The Hearing Center Celebrates 40 years!

Welcome to The Hearing Center: Comprehensive Hearing Care for Every Stage of Life

For four decades, The Hearing Center has been helping individuals and families hear, communicate, and connect more effectively. While hearing technology and the field of audiology have changed tremendously over that time, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to providing thoughtful, individualized care to every person who walks through our doors.

As we introduce our newly updated website, we thought it was also a good opportunity to reintroduce The Hearing Center—who we are, what we do, and the approach to hearing care that continues to guide our practice.

More Than Hearing Aids

When many people think of an audiologist, hearing aids are often the first thing that comes to mind. Hearing technology is an important part of what we do, but modern audiology encompasses much more.

Our audiologists provide comprehensive hearing healthcare for patients across the lifespan, from newborns and children to adults of all ages. Our services include comprehensive hearing evaluations, pediatric audiology, hearing aid selection and fitting, cochlear implant services, auditory processing evaluations, tinnitus evaluations, custom hearing protection, assistive listening technology, and specialized hearing care for musicians and audio professionals.

Our goal is not simply to identify hearing loss. We want to understand how hearing affects each individual person's lifeand develop solutions based on their particular needs, environments, challenges, and goals.

Hearing Care Built Around the Individual

No two people experience hearing in exactly the same way.

A child struggling to understand speech in a classroom has very different listening needs from an adult having difficulty following conversations in restaurants. A professional musician may have normal hearing thresholds but need sophisticated hearing conservation strategies. A cochlear implant recipient requires ongoing care as they learn to hear through their device.

That's why we believe excellent audiological care begins with listening.

Our audiologists combine comprehensive diagnostic testing with evidence-based technology and verification techniques, including real ear measurements and sound field validation when appropriate. Just as importantly, we take the time to understand what our patients are experiencing outside the sound booth.

Hearing Care for Children and Families

Pediatric audiology has long been an important part of The Hearing Center.

Our audiologists provide hearing evaluations for infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers using age-appropriate testing techniques. We work closely with families to explain results, answer questions, and determine appropriate next steps when hearing or listening concerns are identified.

Our pediatric services include newborn hearing follow-up, behavioral hearing evaluations, visual reinforcement audiometry, conditioned play audiometry, otoacoustic emissions testing, hearing technology, and other specialized services based on each child's needs.

Advanced Hearing and Cochlear Implant Care

For individuals whose hearing needs extend beyond traditional hearing aids, The Hearing Center provides specialized cochlear implant services.

Our Cochlear Implant Center provides comprehensive candidacy evaluations, cochlear implant activations and programming, and ongoing audiological management. We work with patients and their families throughout the cochlear implant journey, helping them understand not only their technology but what to expect as they adapt to a new way of hearing.

We also provide comprehensive auditory processing evaluations for children and adults when concerns involve not simply whether sounds can be heard, but how effectively the auditory system processes and makes sense of them.

Where Hearing Meets Music

One area of our practice that has continued to grow is music audiology and hearing conservation.

Musicians, performers, and audio professionals place extraordinary demands on their hearing. Protecting that hearing requires an approach that recognizes that simply making sound quieter isn't always enough.

The Hearing Center works with musicians and entertainment professionals to evaluate and protect their hearing while preserving the quality and detail of the sound they depend upon. Services include comprehensive hearing evaluations, custom high-fidelity musicians' earplugs, in-ear monitor impressions, hearing conservation, tinnitus care, and individualized counseling.

Our interest in the relationship between hearing and music also extends beyond the clinic.

Taking the Conversation Beyond the Clinic

The Hearing Center audiologists Dr. Eric Sandler and Dr. Michelle Schechter are the creators and hosts of the Hear Us Out podcast, which explores how sound shapes the human experience.

Through conversations with Grammy-winning musicians, Broadway performers, actors, producers, sound engineers, scientists, innovators, audiologists, and other fascinating guests, Hear Us Out explores music, hearing, technology, communication, creativity, and the ways sound connects us.

The podcast reflects something we believe strongly at The Hearing Center: hearing isn't simply a clinical measurement. Sound is part of how we communicate, create, connect, and experience the world around us.

Four New Jersey Locations. One Approach to Care.

Today, The Hearing Center serves patients through our offices in Clark, Somerset, Manalapan, and Highland Park, New Jersey.

Although our practice has grown and audiology continues to evolve, our philosophy remains remarkably simple: provide knowledgeable, compassionate care, use technology thoughtfully, and treat every patient as an individual.

