973-577-4100
Schedule An Appointment

Tag: livingston hearing center

Categories
Hearing Loss Preventing Decline

Introducing Lace AI Pro: Your Path to Better Hearing

Hearing Better Starts with Communicating Smarter

Hearing loss impacts not only the person experiencing it but also their loved ones. If you’ve ever been asked, “Shouldn’t you be hearing better now that you have hearing aids?” or told “I don’t think you’re trying hard enough to hear,” you know how discouraging such comments can be. The truth is: you are trying, often harder than anyone realizes.

Why Hearing Can Feel So Hard

When you have hearing loss, listening isn’t automatic anymore. It becomes a mental workout, like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. By the time you put the clues together, the conversation may have already moved on. This nonstop effort can make social activities, work, and even family dinners feel overwhelming and exhausting.

The Real Goal: Better Communication

Modern hearing aids are incredible tools that amplify and clarify sound, but they don’t restore normal hearing. That’s why it’s important to focus not just on technology but also on building new skills and strategies.

Experts have found that the most effective approach to hearing loss is like a three-legged stool:

  • Technology (such as hearing aids)
  • Behavioral strategies (like facing the person speaking and minimizing distractions)
  • Self-advocacy (learning when and how to ask for help)

NEW: Lace AI Pro – A Powerful Tool for Hearing in Noise

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we are excited to offer Lace AI Pro, an innovative auditory training program from LACE Auditory Training designed specifically to help you hear better in noisy environments. Lace AI Pro works alongside your current hearing solutions, training your brain to process speech more effectively in real-world scenarios where background noise is a challenge.

Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on the ears, Lace AI Pro targets your brain’s natural ability to adapt and improve listening skills. Think of it as fitness for your ears and mind! With consistent practice, you can experience sharper listening, less frustration in social settings, and greater confidence in group conversations.

How Does Lace AI Pro Work?

  • Brain-Based Training: Exercises designed to enhance how your brain interprets speech in complex auditory environments.
  • Personalized Sessions: Adaptive tasks to suit your current level and progressively challenge your listening skills.
  • Accessible at Home: Complete your auditory training on your schedule, right from your own device.

Learn more about how our HEAR Method™ Hearing Loss Treatment Program can combine Lace AI Pro with expert guidance for even better results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lace AI Pro

Is Lace AI Pro a replacement for hearing aids?

No, Lace AI Pro is designed to work alongside your current hearing aids. While hearing aids help you pick up sounds, auditory training helps your brain make sense of what you hear.

How long before I notice results?

Most users begin to notice improvements in listening skills and reduced fatigue after just a few weeks of regular practice.

Can my family benefit from Lace AI Pro?

Absolutely! Family support and understanding are key to successful communication—Lace AI Pro encourages involvement and awareness for everyone.

Are We All Doing Everything to Support Better Communication?

Instead of asking, “Are your hearing aids turned up?”, it can be more helpful to ask, “Are we all doing everything we can to support better communication?” When everyone works together, using the right technology, strategies, and support, the results are not just better hearing, but better connection and understanding.

Take the Next Step – Let’s Hear Better Together!

Ready to give your brain the boost it needs for hearing in challenging situations? Schedule an appointment with the Hearing Doctors of New Jersey today to discuss how Lace AI Pro and our personalized programs can help you or a loved one hear and live better!

Contact us now to get started on your journey toward better hearing. Your new way of communicating and connecting starts here!

Categories
Hearing Challenges

Everything You “Know” About Preventing Dementia Is Probably Wrong—And It’s Costing Lives

Everything You “Know” About Preventing Dementia Is Probably Wrong—And It’s Costing Lives - Hearing Doctors of New Jersey

The Dementia Prevention Myths We Believe

Most of us have heard the same advice repeated over and over: do crossword puzzles, learn a new language, or play brain games if you want to keep your mind sharp and prevent dementia. Yet, despite this common wisdom, more than seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease—and that number is expected to nearly double by 2050. Clearly, the strategies we’ve been relying on aren’t working as we hoped.

