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Olivia Dorado asks in regards to Telephone Issues:
Hello,
I am wondering if you could recommend a telephone that would work for hard of hearing. It is my father who is 80 years old. I believe he has a cochlear implant in one ear. In many instances I have to scream into the phone to have a conversation. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Olivia
1 week ago
Dr. Charles Laszlo answers:
If you father has a cochlear implant, it would be a good idea to consult with the audiologist who fitted the cochlear implant device. The audiologist will be able to show your father how to adjust the implant receiver to get the best fit to the telephone. The audiologist will also be able to tell you whether an amplified telephone would be beneficial or not.
Amplified phones are available from several sources. Try a Web search on 'amplified phones in Canada' and you will get many responses. Depending where you live, you may also contact your local hearing service agency, or your local CHHA Branch. They may give you the names of local suppliers.
Whatever you buy, make sure that your father will have a chance of trying out the phone. Some phones may not be convenient for him. Special phones made for hard of hearing people often have larger buttons and are easier to handle.
6 days ago
Karen asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I was wondering about what level of hearing does one need to be at before the can apply to get a hearing dog? What are the requirements and the ability to work at Wal-Mart will that affect? If you can help me in getting this information that would be appreciated. My level of hearing is about 30 to 40 percent left in both ears. I rely on my husband and my dog that I have trained to do some things that I need now. I am just looking to get the information together so that I know how to make a better decision. Thank you for all your help in this matter.
Karen Lazenby
1 week ago
CHHA National answers:
Hi Karen. I have a dog guide that I bring to work without any problems (office/counseling position). I don't think severity of hearing loss is an issue but one that needs to be explored with the Lions Foundation Dog Guide school as to their requirements and why you need a dog guide. You've trained your own dog so that brings up issues of liability. Legally your dog would not be considered a dog guide. You would not be allowed to take it into a public facility. If you are looking at getting a certified dog guide, you cannot have a second dog in the home (as a pet) as it would not be fair to the dog guide who is expected to work.
Most places accept dog guides without question; you might need to explain to an employer why you would need the dog in the workplace (i.e. alert you to someone asking you questions, safety issues, etc). You would need to educate the customers that the dog is not to be petted or distracted from his attending to you.
Lions Dog Guides can be found at http://www.dogguides.com
Good Luck!
Leslee Scott
1 week ago
Bethiny Plante asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I was told this site has information about hearing disability statistics in Canada, Alberta and Grande Cache Alberta. I have been unable to find this information. Perhaps you know where I can find it?
Thanks,
Bethiny.
1 week ago
CHHA National answers:
CHHA and other associations use the figure of 10% of Canadians with hearing loss. The number of hard of hearing is growing due to baby boomers acquiring hearing loss as a natural process of aging but also due to the increasing loss from noise inducement (loud music and industrial noise).
Other information is available on our website at
http://www.chha.ca/chha/projects-mathematics.php
I hope this information helps.
1 week ago
steve priestley asks in regards to All Other Issues:
is it possible for an 85 year old to hear music in one ear at intervals during the night or could it be dementia there is already significant hearing loss but as yet untreated
2 weeks ago
CHHA National answers:
I suspect that this is a matter for you to discuss with this person's primary care physician.
2 weeks ago
Ray Mersereau asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
Our church is interested in installing an audio loop for people wearing hearing aids. We presently have a PA system with speakers. We understand we need a loop amplifier in order to install the loop system but have so far been unable to find out where these can be purchased in Canada.Was wondering if you have any info on this.Our church is located in Harvey Station,NB. (Near Fredericton)
Thanks
Ray Mersereau
2 weeks ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
I want to congratulate you for wanting to install an audio loop in your church. It is very helpful for hearing aid wearers and allows them to participate in church activities.
The design and installation of an audio loop is best done professionally by people who understand the requirements and environmental and other limitations. Depending on the circumstances the existing PA system may be utilized, or you may need a specialized loop amplifier. Only someone with expertise can tell you that.
