It's All About Communication!

by Larry Verhei, Chair, Health Care Task Force

Wendall Poole of Williams Sound demonstrates the use of an FM amplified listening system at the 2004 Communication Fair.

We all know at least one person who is hard of hearing, faces a speech or language challenge, or who is deaf. Stop and think a minute...whether it's you, your children, your co-worker or your friend... we all know someone. 
 
As stated in the April 16, 2003 issue of the Journal of American Medical Association, "Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans after hypertension and arthritis. Between 25 and 40 percent of the population 65 or older is hearing impaired. The prevalence rises with age, ranging from 40 to 66 percent in patients older than 75 years, and more than 80 percent in patients older than 85 years. Alternative definitions of hearing loss would raise estimates of prevalence even higher. In addition, the impact of hearing loss on society will increase, not only because the population is aging, but also because the prevalence of age adjusted hearing loss has increased significantly since the 1960's...." 
 
Now what do these statistics mean? Did you know...

• Over 28 million people in the US have some loss of hearing
   
• Many Baby Boomers have hearing loss due to exposure to loud music and rock concerts 
  
  
• 90 percent of hearing loss can be treated with the use of hearing instruments 
  
  
• Only 16 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss
  
  
• People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking help
  

What does effective communication mean to you?
 
It means professionals working with individuals and their families to support the most effective method of communicating for a person. This may be hearing aids, speech therapy, language training, motor therapy, assistive devices or technology, or sign language.

When people think about the treatment of hearing loss, most automatically think of hearing aids...but an increasing number of assistive listening and signaling devices are available.  Some of the more practical devices include:

How can I learn more about Assistive Listening and Signaling devices?
 
Since 1937, The Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center, located at 1625 19th Ave. in Seattle, a regional not-for profit United Way funded agency, has been serving the 20 percent of Puget Sound area residents who have hearing loss or a speech challenge. This long tradition continues with HSDC's recent relocation to a new home, with the latest equipment, and with skilled clinicians, educators, therapists and specialists. Assistive listening and signaling devices are available for personal inspection and demonstrations from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday at the HSDC Store.
 
On Saturday, May 21 and Monday, May 23, the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center presents their annual Communication Fair, featuring a "Taste of Technology" from Sprint/Washington Relay Service. This free, all-ages fair is especially for people who are hard of hearing, deaf, or facing speech-language challenges...and also for families, friends and coworkers. Information booths and a variety of interesting workshops will be provided at no cost during the event. Topics include: 

Seniors who are interested in technology can see free live demonstrations and learn how to use these relay services:

• Washington Relay (Dial 711 to make a relay call)
• Washington Video Relay Service using Netmeeting
• http://www.sprintvrs.tv using D-Link Videophone
• Internet Relay (www.sprintrelayonline.com )
• Wireless Relay (Make a call from your pager)
• Voice Carry Over Service (Record and voice simultaneously)

A drawing will also be held, for the prize of a free pair of new hearing aids. The Event Location is:

Artz Communication Center
1625 19th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122  

Additional information is available at Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC)
 
Seattle Office:

Artz Communication Center
1625 19th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
206-323-5770 V/TTY
VRS available
www.hsdc.org

Also see the online HCSD store at www.hsdcstore.com

Larry Verhei serves as Chair of the Health Care Task Force of the Seattle/King County Advisory Council on Aging and Disability. He is also Business Development Coordinator for the Hearing, Speech and Deafness Center.