Why Brain Games Aren’t the Answer

The truth is, brain games don’t actually save neurons or prevent cognitive decline. While crosswords and similar activities can help you get better at those specific tasks, the benefits rarely extend beyond the game itself. Your brain becomes more adept at solving puzzles, but these skills don’t transfer to everyday memory or thinking. Unfortunately, many people gain a false sense of security from these activities, believing they’re doing everything they can to protect their brains.

The Overlooked Protectors of Brain Health

What really makes a difference in brain health often gets overlooked. Treating hearing loss, for example, can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 18%. Managing blood pressure during midlife is another crucial factor, as is aggressively addressing sleep apnea. Maintaining real, in-person social connections—rather than relying solely on online interactions—also plays a significant role in protecting cognitive function.

Why Exercise Outperforms Mental Puzzles

Exercise, more than any brain game, offers powerful benefits for your brain. Physical activity boosts levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which acts like fertilizer for your brain cells. Regular movement improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and can even help grow the memory center of your brain. These effects are far more profound than anything a brain-training app can offer.

The Prevention Paradox: Simple Steps, Big Impact

There’s a paradox at the heart of dementia prevention: the interventions that truly work aren’t flashy or marketable. The “sexy” solutions, like brain-training apps, often fail to deliver real results. Instead, it’s the simple, evidence-based steps—like treating hearing loss, managing blood pressure, and prioritizing sleep—that get ignored, even though they’re the most effective.

Consider a recent example from my clinic. A patient proudly showed off his 500-day streak on a brain-training app, convinced he was doing everything right. Yet, his sleep apnea had gone untreated for a decade, and his hearing aids were gathering dust in a drawer. In reality, he was focusing on games while his brain was being deprived of oxygen every night.

The Unvarnished Truth About Dementia Prevention

The unglamorous reality is that effective dementia prevention isn’t about puzzles or apps. Get your hearing checked and use your hearing aids if you need them. Treat sleep apnea as if your life depends on it—because it might. Move your body every day, maintain meaningful in-person relationships, and start controlling your blood pressure now. Your brain doesn’t need more puzzles; it needs oxygen, blood flow, and genuine human connection.

If you’re ready to take real steps to protect your brain, consider scheduling a comprehensive hearing evaluation. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, our Doctors of Audiology use the proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program to help you never miss another word and to safeguard your brain health for years to come. Let’s focus on what truly matters for your cognitive well-being.

Categories
Hearing Aids

Hearing Wellness for Active Adults: Protecting and Enhancing Hearing Health Through Every Stage of Life

Protecting and Enhancing Hearing Health Through Every Stage of Life - Hearing Doctors of New Jersey

Summer is a season of vibrant activity—outdoor concerts, fireworks, sporting events, and family gatherings. But while you’re enjoying the sounds of the season, it’s crucial not to overlook your hearing health. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we are dedicated to helping active adults protect and enhance their hearing at every stage of life with advanced treatment options and personalized care.

Why Hearing Health Matters for Active Adults

Healthy hearing is essential for staying connected with loved ones, enjoying social activities, and maintaining overall well-being. Unfortunately, many popular summer activities can put your hearing at risk. Prolonged exposure to loud noises—from concerts and fireworks to lawnmowers and power tools—can lead to irreversible hearing loss if you’re not careful.

Common Summer Risks to Your Hearing

  • Outdoor concerts and festivals: Sound levels can easily exceed 90 decibels, which may cause permanent hearing damage with prolonged exposure.
  • Fireworks: Fireworks can reach up to 155 decibels—loud enough to cause immediate hearing loss.
  • Sporting events and parades: Sirens, bands, and cheering crowds all add up to a noisy environment that can impact your ears.
  • Outdoor chores: Lawn equipment and power tools are often overlooked sources of damaging noise.

How to Protect Your Hearing During Summer Activities

  • Wear hearing protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs during loud events. High-fidelity earplugs are ideal for concerts, while custom-fit options from your audiologist offer maximum comfort and protection.
  • Maintain safe distances: Stay away from speakers, fireworks, and other loud noise sources whenever possible.
  • Take listening breaks: Give your ears time to recover by stepping away from noisy environments periodically.
  • Schedule regular hearing assessments: Early detection is key. If you notice ringing, muffled hearing, or difficulty understanding speech, consider a hearing assessment to check your hearing health.

