Seniors learn meaning of new hearing term

Hard of hearing, hearing impaired, hearing loss — these are familiar terms to adults and seniors because hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disorders as a body ages.

But what is aural rehabilitation?

This was the focus of the Green Valley chapter of the Adult Loss of Hearing Association’s (ALOHA) meeting at La Posada on Monday where area residents came to learn about this not-too-familiar term from certified Clinical Audiologist Pamela Wood of Southwest Hearing Care in Tucson.

Explaining what aural rehabilitation is, she said, “In my mind the best thing an individual can do is educate you. What types of assistive devices are there? What classes will help you most? Patient education includes technology.”

AR is about learning to make the best use of hearing aids and exploring assistive devices that might help in managing conversations and taking charge of one’s communication.

Individual perspective

Wood said facts have to be put in perspective for each person.

“Is the hearing loss mild or severe? The more you understand the better you can handle and manage hearing loss,” Woos said.

People without hearing loss expect people with hearing loss to function just fine in the real world, but those with hearing loss often don’t know where to go for help or information.

One tip Wood gave the audience was the state of Arizona’s program to give, free of charge, an amplified phone of their choice to anyone who is hard of hearing or who can’t speak.

Residents interested in obtaining an amplified phone from the state-run program should call Eleanor Forte with the Community Outreach Program of Tucson at 792-1906.

Wood spoke about “auditory fatigue” for those with hearing loss, which most often occurs at the end of a busy day. It comes from overusing one’s hearing and her advice is to turn off the hearing aid, do something else — knit, nap, read.

Looped facilities

She also spoke about public facilities that are “looped,” so residents with hearing aids can hear well in such a facility. While no movie theaters in Tucson or Green Valley are looped at this time, all Green Valley Recreation facilities are looped, as are the Joyner-Green Valley Library, Casa de Esperanza and La Posada’s Recreation Room.

“The goal is to loop Tucson and Green Valley and everything in between. If you want more looping in Green Valley, stand up and ask for it,” Wood said.

Asked about the high price of hearing aids, she said that the level of technology indicates price. Unfortunately, hearing can’t be brought up to the 20/20 level as vision can.

The following “Tips for Talking to the Hearing Impaired” were offered:

Speak in a normal fashion without shouting.

Face the hearing-impaired person directly and whenever possible be on the same level.

Reduce background noises when carrying on conversations.

Keep hands away from the face when talking.

If you are eating, chewing or smoking while talking speech will be more difficult to understand.

Never talk from another room. Be sure to get the person’s attention before you start speaking.

If a person has difficulty understanding something, say it in a different way rather than repeating the same words over and over.

Recognize that hearing-impaired people hear and understand less well when they are tired or ill.

ALOHA’s next meeting is Monday, Nov. 3. Heidi Lervik will speak on “When Hearing Aids Are Not Enough” — Cochlear Implants: The next plateau beyond hearing aids.

For further information about ALOHA, call Lou Touchette at 625-9536 or e-mail him at loutouchette@cox.net.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.