Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Michael Hinck
Telephone: 718-206-8973
Email: mhinck@jhmc.org
New Audiology Services at TJH Medical Services Arrives in Time for Better Hearing and Speech Month
May 12,2009
Contact Information:
<br>Natifia Gaines
<br>(718) 206-6020
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<br>May 12, 2009 (Jamaica, NY)-- According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), more than 21 million infants, children, and adults in America suffer from some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. Unfortunately, hearing impairments typically go unsuspected until the sounds of daily life becomes faded. To celebrate May as Better Hearing and Speech Month, TJH Medical Services, P.C., a private physician group affiliated with Jamaica Hospital, has recently announced its new audiology service.
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<br>TJH Medical Services, P.C., uses brand new, state-of-the-art audio equipment to evaluate the hearing of adults and children, including a soundproof booth, audiometer, middle ear analyzer, otoacoustic emissions, and a video system for pediatric patients.
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<br>By definition, hearing loss is any reduction in a person’s ability to detect sound.
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<br>“There are varying degrees of hearing loss and several types of hearing loss,” explained Dr. Vishvesh Mehta, ENT Specialist at TJH Medical Services, P.C. “This makes testing a critical step in identifying a person’s hearing loss and effectively treating it, if possible.”
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<br>The most common types of hearing loss include conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when an individual’s sound levels are reduced and they have a difficult time hearing faint sounds, while an individual with sensorineural loss experiences the same problems, only their speech and ability to hear clearly are also affected. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the two and unilateral hearing loss means that there is hearing loss in only one ear.
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<br>“Hearing loss occurs for several reasons— accumulation of ear wax, ear infections, and advanced age,” explained Dr. Mehta. “Regardless of the cause and the type of hearing loss, there are several general signs that suggest potential hearing loss.”
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<br>Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians recommend seeing an audiologist, if you:<ul>
<br><li>frequently ask people to repeat themselves or to speak more slower, clearer or louder.</li>
<br><li>often turn your ear toward a sound to hear it better.</li>
<br><li>understand people better when you wear your glasses or look directly at their faces.</li>
<br><li>lose your place in group conversations.</li>
<br><li>keep the volume on your radio or TV at a level that others say is too loud.</li>
<br><li>have pain or ringing in your ears.</li>
<br><li>difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or in a crowd of people.</li>
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<br>Detecting hearing loss and providing a treatment option, such as a hearing aid or earwax removal, can help improve the quality of life for those who experience hearing problems.
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<br>“There are many advantages to testing for hearing loss,” stated Chani Levy, audiologist with TJH Medical Services, P.C. “It can help prevent children from being misdiagnosed with a learning disability and improve academic performance and social interactions among teenagers and young adults. Also, proper hearing evaluations can increase adult confidence in communication with friends, family, and colleagues.”
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<br>To schedule an appointment with an audiologist, please call TJH Medical Services, P.C, at 718-206-7110.
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<br><b>TJH Medical Services, P.C.,</b> a private physician group affiliated with Jamaica Hospital, has over 700 doctors, representing over 32 specialties. TJH Medical Services, P.C. provides a wide variety of comprehensive services, including internal medicine, pulmonology, infectious disease, cardiology, pediatrics, dermatology, and immunology, to name a few. There are several TJH offices throughout Queens. For additional information, please contact Public Affairs at 718-206-6020.
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