Notes
Outline
Hearing Loss
Even if you don’t have a hearing loss:
You probably care about someone who does
Your odds of having a hearing loss in the future are pretty good.
Hearing Loss
 How We Hear
 Understanding Hearing Loss
 Getting Help
 Getting Good
 Technical Solutions
 Hearing Loss Association of America
It’s a Miracle
Amazing Capability (when it works)
Whisper to Jet Plane (1 : 1,000,000)
Rumble to a Sizzle (20 to 20,000 Hz)
Localization
Know Where Sound is Coming From
Automatically Suppress Unwanted Sound
Serious Impact (when it fails)
Lose some sounds (usually consonants)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Can’t Hear in Noise
Loss of Localization
Don’t Know Where Sound is Coming From
Can’t Suppress Unwanted Sounds
Can Affect Your Life
Can Affect Those Around You
You Are Not Alone
U.S. population 270+ million
2 million Deaf
26 million Hard of Hearing
1 of every 10 people has a hearing loss
Over age 65, 1 in every 3 persons has some degree of hearing loss
80% of hard of hearing people are in denial
Untreated Hearing Loss
Sadness and depression
Worry and anxiety
Paranoia
Less social activity
Emotional turmoil and insecurity
Source: National Council on the Aging, May 1999
Treated Hearing Loss
Better relationships with their families
Better feelings about themselves
Improved mental health
Greater independence and security
Source: National Council on the Aging, May 1999
Types of Hearing Loss
Common Audiogram Curves
High Frequency Loss (Ski Slope)
Low Frequency Loss (Reverse Ski Slope)
Mid-range Loss (Cookie Bite)
Flat Loss
Sensorineural, Conductive, Mixed
Timing Gradual/Sudden/Fluctuating
“Normal” Hearing
Mild High Frequency Loss
Moderate High Frequency Loss
Moderate/Severe High Frequency Loss
Severe/Profound High Frequency Loss
Reverse Ski Slope
Cookie Bite Hearing Loss
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
Acoustic Trauma (Noise)
Age related
Genetic
Ototoxic Drugs
Illness (examples)
Autoimmune Disease
Meniere’s Syndrome
Acoustic Neuromas
Start With Professionals
Audiologist
CCCA
AuD
Ear Doctor
ENT
Otologist
Otolaryngologist
Otorhynolaryngologist
Learn From Others
HLAA (www.hearingloss.org)
Internet (handout)
Web Pages
Listserves/Groups/Bulletin Boards/Chat Sessions
DSDHH (most states have programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
Regional Resource Centers
Equipment Distribution
Assistive Technology Program (all states have)
Equipment Demonstration
Free Consultations
Do Something
You have a hearing loss: Get Over It!
Polish Your Coping Skills
Help Your Friends and Family
Buy and Learn How to Use Hearing Aids
Take Advantage of Assistive Technology
Pass on What You Learn
Advocate
Coping Skills
Don’t Bluff
Explain, Don’t Just Say “Huh”
Choose Your Situation (noise/position/lighting)
Plan Ahead
Confirm Understanding
Keep Your Sense of Humor
(See Detailed Tips on Handout)
Hearing Aids
Microphone/Amplifier/Speaker
Selectively Make Things Louder
Can Make a Huge Difference
Won’t Completely Correct Your Hearing
You’ll Likely Still Have Trouble
In Noise
At a Distance
Hearing Aids (How to Buy)
Audiologists/Hearing Aid Dealers
Facilities
Joint with Dr’s Office vs. Private Practices
“House Brands” vs. Multi-Brand
Big Box Stores
Web
Fitting is an art … not like glasses
At least 30 day trial period
Your #1 PRIORITY is Better Hearing
Hearing Aid Types
Basic Styles
BTE
ITE
ITC
CIC
Middle Ear Implantable
Bone Conduction/BAHA
CROS/BiCROS
Disposable
Hearing Aid Features (Quick Tour)
Volume Control
Telecoil
Multiple Microphones (Noise Control)
Programmable
Feedback Control
Compression/Clipping
Digital vs. Analog
Direct Audio Input
Remote Controls
FM
Cochlear Implants
Surgically Placed Electrode
Directly Stimulates Cochlea
External Processor with Microphone
Only for VERY Serious Losses
Amazing Successes
Some Moderate Successes
Very Few Complete Failures
Most Likely Destroys Residual Hearing
Assistive Listening (ALDs)
Transmission
Hard Wired
Magnetic (loop)
FM
IR
User Interface
Headphones
NeckLoop and Silhouette
Direct Audio Input (DAI)
Telephones
Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)
CallerID
Volume Control
Ringer Volume Control
High Frequency Boost
Flashing Lights
Jack (for ALDs)
FM and Bluetooth
Beyond Telephones
Relay
IP Relay
CapTel
More Assistive Solutions
Flashers for Doorbell and Phone
Baby Criers
Vibrating Alerters and Bed Shakers
Alarm Clocks (Loud, Vibrating, Light Flashing)
Fire Alarms with Strobe Lights
Captions
Closed
Open
Subtitles
What is HLAA?
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), formerly Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH)
A new organization (started 1979).
A new name (starting in 2006)
Mission: to open the world of communication to hard of hearing people by providing education, information, support, and advocacy.
Grassroots network of over 250 chapters/groups across U.S.
Non-Profit Organization
HLAA (the National Organization)
Education and Advocacy
$25 Membership (Join at www.hearingloss.org)
Great Magazine and National Convention
Discounts
HLA-xx (where xx = State Abbreviation)
State-Level Associations of HLAA
Coordination and Advocacy at the State Level
Established in many states, now
Local Chapters
In many cities across the country
Real “End-User” Support through volunteers
HLAA Helps You Learn About
Hearing loss in general
Latest developments in hearing aids, Cochlear Implants and assistive technologies
Latest advances in medical research
Relevant legislative issues
Getting your life back
Helping yourself … and others
HLA-Wake County Chapter
Formed in early 80’s
Averages about 40 members
All volunteer
No dues; everyone welcome
Funded by Donations (including SAS)
Meets monthly
Third Thursday every month
Cary Senior Center
It’s Up To You
Never Been a Better Time to be HoH!
There’s plenty of help; you’re not alone.
Only you can accept that help
It can improve your life
It can put you back in control
Isn’t it time?
                                    Questions and                  Answers