HEALTHFocus

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AUDIOLOGY

Robert J. Otto Au.D. Q: If I Have Really Bad Hearing, Will I Need a Big Hearing Aid? A: In the past, hearing aid size has largely been dependent on the degree of hearing loss. Those who have more hearing loss require more amplification. The power necessary to “crank up the volume” means larger hearing aid receivers and batteries, which in turn drive up the size of the hearing aid. As a result, those with severe or profound hearing loss have often been told that they were limited to bulkier and more visible Behind-the-Ear (BTE) or In-the-Ear (ITE) models. However, thanks to recent innovations in miniaturization, it is now possible for those with more severe hearing loss to be fit appropriately with smaller and more discreet hearing aid models, such as Receiver-in-Canal (RIC). As the name suggests, RICs have receivers that are positioned in the wearer’s ear canal and connected to the main hearing aid housing via a very thin tube. This solution significantly reduces the size of the hearing aid, which sits behind the ear. Also called “mini-BTEs,” RICs are arguably less conspicuous. While it is good news that the degree of hearing loss is no longer the main restricting factor in hearing aid size, patients should still be aware of other potential advantages of slightly larger hearing aids: Ease of handling Compared with larger BTE and ITE models, smaller hearing aids such as RICs require greater patient dexterity and visual acuity for daily handling, maintenance, and usage. Durability Models that have receivers inside the ear canal (e.g., RICs and ITEs) means a delicate and sensitive component of the hearing aid is exposed to earwax. While interchangeable wax guards and domes go a long way to protect the receiver, these models may still require more professional service and repair over their lifetime. This consideration becomes even more relevant when the wearer has difficulty keeping their hearing aids as clean as possible due to dexterity or vision limitations. Technology While many hearing aid components have been miniaturized, some hearing aid features still require extra physical components inside the hearing aid housing. For example, a telecoil is a component that allows the wear to connect to many landline phones and looped sound systems found in public spaces like theaters and churches. Some smaller hearing aid models might not have the physical space to feature a telecoil. In short, even if your hearing loss is significant, you may no longer be limited to “big” hearing aids. Nevertheless, when looking for the ideal hearing aids for you, it is important to evaluate multiple aspects of your lifestyle and hearing needs beyond the simple measure of hearing aid size. To schedule an evaluation, please call the office at 440-255-1800. Robert J. Otto Au.D. Earmark Audiology, LLC Mentor Medical Campus 9485 Mentor Ave. Mentor 44060 440-255-1800 www.earmarkaudiology.com

PLASTIC SURGERY

Paul Vanek, MD, FACS Q: Do you recommend any treatments before or after plastic surgery? A: Prior to and after body surgery, I recommend a massage by a Licensed Massage Therapist to help loosen and relax your entire body. LMT’s are trained, experienced and licensed to perform deep tissue, relaxation and hot stone massages. Make sure your masseuse is an LMT.

While a Facial is beneficial to prepare your skin for surgery, I strongly recommend a variety of face and skin treatB ments, even if you aren’t having surgery. We all know that skin is the largest organ in the body. In particular, facial skin needs regular cleansing, nourishment, hydration, and protection – all which a Facial can accomplish. We offer anti-aging, deep cleansing, therapeutic acne, and sensitive skin Facials, to specifically treat different skin types.

In addition to Facials, other treatments can support your skin’s health and appearance by stimulating cell turnover, increasing circulation, and renewing tone and texture. I recommend that you only have a Licensed Aesthetician perform these treatments, such as HydraFacials, Waxing, Perfect Peel, Microderm, and Glycolic Peels. Our Aesthetician also offers one-hour relaxing sessions, which address facial pressure points by incorporating massage, reflexology and aroma therapy to leave you feeling serene, pampered and beautiful. I also recommend a Visia Skin Complexion Analysis to assess your skin’s needs, relative to tone, texture and elasticity. If you mention this article, my staff will perform this custom analysis at no cost with any skin treatment. Also ask my staff about my custom “Vanek Cosmeceutical” products, a potent prescription specifically formulated for different skin types, with a combination of natural / botanical extracts, and active vitamins and antioxidants. Dr. Paul Vanek M.D., F.A.C.S. Vanek Plastic Surgery 9485 Mentor Ave #100 Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-5750 www.MentorPlasticSurgery.com Accepting new patients for non-intrusive and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive solutions

INSURANCE

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist Q: I am new to Medicare. Is the ‘Welcome to Medicare Visit’ a routine physical or is it something different? A: The Welcome to Medicare Visit is not the same as what we normally think of as a routine physical. It is a onetime benefit covered by Medicare Part B and focusing on disease prevention and detection to help you live a healthier life. You can take advantage of this benefit during the first 12 months of your initial enrollment in Medicare Part B. During the Welcome to Medicare visit, your doctor will update your medical history and check your vision, blood pressure, weight, height and body mass index. You and your doctor will review your medical and health history, including:

- Past medical history including hospital stays, operations, allergies, and injuries - Current medications and supplements you are taking