Some public address system installers have expertise in this area.
You may also want to contact the Fredericton Branch of CHHA,at 563 Canada Street Frederiction NB, E3A 4A8
Mary Currie, Contact
E-mail: yeehaw@nbnet.nb.ca
There may be some members of the Branch who can help you.
If you have access to some expertise in sound system installations, I may be able to provide you with some information for such professionals. Contact me at claszlo@telus.net
Charles Laszlo
2 weeks ago
Carol Wannamaker asks in regards to Telephone Issues:
My mother is 97 and has difficulty hearing people on the telephone. What type of phone can we get for her and where can we get a phone that would assist her to hear more clearly?
2 weeks ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
There are special phones available for people who are hard of hearing. These phones have built-in amplifiers that make the phone louder and they also allow hearing-aid wearers to couple to the phone using their T-switch. You do not say whether your Mom wears a hearing aid or not.
Please be aware that sometimes hearing the phone louder does not mean that the listener will understand speech better. You say that your Mom would like to hear more clearly, and if this is the problem than it may be that even an amplified phone would have limited usefulness. You would have to try it out and see what the results are.
Special phones for hard of hearing people are available on=line on the Web, through hearing centers in your area, and through local hearing service organizations. I recommend that you search on the Web under 'amplified phones' and you will get a lot of information. Depending where you live you may also want to contact your local CHHA Branch whose members will be able to give much useful information. The list of Branches is available on the CHHA Website.
Charles Laszlo
2 weeks ago
Kanwardeep Brar asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I am not able to listen clearly from my right ear and its hard to hear for me even from a short distance when i am in a gathering. My left ear also seem to have lost some hearing gradually. What is the best place I should go to and is hearing aid the only solution to my problem? I live in Edmonton, am self employed and don't have any insurance.
Thank you.
2 weeks ago
CHHA National answers:
The first thing you need to do is to have your hearing tested. Because rules vary from province to province, start by contacting our the CHHA Edmonton Branch at Voice/TTY: 780-428-6622 or E-mail: chha-ed@shaw.ca. They will be able to tell you if you need a referal from your GP for a hearing test or if you can go directly to a hearing clinic and see an audiologist or ENT there. From there the audiologist will be able to assist you in finding the right solution for you.
2 weeks ago
Marica asks in regards to All Other Issues:
Hi, I am 40 year old and I am hearing impaired in both ears, and I wear hearing aids. I'd like to know is there any support group or services that I would be able to attend to share my problems with other people. I live in Ottawa and my audiologist couldn't find out any support group for me. I'd like to also attend some speech reading classes. If you know anything that can help, please contact the email address. Thank you.
1 month ago
CHHA National answers:
Please feel free to contact the CHHA National Capital Region Branch right here in Ottawa for further information and support. Our contact information is on our website under Branches and Chapters. Or you can email mdavid@chha.ca directly.
2 weeks ago
jackie asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
Where can I purchase a listening device for my mother's talking books and how much do thsy cost. Am I able to get a second hand device? Where do I go to get it and what is the phone number.
2 weeks ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
I would need more information to assess your Mom's needs. What device does she use for her talking books? A tape recorder, computer, or some other special device? Does she wear a hearing aid? If yes, does she have a T-switch? What is her hearing loss? Does she have difficulty understanding speech?
There may be other questions as well. My advice would be that you talk to your Mom's audiologist who may be able to answer all these questions and recommend a solution. Another idea would be to contact your local CHHA Branch who may have some local expertise to discuss and perhaps take a look at the devices that you Mom's in now using. Depending on where you live, there may also be a hearing service organization with technical expertise.
In any case, if you can get the information that I asked for, I may be able to answer your query with specific advise on what device to get.
Charles
2 weeks ago
Frank Schmolcke asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I'm a student writing an article for the Edmonton Crimestoppers Magazine. I suffer from hearing loss and wear hearing aids. I believe deaf and hard of hearing people are more vulnerable to violent crime. Am I right in this assumption and how can deaf and hard of hearing people better protect themselves from becoming victims of violent crime?