Enhancing Hearing Health with Advanced Solutions

If you’re already experiencing hearing loss, the right hearing aids can make a world of difference. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we offer the latest in digital hearing aids, featuring advanced noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, and custom programming to fit your lifestyle. Our team works closely with you to find the best solution, ensuring you never miss a moment—whether you’re at a backyard barbecue or a summer concert.

Learn more about our team and why so many New Jersey adults trust us with their hearing health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often should I get my hearing checked? Adults should have a baseline hearing assessment and then follow up every 1-2 years, or sooner if they notice changes.
  • Are hearing aids waterproof for summer activities? Many modern hearing aids are water-resistant, but it’s best to remove them before swimming. Ask our audiologists for tips on protecting your devices.
  • Can hearing loss from loud noises be reversed? Noise-induced hearing loss is usually permanent, but early intervention with hearing aids and protection can prevent further damage.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Hearing Health

Don’t let summer fun put your hearing at risk. Protect your ears, stay proactive with regular checkups, and explore advanced hearing aids tailored for your active lifestyle. Ready to prioritize your hearing health? Contact Hearing Doctors of New Jersey today to schedule your comprehensive hearing assessment and discover how we can help you hear your best—this summer and beyond.

Categories
Hearing Challenges Hearing Loss Preventing Decline

How Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Your Brain Health: The Cognitive Connection

How Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Your Brain Health - Hearing Doctors of New Jersey

The Hidden Link Between Your Ears and Brain

Many people view hearing loss as simply a sensory issue that affects their ability to communicate. However, research increasingly shows that untreated hearing loss has far-reaching effects beyond just missing conversations – it can actually impact your brain health in significant ways. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we believe understanding this connection is crucial for maintaining your cognitive well-being throughout life.

When you experience hearing loss, your brain receives less auditory stimulation. This reduction in input doesn’t just affect your ability to hear; it fundamentally changes how your brain processes information and can accelerate cognitive decline over time.

The Science Behind Hearing Loss and Cognitive Function

The relationship between hearing loss and brain health is supported by compelling research. Studies from Johns Hopkins University have found that untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. In fact, even mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, while severe hearing loss can increase the risk by up to five times.

Why does this happen? Several mechanisms explain this connection:

  1. Cognitive Load: When you struggle to hear, your brain diverts resources from memory and thinking to simply understanding speech. This increased cognitive load taxes your brain and can accelerate cognitive decline.
  2. Brain Structure Changes: Hearing loss can lead to accelerated atrophy in parts of the brain responsible for processing sound and speech. These areas also play important roles in memory and sensory integration.
  3. Social Isolation: People with untreated hearing loss often withdraw from social activities due to communication difficulties. This isolation is a well-established risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
  4. Reduced Auditory Processing: The brain’s auditory cortex weakens with lack of stimulation, affecting how your brain processes and makes sense of sounds, including speech.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Recognizing the early signs of hearing-related cognitive issues can help you seek intervention sooner. Be alert to these warning signs:

  • Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
  • Finding it harder to remember conversations
  • Feeling mentally fatigued after social gatherings
  • Trouble remembering things that were said to you
  • Withdrawing from social situations you previously enjoyed

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a comprehensive hearing assessment can help determine if hearing loss is contributing to your cognitive challenges.

Treatment Options and Cognitive Benefits

The good news is that addressing hearing loss can have significant positive effects on brain health. Research suggests that hearing aids and other hearing interventions may help slow or prevent cognitive decline associated with hearing loss.

Hearing Aids and Brain Health

Advanced prescriptive hearing aids do more than amplify sound – they provide the auditory stimulation your brain needs to maintain healthy function. Studies show that hearing aid users experience:

  • Improved cognitive performance
  • Better memory function
  • Reduced listening effort
  • Enhanced social engagement
  • Slower rates of cognitive decline

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program ensures you receive personalized hearing care that addresses both your hearing needs and supports your long-term brain health.

Early Intervention is Key

The earlier hearing loss is treated, the better the outcomes for both hearing and cognitive health. When hearing loss is addressed promptly, the brain maintains its ability to process and interpret sounds effectively, preserving neural pathways critical for cognitive function.

