support from your Doctor of Audiology. To learn more about hearing aids and how to fit them into your budget, we invite you to contact our Livingston office by calling or filling out our online form.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Local Services

Hearing Aid Services In West Orange, NJ

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date March 1, 2020
No Comments on Hearing Aid Services In West Orange, NJ

With West Orange, NJ only a few minutes away from Livingston where Hearing Doctors of New Jersey is located, the people of West Orange have access to the comprehensive hearing services our experienced team provides.

We offer everything from hearing aids to evaluations and assessments to ensure you receive a customized treatment plan that meets your specific hearing needs.

Adult Hearing Assessments

An adult hearing assessment is used to determine whether you have a hearing impairment and if so, to what degree it’s impaired. Because there are different levels of hearing loss, a hearing assessment can help us figure out where your hearing loss is at so we can build the right treatment plan for you.

During the assessment, your Doctor of Audiology will guide you through the process step-by-step and then assess the results so you can better understand what the next steps are and why they are necessary.

Besides determining any hearing impairment issues, your Doctor of Audiology will also ask you about your overall health history, what medications you’re on, and what your lifestyle is like.

Hearing Aids

Your adult hearing assessment may tell us that hearing aids are the best treatment option for you. Whatever the reason for your hearing loss, hearing aids can be an effective tool to ensure you can clearly hear the world around you. Using our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method Treatment Program can help us match the best hearing aid to your needs.

To say there are a lot of different hearing aids available would be a vast understatement. But with the help of your Doctor of Audiology, you can find the right one for you.

Some of the brands we offer at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey include:

Oticon
Starkey
Widex
Phonak
ReSound

Hearing Aid Repairs and Fittings

Like any electronic device, hearing aids may need repairs at some point. Whether they get broken, stop working, or only need a simple repair, we can ensure your hearing aid is working properly and get it back to you as soon as possible.

If the repair can be done at our Livingston office, we can usually fix it quickly and easily and have you on your way. But if the repair is more substantial, we may need to send it to the manufacturer to repair the problem. If that’s the case, we can walk you through the process and guide you on managing your day-to-day without your hearing aid while it’s in for repairs.

Central Auditory Processing Evaluation

Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a condition where the brain and ears are not properly communicating with one another. For people struggling with CAPD, this can mean they find it difficult to concentrate, identify words spoken to them, or remember instructions.

Unfortunately, it can also be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so similar to ADHD and ADD. But that’s where our central auditory processing evaluation comes in.

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we can create a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that incorporates the input of speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and school resources. Because CAPD is often found in young children, help with school is usually necessary.

H.E.A.R. Method Treatment Program

Our proprietary hearing treatment at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey is the H.E.A.R Method Treatment Program. It is based on our four key principles: hearing goals, engagement, analytics, and real results.

We aim to make a treatment plan that meets your goals while also having an honest conversation with both you and your family on your plan and where we see it going. We also focus on the testing results so we know where to direct your treatment and deliver real results that you’re satisfied with.

A thorough brain-hearing evaluation is critical to treating hearing loss properly and that’s what you get with our H.E.A.R. Method Treatment.

About West Orange, NJ

West Orange is only located about 15 minutes from Livingston where Hearing Doctors of New Jersey is located. Home to almost 48,000 people, West Orange is a suburban township in Essex County that was home to inventor Thomas Edison and is currently the home to the Edison National Historic Site. The township is also known for the Turtle Back Zoo and its sprawling parks.

Local Services

Hearing Services in Livingston, NJ

Post author By Hearing Doctors of NJ
Post date January 1, 2020
No Comments on Hearing Services in Livingston, NJ

Our team of the the leading Doctors of Audiology in the greater Livingston, NJ area provides a variety of hearing services at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey. If you’re exploring hearing loss treatment for you or a loved one, our knowledgeable Doctors of Audiology are here to help. Here are some of the best hearing services we provide in the Livingston area.

Adult Hearing Assessment

A comprehensive hearing assessment allows your Doctor of Audiology to measure your hearing ability and better formulate a treatment plan. During a hearing assessment with our team, you can undergo a complete testing process that utilizes the latest technologies and testing methods. Then, we can help you explore the causes of your hearing loss and what can be done about it.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can seem daunting, but at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we’re here to help you at every step of the way. Our team can help you select the most appropriate hearing aid for your needs and learn the best ways to care for them. There are more options than ever for purchasing hearing aids, but only with a Doctor of Audiology can you get the most out of them. We work with the most well-known and reputable hearing aid manufacturers to ensure we offer only the best hearing aids on the market. Our hearing aid brands include:

Oticon
Starkey
Widex
Phonak
ReSound

Hearing Aid Repairs & Fittings

Ensuring that your hearing aids fit and last for years to come is an essential step in your treatment process. At our Livingston area office, our team can help you get the most life out of your hearing aids and ensure they’re prescribed to your exact hearing loss treatment plan. Our Doctors of Audiology offer a variety of hearing aid services so we can meet your hearing aid needs at one place.

Central Auditory Processing Evaluation

Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a lesser-known condition that produces symptoms very similar to attention deficit disorders, meaning it’s essential for a Doctor of Audiology to perform a complete assessment on you or your child. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we can perform a complete central auditory processing evaluation and collaborate with education and medical professionals to ensure you or your child receive the appropriate personalized care.

HEAR Method Treatment Program

The HEAR Method is a comprehensive solution to hearing loss. Offered exclusively at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, the HEAR Method includes ongoing care for your hearing loss needs and the personalized guidance of our knowledgeable Doctor of Audiology. Our unique program can help you enjoy your vibrant lifestyle again with leading technologies and therapies.

Schedule an Appointment

To meet with our team and learn more about our hearing services available in Livingston, contact our office today by calling or filling out our online form.

About Livingston, NJ

Livingston, NJ is one of New Jersey’s most prominent and prosperous cities. Livingston was first settled in 1699 by settlers from Newark and underwent much turmoil before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War. Livingston is now well known for its performing and fine arts including thriving cultures situated around symphony orchestra, community theater, and ballet. Livingston is located only 3 miles from Hearing Doctors of New Jersey.

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