Whether you're concerned about your child's hearing, exploring hearing technology for yourself, considering a cochlear implant, looking for help with auditory processing, protecting your hearing as a musician, or simply have questions about your hearing, we welcome the opportunity to help.

Welcome—or Welcome Back—to The Hearing Center

If you've been a patient for many years, thank you for continuing to place your trust in us.

If you're discovering The Hearing Center for the first time, we invite you to explore our newly updated website, learn more about our audiologists and services, and discover the many ways today's audiology can help people hear and communicate more effectively.

Better hearing isn't simply about hearing more. It's about staying connected to the people, experiences, and sounds that matter.

Hear Us Out: Bill Sherman From Broadway to Sesame Street: Inside his Creative World

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Sherman — Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award–winning composer, arranger, and music director — to explore the creative rhythms behind some of today’s most beloved music and theater. From his work on Hamilton and In the Heights to his role as music director for Sesame Street, Bill shares his journey through the worlds of Broadway, television, and beyond.

We dive into how collaboration fuels creativity, what it takes to bring stories to life through sound, and how music continues to evolve in a changing artistic landscape.

Whether you’re a musician, a theater lover, or simply fascinated by the art of storytelling through music, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at the mind of a true musical innovator.

Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com

Follow Us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology

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Follow Bill: www.instagram.com/bsherman2222

https://www.popmusicmisery.com

Hear Us Out with Dr. Joe Manjaly Ear Expert; Surgical Insights and Hearing Health

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Dr. Joe Manjaly, a leading ear surgeon known for his patient-centered approach and innovative surgical techniques. Dr. Manjaly takes us inside the world of modern ear care—breaking down common hearing problems, demystifying ear surgery, and sharing real stories from the operating room.

Whether you’re curious about how hearing works, wondering when to seek specialist care, or simply fascinated by medical innovation, this conversation offers clear, practical insights from a surgeon who’s dedicated his career to helping people hear their world again.

Tune in as Dr. Manjaly answers listener questions, challenges outdated myths, and reminds us why taking care of our ears matters more than ever.

Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com

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https://www.earspecialistclinic.co.uk

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Hear Us Out with Dr. Michael Santucci, Music Audiologist and Founder of Sensaphonics

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Dr. Michael Santucci, music audiologist, researcher, and founder of Sensaphonics, the groundbreaking company dedicated to protecting the hearing of musicians and audio professionals around the world.

For decades, Dr. Santucci has been at the forefront of hearing conservation in the music industry; from pioneering custom in-ear monitors to educating artists on safe listening habits. His mission is clear: help people experience sound fully without sacrificing the sense that makes it possible.

We dive into the science behind how sound impacts the body, why musicians are uniquely at risk, and the misconceptions that keep people from protecting their hearing. Dr. Santucci also shares stories from years of working with touring artists, the innovations reshaping live performance, and the simple habits that can preserve hearing for a lifetime.

Whether you’re a musician, a music lover, or someone who’s simply curious about the power and vulnerability of our ears, this conversation offers rare insight, practical guidance, and a deep appreciation for how precious our hearing truly is.

Tune in and hear what happens when science, sound, and passion come together.

Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com

Follow us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology

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Follow Dr. Santucci: www.instagram.com/sensaphonics

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Holding Down the Low End: Life on Tour with Paul Kartelias of O.A.R.

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Paul Kartelias, touring bassist for O.A.R. and master of the low-end groove that drives the band’s live energy. Paul opens up about his journey from local gigs to national tours, what it takes to lock in night after night, and how he’s built a reputation for musicality, reliability, and rock-solid pocket playing.

We get into life on the road, how he prepares mentally and musically for high-pressure shows, and the behind-the-scenes realities of touring with a major band. Paul also shares his approach to tone, gear, and adapting to different stages and sound environments—plus a few memorable stories from the tour bus.

Whether you’re a musician, a fan of O.A.R., or someone curious about the craft of professional touring, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and groove.

Tune in as we hear Paul’s story—and hear him out.

Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com

Follow us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology

www.hearusoutpodcast.com

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Follow Paul: www.instagram.com/paulkartelias

Episode 3 of Plugged into Hearing Health on Drum Talk TV with Drs. Schechter and Sandler is out now

Know anyone with hearing loss or ringing in their ears? Join us for episode 3 of the new Drum Talk TV series, Plugged Into Hearing Health! Dan Shinder co-hosts with Dr. Michelle Schechter and Dr. Eric Sandler, your friendly audiologists who happen to be HUGE music fans as well. They will talk about hearing loss, tinnitus, hearing protection, etc. They will also take your questions!