Protecting Your Hearing and Brain Health

Protecting your hearing over a lifetime is one of the best investments you can make in your future brain health. Our team of Doctors of Audiology is dedicated to helping you maintain both your hearing and cognitive abilities through:

  • Comprehensive hearing evaluations
  • Personalized hearing treatment plans
  • State-of-the-art hearing technology
  • Ongoing hearing healthcare support

Take Action Today for Better Brain Health Tomorrow

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties, don’t wait to seek help. The connection between hearing health and brain function makes early intervention crucial for maintaining cognitive wellness.

Our team of Doctors of Audiology combine their passion for helping others with expertise in hearing healthcare to provide exceptional care. We understand that better hearing brings not just improved communication, but also confidence and cognitive benefits that enhance your overall quality of life.

Schedule a hearing evaluation with Hearing Doctors of New Jersey today to protect both your hearing and cognitive health. The impact of better hearing extends far beyond your ears – it’s an investment in your brain’s future.

Contact us to learn how our H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program can help ensure you never miss another word – or thought – guaranteed.

Categories
Hearing Aids

The 5 Best Hearing Aid Manufacturers in 2025

The 5 Best Hearing Aid Manufacturers in 2025

Choosing the right hearing aid can be a daunting task, especially with so many manufacturers and models available. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we understand the importance of finding the perfect fit for your unique hearing needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best hearing aid manufacturers in 2025 to help guide you through the selection process. If you’re looking for hearing aids near me, you’ve come to the right place!

Top Hearing Aid Manufacturers in 2025

Here are five manufacturers that consistently rank high in terms of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction:

  1. Starkey: Known for their innovative technology and custom solutions.
  2. Oticon: Renowned for their focus on brain hearing and natural sound processing.
  3. Phonak: A leader in performance and reliability, offering a wide range of hearing solutions.
  4. Widex: Celebrated for their commitment to sound quality and user-friendly designs.
  5. Signia: Stands out with its advanced connectivity and discreet designs.

Types of Hearing Aids

Understanding the different types of hearing aids is crucial in making an informed decision. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Behind-the-Ear (BTE): These hearing aids sit behind the ear and are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses.
  • Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): A discreet option where the receiver sits in the ear canal.
  • In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-made to fit in the outer ear.
  • In-the-Canal (ITC): Smaller than ITEs and fit partially in the ear canal.
  • Completely-in-Canal (CIC): The smallest type, fitting entirely inside the ear canal.

Explore more about hearing aid styles to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and hearing needs.

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid

Selecting the right hearing aid involves several factors. Here’s what to consider:

  • Hearing Loss Type and Severity: Different hearing aids are designed for different levels of hearing loss.
  • Lifestyle: Consider your daily activities and environments. Active individuals may prefer durable and discreet options.
  • Features: Look for features like noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, and rechargeable batteries.
  • Budget: Hearing aids vary in price, so set a budget and explore options within your range.

Hearing Doctors of New Jersey: Your Local Experts

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, serving areas like hearing aids livingston and hearing aids bergen county NJ, we offer advanced treatment options and personalized care. Our experienced audiologists can help you navigate the world of hearing aids and find the best solution for your needs. We work with leading manufacturers to provide you with the latest technology and the most effective hearing solutions. Learn more about the hearing aid manufacturers we partner with.

Common Questions About Hearing Aids

Q: How often should I replace my hearing aids?
A: Hearing loss is considered a progressive degenerative disorder. Meaning that over time, your hearing will change and the treatment that you start with, in approximately 3.5 to 4 years will not be what you need to continue hearing your best. 

Q: Are hearing aids covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies by insurance provider. Contact your insurance company to understand your benefits.

Q: Can hearing aids prevent further hearing loss?
A: While hearing aids cannot reverse hearing loss, they can help stimulate the auditory system and prevent further degradation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let hearing loss hold you back. Contact Hearing Doctors of New Jersey today to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation and explore your hearing aid options. Our friendly team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us now to book your appointment!

Main Menu
Schedule An Appointment