Jane Brady, Owner/Audiologist

“I  love working with people and helping them to hear better. The technology has changed incredibly, and there are so many hearing enhancement device choices and styles today. These can help individuals to hear better, thus helping with relationships, helping them at home, and at work.”

Dr. Jane Brady AuD, owner of Horizon Audiology, wants people to be aware of the many opportunities available to help them correct hearing loss.

Although wearing glasses is commonplace for the millions of people with vision impairment, and few resist wearing glasses, 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 even to investigate the possibility of a hearing aid.

The fact is, however, that hearing loss is occurring at younger ages than in the past and for various reasons, points out Dr. Brady. “We are definitely seeing more hearing loss at younger ages. Even with teens, there can be early signs. The very loud music young people listen to has been a factor. Hearing loss can also be a result of illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and childhood illnesses. I have patients from newborns to geriatric, and my typical patient is a Baby Boomer in his or her 50s or 60s.”

Distinct Differences

Dr. Brady, who has a doctorate in audiology, has been practicing for 21 years. She opened her own practice at Horizon Audiology at the Medical Arts Building on the Princeton-Hightstown Road (Route 571) in East Windsor in 2007.

Prior to opening her own practice, she had worked in Princeton with physicians, and she is aware of the medical issues that may be a factor in hearing loss. She sees patients of various ages from all over the Princeton area, and Dr. Brady has noticed distinct differences both in her patients’ motivations and expectations.

“It is important to know how the different generations are wired and what they expect. 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 about someone’s life-style because of their age. Ask them questions. People of all ages are living very diverse life-styles. 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.

Best Style

When a person decides to consult an audiologist, either as a referral from a physician or as a result of their own decision, the hearing professional will test and evaluate their hearing and then discuss the results.

Even if someone has decreased hearing, they may not yet need a hearing aid. If the hearing loss is significant, however, a device may be indicated. Dr. Brady works with them to determine the best style for their needs.

“Certain types of devices are better for certain people,” she explains. “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 vision problems or arthritis and have difficulty operating the device. It also depends on their level of frustration and what their preconceived notions may be. Some people don’t want any fuss. The New Lyric device is inserted into the ear by the audiologist and stays there, and then is replaced when necessary. The client never has to think about it.

“The audiologist chooses the minimum level of technology that will help the person hear better.”

Hearing aids vary in cost, anywhere from $900 to $2000, depending on the level of technology.

Continuing Education

Dr. Brady, who is board certified and a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, is very involved with continuing education, attending classes and seminars to keep up with the latest advances and 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! I even see a time when we can do adjustments over the phone — tele-audiology.

“It is an amazing time, and our level of service keeps up with all the new developments. Helping our patients is always uppermost for me and my staff. There are three audiologists and our office management staff, who are all so knowledgeable and dedicated to serving the patient.”

In addition, Dr. Brady provides services for the community, including free screenings at health fairs, and volunteering at “Ask the Doctor” programs at senior centers.

“It is important for patients to realize that if they are having a problem with hearing loss, we are here to help them. They can call an audiologist on their own without a doctor’s referral.”

Horizon Audiology offers a full range of quality hearing aids from many manufacturers. It is open Monday through Friday 8:30 am. to 4 p.m., and every other Saturday.

Call (609) 448-9730 or visit them online at www.horizonaudiology.com