Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Your favorite activities make everyday life your own, and bone or joint pain can keep you sidelined. At Wellstar, our skilled and caring team is ready to help you find relief and get back to life with less pain and more freedom.
Orthopedic specialists here offer complete care for all types of bone, joint and soft tissue injuries and conditions. From diagnosis and treatment through rehabilitation and recovery, we’ve got your back.
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Inside Her Ears: A Story of Hearing Loss and Hope
As summer approaches, the familiar hum of cicadas—noisy, winged insects common across Georgia—often fills the air. For 66-year-old Jeri Ann Herman of Smyrna, that buzzing sound once felt constant—even indoors and in the quiet moments of daily life.
What she was hearing wasn’t coming from outside.
Looking back, Jeri Ann said she likely began experiencing hearing loss around age 60. At first, the changes were subtle. She found herself asking others to speak up or repeat themselves, brushing off the difficulty as a normal part of aging.
“I developed hearing ‘crutches,’” she said. “Turning up the TV worked at home, but conversations in restaurants became really difficult. I’d only heard negative things about hearing aids, so I kept telling myself I didn’t want to deal with more frustration.”
Over time, conversations became harder to follow. Family gatherings, once full of laughter and connection, left her feeling increasingly disconnected. Often, she said, she would smile along without fully understanding what was being said.
Eventually, Jeri Ann sought medical help for what she described as a constant sound of “cicadas” in her ears. She was diagnosed with tinnitus, a condition that causes the perception of sound when no external noise is present.
Working with Wellstar Audiologist Dr. Brooke Watkins, Jeri Ann began exploring ways to manage both her hearing loss and the persistent buzzing.
“Jeri Ann actually has a specific program built into her devices that she can turn on when needed,” Dr. Watkins said. “It plays what we call a ‘masker’ to help distract her from the sounds she’s hearing, similar to a white noise machine you might use for sleep. We customized that setting for her in the office so it better counters the cicada-like buzzing and gives her relief throughout the day.”
With guidance from Watkins and Wellstar lead ear, nose and throat physician Dr. Timothy Ryan, Jeri Ann tried several options before finding the right fit. Today, she wears custom in-ear hearing aids designed specifically for her needs—and they’re so small, no one even notices them.
“Finding Dr. Watkins was a game-changer,” she said. “She truly believes everyone deserves to hear, and she took the time to find what worked for me. When one hearing aid didn’t fit and was uncomfortable, she had it completely redone.”
The results were remarkable. The constant internal noise faded, and everyday conversations became clearer again.
“Many patients don’t realize how much hearing loss and tinnitus are affecting their day-to-day lives until they experience the difference,” Dr. Ryan said. “When we treat both, it’s not just about reducing noise. It’s about restoring clarity, confidence and the ability to stay connected to the people and moments that matter most.”
Hearing loss is common, particularly among older adults. About 1 in 3 adults ages 65 to 74 have hearing loss, and nearly half of adults 75 and older are affected, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Tinnitus is closely linked, often occurring when tiny sensory cells in the inner ear are damaged, and the brain compensates by creating its own sound.
For Jeri Ann, addressing both conditions brought relief she hadn’t thought possible.
“Aging comes with challenges,” she said. “I got glasses when my vision changed, so hearing aids should have been the next step. But it didn’t happen until I was emotionally ready.”
Now, she is once again fully engaged in conversations with her husband, children and grandchildren, no longer sidelined by the sounds she couldn’t control.
Jeri Ann hopes sharing her story will encourage others to recognize the signs of hearing loss and seek help sooner.
“I didn’t realize how much I was missing,” she said. “Now I don’t want to miss a thing.”
Highlights
Men, Make Health Your Habit
If you’re a sports fan, you probably know your stats.
Like how NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins remains undefeated in Atlanta Hawks history for points (23,292) and ranks second in team history in steals (1,245). But there are a few, even more important numbers you should know off the top of your head: your health stats.
Do you know your blood pressure? What about your low-density lipoproteins? Maybe you can clock an eight-minute mile or bench press 250 pounds, but do you know your hemoglobin A1C?
Men are less likely than women to see their healthcare team once a year. Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Tameka Byrd said it’s crucial men stay up to date on preventative care and essential screenings.
“Yearly physicals can catch illnesses before they start and prevent health issues from getting worse,” Dr. Byrd said. “Your primary care provider will tailor a screening plan depending on your age, health history and other factors so you can proactive with your wellness.”
Getting and staying healthy doesn’t just help us feel better—it ensures we can be there for those we care about too.
“It’s also for loved ones—spouses, partners, children and parents. We’re not only here for us. We’re here for our friends and family,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller. “The best thing you can do for those you care for is to take care of yourself.”
Stats all men should know to stay in the game include:
BMI determines whether you have a healthy body weight and categorizes obesity levels. A recommended BMI range is between 18.5 to 25.
This blood test measures cholesterol levels and should be part of your wellness routine starting in your 20s. For men 20 or older, healthy LDL levels should be under 100 milligrams per deciliter and aim to keep your HDL above 40.
Your clinician will take your blood pressure during your regular visit, but you can also find blood pressure checking stations at many pharmacies or buy your own device to use at home. Blood pressure under 120/80 is considered ideal.
This metric measures whether or not you have healthy blood sugar. If you are diabetic, you should check your A1C every three months.
Men who are 50 or older should discuss prostate cancer testing with their clinician, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at a higher risk, including Black men and those who had a brother or father diagnosed with cancer before age 65, should ask their care team about testing at age 45. Patients who had more than one close relative with prostate cancer at an early age should have this conversation with their clinician when they’re 40. The Wellstar Prostate Health Program evaluates and treats people with a higher risk for prostate conditions.
An abnormal PSA result could be an indication of prostate cancer. For men in their 40s and 50s, a PSA score higher than 2.5 nanograms per milliliter is considered abnormal, and men in their 60s should have a PSA score of 4.0 nanograms per milliliter or less.
Along with staying up to date on those health stats, men should also be getting regular colorectal cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer screening get checked regularly beginning at age 45. Screenings should continue through age 75, and after that patients can discuss their personal risk and history with their clinician.
Your Wellstar primary care team will partner with you in creating a personalized health plan. Find a clinician near you and book online.
Highlights
Find Specialized Pelvic Health Care at Wellstar
Pelvic health conditions such as bladder leakage, pelvic pressure and recurrent urinary tract infections affect many women, particularly after childbirth or during midlife. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, nearly one in three women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime. Despite how common these conditions are, many women delay seeking care—often living with symptoms that can significantly impact daily activities, sleep and overall wellbeing.
Urogynecology is a specialized field focused on diagnosing and treating pelvic floor conditions. Care begins with a comprehensive evaluation, followed by a personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s symptoms and goals. Many women benefit from conservative therapies such as pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. When needed, minimally invasive procedures are available to help reduce recovery time and support a quicker return to normal activities.
“Many women assume these symptoms are something they have to live with, but that is not the case,” said Wellstar Urogynecologist Dr. Sarah Huber. “By expanding access to urogynecology services, we are helping women get the care they need sooner, in a setting that is convenient and connected to their overall health.”
Wellstar brings together OB/GYN clinicians, urogynecology specialists, primary care physicians and specialized pelvic floor physical therapists to deliver coordinated care. This team-based model helps ensure a more seamless experience for patients, from initial evaluation through treatment and follow-up.With access to both routine and specialized care in one system, women can more easily address sensitive health concerns and take steps to improve their quality of life.
With locations in Augusta, Acworth, Hiram, Marietta, East Cobb and Smyrna, specialized pelvic health care is right in your community.