Jenna Bainbridge of Wicked on Broadway discusses finding her voice and advocacy on Hear Us Out

On this a recent episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with the extraordinary Jenna Bainbridge, one of Broadway’s brightest talents and a cast member of the smash-hit musical Wicked. Jenna’s story is not just about performing on the biggest stages in the world—it’s about perseverance, artistry, and carving out a place in an industry that hasn’t always welcomed performers with disabilities.

Her perspective is refreshing, powerful, and deeply human. This conversation stays with you.

From Colorado Roots to the Emerald City

Jenna walks us through her journey from her early days of performing to stepping into the magical world of Wicked. For any Broadway fan, hearing what it’s like to live backstage at one of the most beloved musicals of all time is pure gold. She shares:

• How she first fell in love with theater

• What it was like joining Wicked

• The rehearsal process and what keeps the show feeling alive after years on Broadway

• Her favorite onstage moments (and some unexpected backstage ones!)

Her enthusiasm for the craft radiates through every word.

Redefining Representation on Broadway

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation is Jenna’s mission to increase visibility for disabled performers. As a wheelchair user and an advocate for disability inclusion, she speaks candidly about navigating an industry that was not built with every body in mind.

She opens up about:

• The barriers she’s faced

• The shifts happening in the theater world

• Why accessibility enhances—not limits—creative storytelling

• The impact representation has on young performers and audiences

Jenna’s activism isn’t separate from her artistry—it powers it.

Channeling Strength, Grace, and Humor

Jenna has a way of balancing vulnerability with wit, and reflection with joy. She talks about the realities of performing eight shows a week, finding community in the theater world, and holding onto her sense of authenticity amid the whirlwind of Broadway.

Her stories remind us that artists are human first—and that what they bring to the stage comes from everything they’ve lived through.

A Wicked Experience Like You’ve Never Heard

Whether you’ve seen Wicked once or a dozen times, Jenna’s insider perspective brings new depth to the show’s themes of friendship, identity, and defying expectations. You’ll walk away with a renewed appreciation for:

• The technical precision behind the magic

• The emotional endurance needed to sustain long-running productions

• The camaraderie between cast members

• The responsibility of telling a story that has touched millions

Her voice gives fans a reason to fall in love with Wicked all over again.

Listen to the Full Episode

This episode is inspiring, heartfelt, and full of Broadway sparkle. If you love theater—or stories of resilience, authenticity, and finding your voice—this conversation with Jenna Bainbridge is a must-listen.

Audible Magic; Tony Award Nominee Adam Fisher

On a recent episode of Hear Us Out, we sat down with one of the most exciting creative forces working in theatre today: Adam Fisher, the acclaimed and Tony-nominated sound designer whose work has shaped some of Broadway’s most immersive storytelling.

Whether you’ve experienced his soundscapes live on stage or are just curious how theater’s most invisible artistry works, this episode pulls back the curtain on a craft that audiences feel long before they consciously notice it.

From Stagecraft to Storycraft: Adam’s Path into Sound Design

Adam shares the surprising story of how he found his way into sound design—part engineering, part music, part psychology, and part pure magic. What started as a fascination with how sound affects emotion turned into a career designing entire sonic environments that guide audience attention, heighten drama, and bring productions to life.

In the episode, he talks about:

• How he approaches designing sound for a brand-new show

• Why silence can be just as powerful as sound

• The difference between “hearing” and “feeling” a moment

• What he wishes more people understood about his craft

Inside a Tony-Nominated Mind

Being nominated for a Tony Award is no small feat. Adam walks us through the design process that earned him that recognition—how he builds a world from scratch, collaborates with directors and composers, and listens differently than the rest of us.

He shares behind-the-scenes stories from productions that pushed him creatively, moments when everything clicked, and moments when sound design became the unexpected hero of a show.

Why Sound Design Matters More Than You Think

For many theatergoers, sound design is the element they don’t consciously think about—but would immediately miss if it weren’t there. Adam breaks down the delicate balance of making sound both invisible and essential:

• Crafting transitions that the audience doesn’t even realize shaped the pacing

• Building tension through barely-audible layers

• Using environmental sound to make a set feel alive

• Designing clarity for dialogue without losing emotion

By the time you finish listening, you’ll never experience live theater the same way again.

The Gear, The Tech, and The Art

Adam also dives into the evolving world of theater technology—from digital consoles to immersive audio systems—and how innovation is opening new creative possibilities.