Sep 3, 2009, 6:55 pm
CHHA National answers:
We do not have any evidence to support such an assumption, that deaf and hard of hearing people are more vulnerable than anyone else to violent crime. However, the elderly and any person with a disability can be considered more vulnerable than the general population, in defending themselves. Precautions to guard against violent crime are to ensure that in their homes they have the appropriate safety and alerting devices. And on the street to protect themselves in ways such as not openly carrying a handbag e.g. hide it under your coat), or a lot of money. Carry a protective device such as a pepper spray, or mace spray, a whistle, avoid situations and times of day and places which put them at risk. Deaf and hard of hearing people may not hear an approaching assailant, but they tend to be more visually alert to such possible signals.
3 weeks ago
Lori Rodway asks in regards to Telephone Issues:
Hi, I am hard of hearing and am looking to use TTY as the telephone is very difficult (mostly impossible given the level of my hearing loss). I have a blackberry which is great for texting, but doesn't allow me to contact credit card companies and other businesses. I feel less independent. A TTY device may help restore that. Who do I contact to get a TTY device and how much do they cost?
1 month ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
TTY's are available through service organizations and commercial suppliers in your province and nationally. CHHA has compiled a list that you may find useful. Go to the Website:
http://chha.ca/documents/en/where_to_obtain_devices.pdf
I would also suggest that you contact your local CHHA Chapter for additional information on suppliers in your area.
As there are a variety of devices on the market, I cannot give you any price information.
Charles Laszlo
1 month ago
Lynnette Keating asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
I am an elementary school teacher. I have moderate severe hearing loss and wear two hearing aides. Do you know of any sites that deal with hard of hearing teachers in Canada. I would like to contact other teachers to see what strategies they use to cope in the classroom. I have checked with my school board, my audiologist and even with the company that I bought my hearing aides from, however no one seems to know of any other hearing impaired teachers.
I appreciate your time,
Thank You,
Lynnette
1 month ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
As a retired university teacher, I am very much aware of the difficulties hard of hearing teachers face. I am also certain that other hard of hearing teachers who are also facing problems similar to yours.
I know of no Website that was set up for hard of hearing teachers, and a search of the Web did not turn up any. I would recommend that you explore this through one of the social networking sites, Facebook for example. These sites can be used to bring together people of similar problems or interests.
Charles Laszlo
1 month ago
Sylvain Couture asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Decade Transmitters Inc is a leading Canadian manufacturer of low power,professional grade, FM transmitters that broadcast in the 88 to 108MHz FM band that can be used to broadcast the sound of any type of sound source inside or outside a building.
Patrons only have to bring their personal FM walkman to benefit from the application.
We are curently running a survey and we would greatly appreciate it if you could advise us if there is a law in Canada that states that it is mandatory for a public building (Cinemas, theatres etc...) to be equipped with a listening assistive device.
With best regards,
Sylvain Couture
Decade Transmitters Inc
3232 Richard street
Sherbrooke,Quebec Canada.
J1L 1Y2
Toll free(Canada-USA): 1-888-428-4323
http://www.decade.ca
2 months ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
There is no universal requirement in Canada that would mandate assistive listening devices in buildings such as theatres, cinemas, concert or meeting halls, etc. accessible to the public. There are some requirements for meetings rooms bigger than a certain size for federal buildings. For details please consult with Public Works and Government Services Canada. You may also want to get in touch with Deb Finn of Industry Canada
Charles Laszlo
1 month ago
Kathy asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
My daughter has just been diagnosed with Central auditory processing disorder and FM set in school has been recommended. Other then that at school what other help is out there? Will therapy help improve this? Where is help available?
1 month ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
I recommend that you consult with your audiologist who diagnosed your daughter for services that are available in your area. Central Auditory Processing Disorder therapy is a professional matter. Services may be available through the health care system in your province. You could also inquire at the Audiology services in the Children's Hospital in your area as they would know of the professionals who provide appropriate treatment.
