Canadian Pensioners Concerned: NewsLetter

NewsLetter Articles

DON'T LOSE OUT
How to identify and Manage a Hearing Loss
"One of my favourite pastimes used to be driving out to the airport to watch airplanes take off and land. So when I first became aware of a strange noise in my right ear I didn't pay much attention to it; it sounded like an airplane. As time went on, the sound became more noticeable and on a visit to my doctor's office it was worth mentioning. I was told it might be a problem with my hearing. A visit to an audiologist quickly confirmed that I had hearing loss in both ears - this was devastating news." Cynthia D'Souza

If you're like Cynthia and have been told you have a hearing loss, it's likely that it comes as a shock. Don't panic - you are not alone - one in four adult Canadians reports having a hearing loss. More importantly, you can cope and adapt successfully. There are many resources available to help you make the needed transitions and remain active and independent, even if you are a senior living alone.

Here are just a few of the ways in which you can adapt to your hearing loss and help your family members and caregivers to do the same:

An alerting system will keep you safe and independent by letting you know, day or night, with flashing lights and a bed shaker when the phone, doorbell or alarm clock is ringing.

Captioning will help you to access TV and movies. All televisions manufactured after 1993 have a built-in decoder to display captioning. Captions Indicate dialogue, sound effects, music, etc.

Communication devices can also provide help with other routine activities around your home such as using the telephone. For example, Voice Carry Over (VCO) phones allow you to speak to your callers while reading their words on a built-in two-line display screen, through a toll-free Relay service. It's easy to use with no typing required.

Tell your family what your hearing loss is like and how it makes you feel. Ask how your hearing loss makes them feel and teach them how to communicate effectively with you. For instance, ask them to face you, speak slowly, and avoid covering their mouths.

Think you might have a hearing loss but you're not sure? Here are some possible signs of hearing loss:

Speaking louder than necessary in conversations

Thinking that people are always mumbling

turning the TV or radio up so loud that others complain

Withdrawing from social contact

Ringing or buzzing in the ear(s)

Difficulty hearing on the telephone

There are a number of resources and agencies available in your community offering support to people living with hearing loss:

The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS). CHS has 28 offices across Ontario with a full-range of services including communication devices and audiology and hearing aid programs to give you the support you need. Phone 1-877-347-3427; TTY 1-877-347-3429 www.chs.ca

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA). To find a branch near you contact CHHA at: Phone 613-526-1584; TTY 613-526-2692; Toll free 1-800-263-8068 www.chha.ca

Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Find an audiologist in your area. Phone 1-800-259-8519 www.caslpa.ca

CHS provides free-of-charge programs that can help in adjusting to a hearing loss:

Hearing help classes
Qualified instructors teach invaluable coping and communication skills in a supportive and open environment. The classes cover information on using a hearing aid, basic speech-reading skills, communication strategies, information on communication devices, coping with difficult listening situations and more.

Hearing care counselling program
Qualified hearing care counsellors will make home or residence visits to provide one-on-one information and counselling on issues related to coping with hearing loss such as managing difficult listening situations; use, care and maintenance of hearing aids and other listening systems; support and communication training for individuals and families; and selecting communication devices that suit individual needs.

Communication devices and accessibility centres
CHS offices offer walk-up displays where staff will demonstrate communication devices, make recommendations based on individual needs and consumers will have a trial period to assess if the equipment is meeting their needs. Amplified phones/ringers, TTYs (Teletypewriters), assistive listening devices and more are available to people who are hard of hearing, deafened or deaf, their families, hospitals, churches, and other interested groups.

Learn more about the wide range of CHS programs and services at www.chs.ca. Many communities have a Seniors' Association or Seniors' Centre. Contact your municipal office to find out which services are available in your area.
Adrienne Clarke, Manager, Public Relations, Canadian Hearing Society