“Life Is Calling. Horizon Helps You Answer.”

This reassuring sentiment defines Horizon Audiology’s goal: helping people to hear better so they can enjoy a full life free of the isolation severe hearing loss can cause.

Opened in 2007, the company fulfills the mission of its owner and director Jane Brady AuD. It has now expanded to two locations, the original at East Windsor Medical Commons, 300A Princeton-Hightstown Road (Route 571) in East Windsor, and since 2015, at Investor’s Bank Building, 84 Route 31 North In Pennington.

“When I opened my practice, I wanted clients to have direct access to the audiologist” explains Dr. Brady. “80 percent of clients have no medical condition, and they can come directly here without a referral from a medical doctor.”

An audiologist for 25 years, Dr. Brady graduated from Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey), and received a master’s degree and later a doctorate in audiology from Pennsylvania State University. As a practicing audiologist in Princeton, she first worked under the guidance of Emily White, the first female New Jersey State-licensed audiologist.

Hearing Professional

Dr. Brady then obtained her hearing aid dispensing New Jersey State license, and continued to work with Emily White in Penta Hearing Care, and was also affiliated with several ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) physician groups in the Princeton area.

“When a person decides to consult an audiologist, the hearing professional will test and evaluate the client’s hearing, and then discuss the results,” explains Dr. Brady.

Even if someone has decreased hearing, he or she may not yet need a hearing aid. If the hearing loss is significant, however, a device may be indicated. Dr. Brady works with the client to determine the best style for the individual’s needs.

“We have a pre-evaluation with our clients, and find out their hearing goals and life-styles. This is important, and helps determine how sophisticated the hearing device should be.

“Certain types of devices are better for certain people,” she points out. “The fit of the ear, if there are medical conditions, their sensitivity to the device are all factors. Dexterity can be another issue. Someone might have arthritis or vision problems and have difficulty operating the device. We take all that into consideration, and select the minimum level of technology that will help the person hear better.”

The client’s life-style, level of activity, and interests are also factors, adds Dr. Brady.

“It is important to know what the individual expects. For example, Baby Boomers have a mindset of wanting things to be fixed — whether it is a shoulder or knee problem from sports, or hearing loss. Also, you can’t assume someone’s life-style because of their age. We ask them questions. People of all ages are living very diverse life-styles today. Ask what they do and what their weekends are like. Do they travel? Attend lectures, concerts?

“A person may be a teacher or business executive; their situation and environment can vary and be a factor in their level of hearing frustration. Noisy environments obviously create more stress than if one works in a library, for example.”

Board-Certified

Dr. Brady, who is board-certified and a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, is very involved in continuing education, attending classes and seminars to keep up with the rapidly changing advances and latest trends in the industry.

“The technology changes so rapidly, with state-of-the-art advances coming along all the time. Now, there is a tiny computer to adjust the sound level of a hearing aid. In the beginning of my practice, I used to do that with a mini screw driver! There is now a special hearing device that stays on 24/7 for six to eight months. It’s the newest, advanced technology, and is FDA-approved.

“We are the only provider of Lyric hearing devices in Mercer County, and we are very proud to be a Lyric provider,” continues Dr. Brady. “In addition, we offer a full range of quality hearing devices from many manufacturers. In addition, Blue Tooth technology is available, and hearing aids can now be connected to the client’s cell phone, with capability for volume adjustment and regulation to help eliminate background noises.”

Horizon Audiology offers a unique program for clients, adds Dr. Brady. “We have partnered with a hearing aid company, and we let patients have a free, flex trial for two weeks. They can take the hearing aid home and try it out. Then, our computer will collect information from the hearing device. There is no pressure for the client, just an opportunity to see how it works for them. We realize this is a big financial and emotional decision.

“We offer very patient-oriented care,” she continues. “After the client gets the hearing aid, we program it and then adjust it, if needed. We check to see that it’s working properly, and give them on-going support.”

Younger Ages

Dr. Brady sees patients of all ages — from newborns to her oldest client, who is 102! Most typically, clients are in the 60-plus age range.

Hearing loss is occurring at younger ages than in the past, reports Dr. Brady. “We are definitely seeing people at younger ages. Even with teens, there can be early signs. The very loud music young people listen to has been a factor. There has been a bombardment of loud noise, which can damage hearing. In addition, hearing loss can be a result of childhood illnesses.”

Although wearing glasses is commonplace for millions of people with vision impairment, many people hesitate to obtain a hearing aid. Whether it is associated with the aging process or they are reminded of their grandfather’s bulky and often malfunctioning device, there is a decided reluctance for many individuals even to investigate the possibility of a hearing aid.

With the advances in technology today, however, many new opportunities are available. Hearing devices can be in all styles, sizes, and cost options. As Dr. Brady points out, “The technology has changed incredibly, and there are so many hearing enhancement device choices and accessories today. The devices are becoming smaller and smaller. We can address any cosmetic concerns with color and style.”

In addition to Dr. Brady, three other audiologists and four supporting staff are available for clients at Horizon Audiology’s two offices; their professional, knowledgeable, and caring attention have resulted in many referrals and widespread word-of-mouth.

“Fifty percent of our patients are referrals,” notes Dr. Brady. “Clients tell their friends and family, and we have people coming from all over the area — Princeton, Pennington, Skillman, Lawrenceville, etc. Many of these clients are very knowledgeable today, very savvy. They have done their homework.”

Significant Expenditure

In addition to her practice, Dr. Brady is the audiologist at Princeton Windrows and Meadow Lakes retirement communities.

Hearing aids are a significant financial expenditure, ranging from $500 to $2500 at Horizon Audiology. They can be even more expensive at other hearing centers, observes Dr. Brady, and she points out that she works hard to keep the cost down. Not all hearing tests are covered by Medicare and insurance companies, and hearing aids are not covered.

“I hope more offices will become more patient-oriented and address the cost issue,” she says. “This is a very caring profession. I love making people happy and bringing them back to the hearing world and helping them to enjoy their life more fully. It’s so rewarding to be able to do this.

“The technology has changed incredibly. There are so many options today. We want people to know that if they are having a hearing problem, we are here to help them.”

Horizon Audiology is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and alternate Saturdays at the East Windsor office; and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday in Pennington. (609) 448-9730. (609) 303-0291.

Website: www.horizonaudiology.com.