1 month ago
Val asks in regards to All Other Issues:
Hello,
I wonder if you could advise where in Greater Vancouver area is possible to receive independent (second opinion) about hearing aid amplification and hearing molds feedback noise for my 1 year daughter who is hard of hearing from birth?
Thank you for your time.
1 month ago
CHHA National answers:
From this question, it sounds like you are seeing either a public health audiologist or a pediatric audiologist at BC Children’s Hospital. I hope you are being supported by them to make good choices for your daughter.
If you are looking for a private audiologist in the Greater Vancouver area, I would suggest checking out your yellow pages and doing a search for a pediatric audiologist. Some suggestions are Vancouver Hearing Centre and Children’s Hearing and Speech Centre of BC.
Remember, going to a private audiologist will require charges for their services so ask the receptionist for an approximate cost for it so that you are not surprised by it.
I would also suggest getting some support for you through CHHA-BC Parents Branch (email is info@chhaparents.bc.ca).
If you need any more information or have any other questions, feel free to contact CHHA-BC Resource Centre at 1-866-888-2442. Hope this helps.
Stephanie (Grace) Bryant
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - BC Chapter
1 month ago
Thomas Gibson asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I was just diagnosed with tinnitus by my ENT. I had an MRI done and it turned out ok. The tinnitus developed after a cold and I have had it for 6 weeks. Can you recommend anyone in California,that could help with my coping with the condition and reducing the anxiety I am having as a result? Your comments are most appreciated.
Best Regards,
Thomas Gibson
1 month ago
CHHA National answers:
Seeing as we are a Canadian Association, we do not have any information about resources available to those living in the US.
We can, however, refer you to the Hearing Loss Association of America. They have a very good website and we are confident that you will be able to find some very useful information there. Here is the link to their website.
http://www.hearingloss.org/
Regards,
Tamara Kuzyk
CHHA - National
1 month ago
Deborah Lynn Beetham asks in regards to Employment Issues:
I was recently diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears. I will have to wear hearing aids in both ears. I have a difficult time hearing people and I find that people can be cruel in their apparent lack of cooperation with hearing impaired people. I have been told that I simply do not listen and to smarten up and be more courteous to others. I have lip read in the past to compensate for the inability to hear and have been told that I stare too much at people. I worked in a factory before, and it was very common to lip read in the plant. How can I gain more confidence in searching for work? The last job that I had involved working with people who thought it was humourous talking to me and walking away from me at the same time. Needless to say, I could not hear instructions, etc. with reference to the job duties. Thank you for your consideration.
Deborah Lynn Beetham
1 month ago
Michel David answers:
The more things change, the more they remain the same. Your experience has been shared by many others Deborah. We empathize but also offer hope that things can get better.
I suggest you find and attend a speechreading course ASAP. They are known by different names depending on who offers them. CHHA's Resource Guide http://www.chha.ca/chha/publications-booklets.php
can help you find services in your province. Most of these services also offer employment counselling. If you live in NFLD, Ontario, Alberta or BC, contact me at madavid@chha.ca
and I will refer you to our regional employment program. Lastly, many of the issues you face are dealt with in CHHA's handbook Working with Hearing Loss (Updated Version!) (A-6)
http://www.chha.ca/chha/publications-booklets.php
Both the Resource Guide and the Employment handbook are available as free downloads.
1 month ago
Cindy Grant asks in regards to Hearing Aids:
Hi,
I've recently spent time with my brother to find out he is deaf in one ear and loosing his hearing in the other. He can't afford the hearing aid that was prescribed to him. He is struggling to maintain a business and it is getting more difficult as he his hearing decreases. Is there any agency out there that we can contact with regard to getting him the hearing aid at an affordable rate? He also does not have any insurance. We would like to help him ourselves but can only do so much. Can you email me any contacts that may be of help?
Thank you very much... My brother lives in Newfoundland.