- History of alcohol, tobacco and drug use - Diet - Physical activities - Depression screening Your doctor will make sure you are up-to-date on preventive screenings and services, such as cancer screenings and immunizations. He or she may order further tests depending on your general health and medical history. Your doctor will also offer advice to help you prevent disease, improve your health, and stay well. You will receive a written plan or checklist, to let you know which screenings and other preventive services you should receive in the future. Your doctor may also talk with you about creating advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that explain in writing what kind of health care you would want if you were too ill to speak and/or make decisions for yourself. Advance directives help ensure your wishes are followed. Wellness Visit Medicare Part B also covers a Wellness Visit once each year. You are eligible for this after you have had Medicare Part for at least 12 months, and 11 full months have passed since your last visit. You pay nothing for the “Welcome to Medicare Visit” or your yearly “Wellness Visit” as long as your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. However, if your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit that are not covered under these preventive benefits, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply. For those who are not yet on Medicare and who want to learn more about the benefits it provides, please join me for my class, Getting Started with Medicare, presented at libraries, colleges and community programs throughout N.E. Ohio. You’ll find a complete list of dates, times and registration information at http://mutskoinsurance.com/seminars. Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC 6966 Spinach Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Gregory Eippert, MD Q: I am 70 years old and have cataracts and a lazy eye. Can I have laser cataract surgery if I have a lazy eye? What intraocular lens is best for a lazy eye? A: A lazy eye, or amblyopia, occurs when one or both eyes do not develop normal vision during childhood. Interestingly, we are not born with 20/20 vision. Our vision develops between birth and 6 to 10 years of age by regularly using each eye. A lazy eye develops when the nerve pathways between the brain and the eye aren’t properly stimulated. This results in the brain favoring one eye, usually due to poor vision in the other eye. A lazy eye can usually be corrected with eye patches, eye drops, and glasses or contact lenses if discovered at a young age. Amblyopia can become permanent if not treated by around age 10.

People with a lazy eye can still have cataract surgery, with any technique including conventional or laser cataract surgery. It is important to remember that cataract surgery can only improve your vison to the best that your eye has the potential to see. For example, if the best vision with your lazy eye prior to cataract surgery was 20/40, then 20/40 is the best vision that can be achieved after cataract surgery.

As for the intraocular lens, you will need to discuss this with your surgeon. The lens chosen will be dependent upon the degree of amblyopia and it will be important to know your eye history, including the refraction and vision of the lazy eye, before the start of the cataract. With the combined conditions of both a lazy eye and cataracts, you will need to work closely with your eye surgeon to assess your vision and to help reach the best possible visual outcome after cataract surgery. Gregory Eippert, MD 9485 Mentor Ave., #110, Mentor 44060 440-255-1115 www.opivision.com

DENTAL CARE

Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD Q: Who Covers for You When You Are Not In The Office? A: Those of you who have been patients of mine for years and even decades know how dedicated I am to the practice. I don’t take a lot of time off. In fact, most of the year, I can found very easily. This is true whether I am in the office or out. That doesn’t really answer the question though. So let’s take a look at how I can be there for you when you need me. First of all, my staff is fantastic. When you call, you will hear familiar voices who feel that it is an honor to help and serve you. They will utilize the latest in technology to track me down and convey information to me via modern technology.

My staff and I carry smart phone which allows us to communicate photos, x-rays to allow me to get up to speed on your particular situation. When I’m out of the office, I can actually connect with your digital xrays and solve a problem long distance. This is possible in town and out of town, In fact, I am usually connected even when I am in the air on a plane. This is where technology is today. It allows us to communicate and share information even at remote locations. It was just last week that a patient fractured a very old bridge and was in pain. I was able to communicate verbally and visually and advise another practitioner on how to best care for the patient. Years ago, this was impossible. Today it is a daily occurrence. Technology has drastically changed how we treat and care for our patients. Let’s talk a little more about what modern technology has done for us.

We all know the importance of x-rays. Yet, they are only useful if I can see and compare them with other x-rays. Comparing various views and x-rays from different dates is crucial to an accurate diagnosis and treatment. With the use of modern digital xrays, all this and more is possible. I can’t even fathom using film on a routine basis any more. We spoke about x-rays earlier this month, but I did not focus on what digital x-rays have done for dentistry. In the past an x-ray film was developed a certain way and your image was finalized. With digital technology, we can change what we see to allow us to see more or less details when trying to arrive at a diagnosis.

In the treatment realm, we use 3D imaging to help us do better surgery. These images are used to take a lot of the guesswork out of a procedure. We know what the tissue that we can’t see with the naked eye looks like. This allows me to plan out procedures ahead of time. This translates back to the patient with huge benefits. Of course, the procedure has a greater chance of success, but also, I get done quicker. This is huge. It means that you get in and out of the chair quicker. Everyone likes that. Speed on a procedure with the same or better quality is a win-win for everyone. In fact just today, I placed a dental implant in less than 20 minutes. We were all happy on that one.

Technology has given us better color matching for those cosmetic cases. We use digital photography to pick a color for a crown or denture. We all know what happens when we see someone and their teeth look fake. They are too white and the shape is off. Blending with the rest of your mouth and your facial features is crucial to creating a natural and life like result. In the 21st century, we can not push cosmetics to the side. Sometimes it is as simple as taking a camera out of my pocket. I just take a picture and send it to my lab to increase our level of communication. This solves many repeat procedures and avoiding those infamous words, “I thought that it would look differnt”. There are many levels of acceptability in dentistry. I can now create that custom result to make each and everyone of you happy with your teeth.

So the last thing that you have to worry about is me not being available. I may be tied up at the moment, but with modern phones, electronics and the internet, I am more reachable, than ever. In fact, you can try it out for yourself. Just give me a call and ask to speak with me. It will be my pleasure to have an informative conversation with you. I can be reached at 440.951.7856. I look forward to our talk.

Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD is an Ohio licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. The Healthy Smile 34586 Lakeshore Boulevard (¼ mile west of Route 91 on Lakeshore Boulevard) Eastlake, Ohio 44095 440-951-7856 Severance Medical Arts, Suite 603 5 Severance Center Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 216-371-2333 www.jeffreygrossdds.com