RWJ Balance & Hearing Center on the Hospital Campus To Offer Free Hearing Screenings to the Public On Tuesday, May 10

April 20, 2022

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is recognizing Better Hearing and Speech Month this May by raising awareness for hearing loss in adults and encouraging hearing screenings. Free screening will be available at the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, on RWJ University Hospital Hamilton’s campus, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. Register by calling 609-245-7390.

According to the National Institute on Aging, hearing loss affects approximately one-third of adults 65 to 74 years of age, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Despite that, only about 20% of individuals who might benefit from treatment seek help.

“There is an unfortunate stigma around hearing loss and treatment options, especially hearing aids, but hearing loss is a common medical condition,” said Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., Senior Audiologist at RWJ Balance & Hearing Center. “Adults with hearing loss are at higher risk of developing certain health conditions such as social isolation, depression, anxiety, falls, cognitive decline and even dementia. It’s important that adults 50-60 years of age get screened for hearing loss, and anyone 61 and older receive diagnostic testing annually. We are encouraging individuals to get screened this May during Better Hearing and Speech Month and are making hearing screenings more accessible through our free public event on May 10th.”

“I had hearing aids from other places, and they didn’t work properly. I thought maybe this is just how it works, but my nephew kept encouraging me to go to the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center at RWJUH Hamilton and see Dr. Sgarlato,” said Judith McCallister, 79, patient of the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center. “I was immediately put at ease from my first appointment, and after a couple follow up visits, my new hearing aids were working properly. I absolutely am feeling different and more independent. My phone is through my hearing aids, and I even stream TV through my hearing aids. At 79 years young I’ve got some tips, and I can tell you, you don’t know unless you try.”

Treatment options for hearing loss in adults include hearing aids, special training, certain medicines, and surgery, with many options and hearing aid types to fit all patients’ lifestyles and financial situations. The RWJ Balance & Hearing Center offers a 30-day full refund on hearing aids which allows patients to find the right match and fit at no cost until they are fully satisfied with a hearing device.

Questions adults should ask themselves about their hearing in order to evaluate if they need a hearing evaluation should include:

• Do you have dizziness, pain, or ringing in your ears?
• Do people around you often seem to mumble?
• Do you often need to ask people to repeat themselves?
• Do others complain about you turning up the TV volume too high?
• Do you have trouble following a conversation when more than one person is talking?
• Do you have trouble hearing on the phone?
• Do you have to listen carefully or put in extra effort to understand a conversation?
• Do you have trouble hearing in noisy environments, such as restaurants?

Regardless of age if you answered yes to any of the above questions, you should consider scheduling a hearing evaluation. The RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, located at 2 Hamilton Health Place Hamilton Township, NJ, will be hosting free hearing screenings during Better Hearing and Speech Month on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 1- 3 p.m. with additional events taking place on Tuesday, June 14 and Tuesday, July 12. Screenings are open to the public. To register for screenings or to schedule an appointment call 609-245-7390.

To learn more about RWJUH Hamilton visit: http://www.rwjbh.org/Hamilton. For more information about community education programs and Better Health Programs (65+) offered by RWJUH Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/events or call 609-584-5900.

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