Sep 14, 2009, 11:50 am
Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:
The best thing to do in this situation is to contact our Newfoundland Chapter. This group is familiar with the types of programs currently being offered in their province. You can contact the Chapter by using their toll-free phone number (1-888-753-3224) or by email at chhanl@nfld.net
1 month ago
wendy downie asks in regards to Hearing Aids:
Hello, my Mom will be 83 yrs old in June. She has trouble hearing especially if a person talks very softly or she is not facing someone directly. She also has trouble hearing when several people are talking at once. She responds to what she thinks she hears. Although she said it doesn't bother her, it bothers everyone else. She has a special phone to hear but turns the TV up very loud. She lives alone. I'm her daughter and live in Mpls MN and worry about her. She walks every day and am concerned for her safety and well being when she can't hear well. She is on a limited income therefore how much are hearing aids. I would want her to try it out before purchasing. Is this possible? She went to an ear doctor and they told her she has lost 30% of her hearing and should get hearing aids. I think its more then 30%. I will be to her house in June and want her to get hearing aids. I bought her an amplifier but she hears too much with that. Can you help or give me some direction? Thank you,
1 month ago
Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:
Hello Wendy,
Here in Canada, most provinces have laws which permit consumers to return their hearing aids for a full refund if they are not satisfied during a trial period which can last up to 60 days. This permits the clients to communicate with the audiologist on several occasions should fine tuning be required and for the client to ultimately decide whether the hearing aids are beneficial. Where does your mother reside? Does your mother live here in Canada? If not, I am uncertain about laws in the U.S.
The 30% you refer to is very figurative and is by no means an indication of how much your mother will benefit from hearing aids. I would certainly take measures to have her try hearing aids that are programmed and fit specifically for her. Your help in this process would also likely increase the chances that she will accept the devices.
As for costs, the devices vary in price substantially. In Canada, they vary between approx. $1200 to $3500 per unit. Generally, I hear they may be more expensive in the U.S. Seniors typically don't require the very expensive units. Also, there are Canadian provinces which partially or fully subsidize the cost of hearing aids.
I hope this helps.
My best wishes,
Dr.A.
1 month ago
Jill O'Hara asks in regards to Hearing Aids:
While I'm glad to see new business opening up that sell hearing aids, how can I be sure that the products they offer are comparable with those sold by an audiologist? Is there such a thing as "Consumer Reports" on hearing aids? Many thanks.
1 month ago
Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:
Hello Jill,
That is an excellent point and, to my knowledge, this has not yet been done. Would you be willing to participate in such a process? If so please contact CHHA and voice your concerns and suggestions. You may also ask for my coordinates.
Regards,
Andre Marcoux
1 month ago
Dianne Hemeon asks in regards to All Other Issues:
How many people in British Columbia are hearing impaired and what percentage of these people are elderly and would most likely to be on a fixed income?
2 months ago
CHHA National answers:
Hi Diane,
According to 2006 statistics, “Participation and Activity Limitation Survey 2006” published by Statistics Canada (p 94) 196,950 people in BC are reported to have a hearing disability. That is up from the 2001 statistics which reported 152,520 people have a hearing disability. Of those 65 years and older, 113,980 people are reported to have a hearing disability. That is up from the 2001 statistics which stated 85,470 seniors in BC have a hearing disability.
According to BC Government’s Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, there are 600,000 seniors living in BC. Of that, approximately 250,000 seniors have medical coverage through BC Medical Service premiums. It seems like a very low number as I think there is a higher number of seniors living in BC. Other sources such as BC Government Ministry and Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance indicate that seniors are on some sort of fixed income. Unfortunately, there are no real statistics that state how many seniors that have a fixed income, also have a hearing disability. A good rule of thumb for estimation is that approximately 10 percent of the senior population on a fixed income have a hearing disability.
Remember these are reported cases, and as you can imagine, there may be a lot more seniors who have a hearing disability and are not aware of it or they may have other disabilities that take precedent over the hearing disability such as those in wheelchairs or those with dementia.