But the heart of his craft remains the same: telling stories through sound.

From Broadway to Sesame Street; Inside the Creative World of Bill Sherman

This week on Hear Us Out, we’re honored to host a true musical polymath: Bill Sherman, the Grammy-, Tony-, and Emmy-winning composer, arranger, and music director. Best known for his work on Hamilton, In the Heights, and Sesame Street, Bill has created soundtracks that resonated across generations—and today, he brings us into his creative world.

A Journey Through Sound & Storytelling

Bill Sherman’s path is anything but ordinary. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he teamed up with his college roommate, Lin-Manuel Miranda, to form the hip-hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme. Their friendship and artistic chemistry extended into Broadway: Bill helped orchestrate In the Heights, earning him a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations in 2008.

He didn’t stop there. As a producer on the Hamilton original cast album, he added a Grammy Award to his accolades. All the while, he was building an entirely different musical world as the Music Director for Sesame Street.

Awards That Reflect a Multifaceted Career

Bill’s award shelf is impressive—and deserved:

• Tony Award for Best Orchestrations (In the Heights)

• Multiple Grammy Awards, including for In the Heights and Hamilton

• Daytime Emmy Awards for original songs on Sesame Street, like “What I Am”, “The Power of Yet”, and “A Song About Songs” (the latter featuring Sia!)

Creativity, Collaboration & Responsibility

In our conversation, Bill opens up about how he balances so many musical worlds, and why collaboration is core to his process. He reflects on:

• Working with Broadway legends: He’s brought familiar voices into Sesame Street by recruiting composers from the theater world.

• Creating for children: Bill doesn’t dumb anything down. He believes that kids’ ears are extra sophisticated—and that respect for their intelligence fuels his songwriting.

• His sense of purpose: For him, Sesame Street is more than entertainment. It’s a platform to teach, heal, and inspire. He talked on Today about his “responsibility to children” to use music to uplift.

Between the Notes: Music, Hearing, and the Mystery of Tinnitus with Dr. Melissa Wikoff

On last week’s episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with someone whose work reaches far beyond the walls of her audiology clinic. Dr. Melissa Wikoff, founder of Peachtree Hearing, is known for her expertise with musicians, her compassionate care for patients with tinnitus and Ménière’s disease, and her extraordinary commitment to supporting Holocaust survivors through free hearing aids and specialized care.

This conversation is equal parts inspiring, educational, and deeply human.

Keeping Musicians Safe While Keeping the Music Alive

Musicians don’t just listen to sound—they live in it. Dr. Wikoff walks us through the unique challenges artists face, from noise exposure to hearing fatigue to custom in-ear monitoring. She shares real-world stories of helping performers preserve their most important instrument: their ears.

Whether it’s fine-tuning protection for concert violinists or creating solutions for touring rock artists, Dr. Wikoff combines science, artistry, and empathy in a way that resonates far beyond the music world.

Tinnitus & Ménière’s: Finding Relief When Sound Becomes Stress

For many patients, tinnitus and Ménière’s disease can feel isolating, overwhelming, and unpredictable. Dr. Wikoff breaks down what’s really happening inside the ear—and the hope that modern audiology can offer.

In the episode, she explains:

• How tinnitus retraining and sound therapy actually work

• Why Ménière’s symptoms fluctuate

• What patients can do today to improve quality of life

• Why listening with compassion matters just as much as medical treatment

Her approach is rooted in clarity, education, and the belief that no one should navigate hearing challenges alone.

A Mission of Honor: Giving Free Hearing Aids to Holocaust Survivors

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is Dr. Wikoff’s work with Holocaust survivors. Through a partnership with charitable organizations, she provides free hearing aids, fittings, and ongoing care to survivors who often struggle in silence—literally and emotionally.

She speaks about the importance of treating survivors with dignity, patience, and kindness, and the overwhelming gratitude she receives in return. These stories are moving reminders of how something as simple as the ability to hear can reconnect someone to their family, community, and sense of self.

Why Dr. Wikoff’s Work Matters

Audiology isn’t just about decibels, devices, or diagnoses—it’s about people.
Dr. Wikoff’s passion shines through in every aspect of her practice, from working with Grammy-winning artists to supporting older adults who have gone decades without access to proper hearing care.

Her blend of innovation, advocacy, and emotional intelligence makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in hearing health, music, medicine, or simply the impact of kindness.

Listen to the Full Episode

Tune in to hear Dr. Wikoff’s insights, stories, and the incredible heart behind her work.