Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others

@catladyde9 It sounds like you have issues with your computer. The language may not be setup correctly so maybe Zoom is using the language as specified in your computer???? Not sure but its a thought. The tiny 1 x 1 screen sounds like a Picture in Picture setting. Again, that may be controlled through your computer. As Julie mentioned, you probably should see if the store where your computer will help. It's too bad that this pandemic is lingering. Libraries and senior centers have volunteers that teach classes. Unfortunately, they are either closed or limiting what they do.
Tony in Michigan

@tonyinmi Thank you - I do appreciate your feedback. A Geek Squad home visit Windows 10 transition specialist set up my
desktop during a multi-hour home visit late last year when I purchased my new Lenovo. (I was forced purchase a new computer to
switch to Windows 10 - which I detest - when Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7). I am sure he established English as
the only permitted language (after all these years no longer have facility with other languages). 'Picture in picture' setting......I am
totally unfamiliar with how to alter/remove that. My desktop is far too bulky and heavy take to Best Buy/Geek Squad for in person
servicing.

With Covid-19 necessitating only totally essential departures from home and needing to ensure I have few, if any, in person encounters
in my home, I realistically do not have any "fix" options for accessing Zoom.

Thanks again for you reply.

@julieo4
Thank your for your reply. As a 77 year old who has all the high risk categories, I can not safely venture from my home; my doctors strongly recommend that I leave my home only for essentials for myself and veterinary appointments for my cats. Going to Best Buy for Geek Squad is far too risky (the techs would need to actually use/see my computer to determine the issues). The Lenovo CPU tower is far too heavy and bulky for me to lift/carry). Quick "watch what I am doing" easily forgotten oral "instructions" do not work for me. I have always relied up/needed printed large font hard copy, fully detailed step by step instructions, with photos/diagrams. Unfortunately, I cannot view Zoom on my Lenovo - even after multiple access attempts Zoom will not accept my computer speakers (Zoom keeps insisting on providing a link to "my" microphone which does not exist/nor does a camera) The desktops I viewed at Best Buy were not equipped with cameras or microphones . The Best Buy Sales sales dept staff never mentioned either when I was selecting my new desktop in December. I cannot use laptops -- their "keyboards" are awkward, uncomfortable and very tiring (legacy of multiple surgeries of all 10 fingers and both hands years ago). Thanks again for responding.

I hope that when the time is right you'll be able to get the answers. Your Lenovo likely has everything you need to do Zoom. It's a matter of understanding how to do it. A friend of mine with a desktop had this same problem trying to use Zoom. An 11 year old neighbor girl figured it out for her. Wishing you good luck. Once you can do Zoom you will love it.

@barbb. Hi -- it is my 12/19 new Lenovo desktop that Zoom refuses to accept. I have standard desktop computer speakers connected to the Lenovo CPU - no camera or microphone. Zoom will not accept/recognize my speakers, preventing my accessing any Zoom presentation, even after multiple attempts. Zoom does not provide any online support nor do they respond to any email customer service requests.....

Consumer Cellular costs us $35/mo. for two phone lines, both with texting. Because we live where there's no reception, we might exceed the limit of the calls and texting on our plan if we used phones every day, but the plans with more data are still very inexpensive.

@catladyde9 Since you don't have a camera or microphone built into your computer, you can buy these and attach them to your computer. This is not a recommendation and I have not even tried this but here's a product from Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Microphone-Wansview-Correction-Streaming-Conference/dp/B088D3VXC6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=KAYTFSX476ZG&dchild=1&keywords=webcam+with+microphone&qid=1595497607&sprefix=webcam%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-5
You can find similar products locally. This product has the camera and microphone in one device, which I would recommend to make installation easier. I don't know if this would solve some of the other issues that you're having with Zoom, but its a start
Tony in Michigan

I have a Caption Call phone but I can no longer hear on that either. I rely totally on the captioning which is very often incorrect and I cannot figure out what the person speaking means. Since I have a lot of phone appointments with doctors one of my daughters comes over, talks with the doctor and I try to make out what the captioning means. Daughters are sometimes not available though and then it is a real struggle. Now I just tell the doctor the problem and that there will be pauses while I try to figure out what he/she actually said. Then I repeat back to the doctor what I think was said. So far each doctor has been quite patient. I am not tech savvy at all but there has got to be something better out there. I will research the Captel phone....... thanks for responding. Judy

I absolutely HATE the phone, period! Although I appreciate the technological advances, I stopped my reliance on phones for communications many years ago. My family knows to contact me via e-mail or text. Thankfully, my health providers are geared toward online communications, with good results. Stay well, Everyone.

Hi, I am 78/male about to go back for my second sit down with an audiologist who has already tested me and said that I Have moderate hearing loss in both ears and that she recommends hearing aids. I am ok with that since I am having some difficulty hearing and I have rather severe ringing in my ears. What recommendations do people have for what type of hearing aides I should consider and what questions to ask, etc. I realize that the tinnitus may not go away even with hearing aids. The ringing may be exacerbated by stress associated with the corona virus situation. I do feel stress.