Stephanie Bryant
Data/Info and Finance Coordinator
CHHA-BC Resource Centre
1 month ago
margaret barnes asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
Some time ago I bought the video (VHS? not sure, the old large one) of Sound Ideas but since moving in to a senior's residence I have only a DVD player. Is there a DVD version of this video - Sound Ideas Managing your Hearing Loss? If so how do I obtain it and cost? M. Barnes
1 month ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
The DVD version of Sound Ideas Managing your Hearing Loss can be ordered through the CHHA website. The cost is $30 (which includes shipping and handling). For more information go to the publication section of this website under "speechreading materials" (http://chha.ca/chha/publications-speechreading.php).
1 month ago
Julie Taylor asks in regards to Youth Issues:
Hello. I am Special Education Teacher. I have a student who has failed two hearing tests and is awaiting a specialist appointment to further diagnose his hearing issues. In the mean time, I would like to be able to provide more supports in his learning. He is in grade 2 and his parent expresses that he has significant issues in following directions, spelling, and studying for tests. Do you know of any teaching strategies that we can use to help make school easier for him?
Thank you,
Julie Taylor
SERT
Donald Young School
Emo, ON
3 months ago
Curtis Les answers:
Hi Julie,
The BC Ministry has a good web-site that you can use as a resource: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/hearimpair/toc.htm
You should confer with your district Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Some practical suggestions that a TDHH can help you with:
A classroom sound field system and/or personal FM system would be beneficial (for all students but especially when hearing is compromised).
A quiet workspace is preferred to help eliminate the difficulties of hearing loss combined with background noise.
Preferential seating with clear line of sight and close distance to the teacher.
1 month ago
Toby Brooks asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
Does CHHA give advice to community groups on ALDs?
Does it rent them?
If so, please note it is not mentioned in the website.
I am registering for a conference and would like to give the organizer info. on how to get an ALD.
2 months ago
Charles Laszlo answers:
We are able to give general advice on Assistive Listening Devices and have done so through presentations and articles in Listen/Ecoute. Since every need and situation is different, we cannot recommend any specific device or service in your community.
CHHA is not a service organization and therefore it does not provide equipment rental services. Please inquire in your community of service organizations or businesses that provide such facilities. You should contact CHHA National for information and guidance.
Conferences usually contract with media companies for their audiovisual needs. It is important to remind conference organizers to select companies with experience in providing for the needs of hard of hearing people.
2 months ago
Arlene Paskey asks in regards to Television Captioning:
CHSC Hamilton has no captioning for movies-are there any laws concerning closed caption and is it an expensive process?.Are not movies pre-captioned ?Is it strictly a volunteer process?
There has been some attempt to ad CC but the letters are confused.I have e-mailed them with no results
2 months ago
Snookie Lomow answers:
Thank you for your important question. I want to bring you up to date on what is happening in the film industry and why you will not see too many improvements in closed captioning for a while. The reason being is that the North American Film Association has made it mandatory that all cinema houses must convert to digital projection by 2025. Currently films are delivered on large reals. This means 39,000 movie screens in North America will have to be converted which is an expensive proposition. All major cities will be converted within the next 3-5 years in Canada. These new digital projectors will come equipped to deliver closed captioning, audio and oral description. However the current challenge is to determine what product and method will work best to deliver those services to the consumer at their seat. Currently they are developing 3D glasses that will have captioning appear on them when you put them on; another is software being developed that one could download to an I-pod or hand-held device; third a hologram image is being tested that would show captioning in front of the consumer at their seat. These are just a few I have mentioned there are many more. However nothing has been confirmed as it is all in the development stages. CHHA has a working committee working in this very issue and we will report back as soon as results have been determined. However if you can tell which movie theater in Hamilton you are having this difficulty we will try to contact them on your behalf to see if we can see what is the problem as they are required to offer movies with captioning or some assistive listening device. I hope this has been helpful.
Signed
Snookie Lomow
CHHA-National Executive Director
2 months ago