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LIVING WELL • SMOKE SIGNALS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT “Technology has improved very rapidly in the last few decades and hearing aids are no different.” F


ew medical conditions are as isolating and frustrating for both individuals and their families as hearing loss.


Seniors, particularly, tend to view


this condition as a natural part of growing old. But, help is on the way in the form of a new generation of hearing aids that are designed to improve hearing in noisy environments, eliminate feedback, and make listening to TV and music more enjoyable. “Technology has improved very


rapidly in the last few decades and hearing aids are no different,” says Jim Higgins of Dahlonega Hearing Aid Center. “With the digital improvements of today, it’s like the difference between watching a movie on 8mm film or a Blu-ray DVD.” Hearing aids have come a long way


from the old fashioned instruments of yesteryear which were bulky, noisy and not that effective. Higgins says today there are fitted, in-ear hearing aids that are nearly undetectable yet provide measurable relief to those who suffer from hearing loss. As anyone who has lived with


hearing loss knows, suffering from this condition is not limited to the hard of hearing themselves. It is shared by the whole family. When communicating even the simplest information becomes a study in frustration, relationships suffer and quality of life goes down.


With a master’s degree from Emory University, Jim Higgins is a hearing aid specialist with 30 years experience in helping the hard of hearing, and their families, improve their quality of life.


“Hearing loss is not an individual


thing – it affects friends, family and everyone you come into contact with,”


Higgins says. “Sometimes family members are fearful for the safety of a loved one, or are just plain tired of not


Hearing loss a frustration for the whole family D A H L O N E G A H E A R I N G A I D C E N T E R


being heard.” Higgins started out as a lab tech


for an ENT specialist almost 30 years ago. He developed such a passion for the hearing aspects of the job that he decided to pursue further education in hearing science. Now armed with a master’s degree from Emory, he is currently a licensed hearing aid dispenser. He opened the Dahlonega Hearing Center in 2006. When asked what he considers the


best part of his job, Higgins refers to the customers he’s helped who have had poor-fitting hearing aids or have never had the benefit of an effective, technologically advanced, hearing aid. “When I see that look on their faces and know that I’ve opened up a whole new world,” he says, “it’s a great joy.” Just a half-hour from Big Canoe,


Jim Higgins of the Dahlonega Hearing Aid Center stands ready to help the hearing impaired and their families communicate more clearly and enjoy life more.


Dahlonega Hearing Aid Center Address: 81 Crown Mountain Place, Bldg B, Ste 300, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Services: Hearing aid sales and service Phone: 706-867-7285 Email: jimhiggins.dhac@gmail.com Website: starkey.com


APRIL 2012


“Dr. Foulk is committed to staying at the forefront of industry technology.”


Personal, friendly service meets state of the art dentistry N O R T H G E O R G I A S M I L E C A R E


J


asper area residents desiring complete and comprehensive dental services should visit the experts at North Georgia Smile


Care, office of Dr. J.D. Foulk, DMD. Tucked into a beautiful, wooded lot off Cove Road in Jasper, North Georgia Smile Care owner/dentist Dr. Foulk has been in practice at this location for five years. “The previous owner/ dentist practiced [here] for 30 years,” said Dr. Foulk. “I expect to be here another 25 years myself.” The office retains its original quaint and rustic exterior charm while the inside is sparkling new and modern. Dr. Foulk is proud to broaden his service offerings around dental implants, which are artificial roots that are permanently placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. Unlike a bridge, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. While Dr. Foulk has years of experience restoring implants and placing crowns, he now places the implants; work once done only by periodontists or oral surgeons. “We’ve had great success, and our patients are very happy,” he says. “Studies show a much more favorable return on investment with implants than with some other options such as a bridge,” says Foulk. “Implants are very


convenient, friendly service they have come to know and trust. The staff takes pride in delivering the same level of care to each patient as their own family members would receive. Dr. Foulk is committed to staying at


the forefront of industry technology. At the cutting edge is computer-assisted design and manufacturing that will allow dentists to digitally scan the prepared tooth for an on-site computer to render a 3-D model, resulting in a perfectly milled porcelain crown. This eliminates the need for temporary crowns, equating to fewer patient appointments and procedures. “This technology has come a long way. We are actively learning more and are interested in pursuing these options for our patients,” explains Dr. Foulk. North Georgia Smile Care welcomes


new patients seeking state-of-the-art dental care with a personal touch.


Dr. Foulk pictured left with patient.


successful, and we are pleased to offer this cutting edge restorative treatment to our patients.” Dr. Foulk spent six months in


Atlanta training with a highly regarded implant specialist and also completed a second mentorship with a surgeon from California. He is committed to


continuing education and dedicated to always improving his practice. Dr. Foulk is now also a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and hopes to achieve fellowship status within the year. Patients of North Georgia Smile Care can also be confident in the


North Georgia Smile Care Address: 585 Cove Rd. Jasper, GA 30143 Services: General, Cosmetic, and Family Dentistry Phone: 706-692-6429 Email: northgeorgiasmilecare@yahoo.com


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