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Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others
Hearing Loss | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (1518)Comment receiving replies
Barb, I’m inspired by your story. You seem to have fully accepted your disability. I’m still working on that. I get frustrated because I can’t watch a lot if tv programs because I can hear, but not understand, what is being said. I use captioning when possible, but that’s not always available. I attend meetings and have trouble understanding. Although, now with COVID-19, there are mostly Zoom meetings and I love those because I can understand! I read a lot so that’s good. But I want to figure out some technology , which I know is out there, that might make it easier for me. And I’ll have to make an attitude adjustment. Thanks for “listening”.
Replies to "Barb, I’m inspired by your story. You seem to have fully accepted your disability. I’m still..."
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Hi Rosemh,
Are you using hearing aids with telecoils or BlueTooth capability? If so, there is technology available to connect you directly to the sound system of your TV. Your hearing aid provider should be able to help you learn about those options.
Captioning is wonderful. Most programs are captioned. If that isn't the case in your area, especially with local news, etc., do contact the stations to let them know it's important to you. Captioning can also be provided at meetings. It's referred to as CART, which stands for computer assisted realtime transliteration. It done by a stenographer. It is equally as important as a form of 'communication access' as providing a sign language interpreter for deaf people is. You have to ask for it in advance, and insist on it if you are attending a public meeting. Churches and other non profit groups are exempt from providing communication access, but many do because they care.
There are other ways of getting access to communication, including automatic speech to text translation apps on cell phones. I'm still trying to find out if those apps can be transmitted to a screen for many to view. It would help a lot at meetings.
I hope you will find ways to adapt to your adult onset hearing loss. There are so many of us. It helps to talk about it.