The effects of COVID-19 will remain in effect for at least the next 6 months or more. I strongly believe there will be several viable vaccines as well as therapeutics. In the meantime, it’s very important to wear a mask when social distancing is not an option. Always carry “hand sanitizer” with you!
When you decide to visit your hearing healthcare professional, make sure they have procedures in place in line with CDC recommendations. For example, in my practice, we take everyone’s temperature and have them complete a covid-19 questionnaire. Secondly, we limit only two patients in our waiting room at the same time. Third, we allow more time between patients to disinfect all areas. Fourth, we have each patient leave our office from a different location.
As a general rule, we are allowing at least an extra 15-30 minutes per patient. What this should mean is that you’re hearing care professional should be spending more time with you at each appointment.
Equally important, if you’re not comfortable entering our offices, we offer curbside services for folks who just have a hearing aid problem. We would disinfect the hearing instrument, fix it, and return it to you while you wait in your car. If we have to send the hearing aid back for repair, we can provide you with a loaner hearing instrument.
Finally, as we remain stuck in our homes, we realize how important it is to hear clearly. Don’t hesitate to have your hearing tested and if you’re wearing a hearing aid, it should cost nothing for us to clean and adjust them. Please be careful when removing your mask while wearing your hearing aids. Many folks have lost their hearing instruments because of the mask. Ask your hearing care professional to add a “sports lock” to the receiver wires and/or consider custom micromolds.
Dr. Izzy is always available to answer all of your important questions about most hearing care issues. He can be reached at 732-818-3610 or visit us at gardenstatehearing.com. Our offices are in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Whiting.
