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Do you know about Telecoils & Hearing Loops in Public Spaces?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Dec 21, 2023 | Replies (107)Comment receiving replies
@judysmayo
Hi,
While I agree that all these ALDS can be confusing, I take exception to your comment about anyone over 60 having extreme difficulty understanding the technology. I’m 78 and use ALDS and read up on new technology so I can learn more. People in my local chapter are either the same age and older and are using these devices. If something goes wrong with my computer, phone or tv network, I fix it most of the time. Admittedly, a lot of my generation is clueless and not interested. What gets me going is the assumption that all older people are clueless...it’s a stereotype that I see all the time, whether on tv, social media or in person.
As you can tell, it gets my dander up. We are living longer today and better keep up with what’s happening. I come across too many people in the course of the week that are so set in their ways and not even interested in the political and social climate of today. These are fairly active individuals but locked in their own world and content to let things go on as usual.
Okay, I went off on a rant and this is a different issue altogether. @pegbell mention that Audiologists have a lot on their plate just trying to convince people to address their hearing loss and she is right. So I will take the heat off that profession for not educating them about ALDS and loops😊
Hope I didn’t offend you in anyway..short story...had a young man hold open the door for my friend one day a while ago and he said “There you go grandpa” I smiled and said thank you and he’s not your grandfather.
Regards from Florida Mary
Replies to "@judysmayo Hi, While I agree that all these ALDS can be confusing, I take exception to..."
@imallears Yes I'm 77 and take apart move and put my computer back together Just because we our more mature doesn't mean we are dumb Good for you Off my soap box now
People just do not want to deal with hearing issues because they do not want to admit needing something to help such as a hearing aid/ cane/ assistance from muggles( family/ friends) also as in my case and too many others is the cost of aids . Who has $6000 to spend . As I mentioned to a few folks at the convention in Rochester , NY ; shocking them too is that some of these over the counter aids are good as a backup for me in case my 16 plus hearing aids dies.. my loss is moderate to severe- cochlear implant t next year ( maybe - very hesitant- heard of jazz goer - that his friend got them and he no longer enjoys music - guy telling me this is with hearing - I went to Rochester Jazz after convention)
Stigma of aids is very far reaching. I have seen this all my lives. Also isolation/ depression impairs folks to the extent WHY BOTHER. Old age ( not enough is clarified on this alone ) and hearing loss with no family / friends means people will not endeavor to hear / interact . I am getting more and more in the category. People are calling me out on it. Case in poi t.i am having gallbladder surgery on July 22 Nd and I resent the fact that I must have someone to pick me up-no Uber allowed. I stated to folks who seems once a month or so that I think this is wrong and burdensome. They I cannot keep on trying to live life as a hermit. I interacts with folks on the street/ interacts at parks/ walks/ give tourists information but have no real friends and no family. I rather read then go out. I i Tera then Mimiialistily y. I have to walk/ bike to make sure I am okay back wise- kneewise . If I did not, my pain is worse. If it wasn’t for this, I would be reading all day. Pointing this out because a lot of folks isolates themselves for a lot of reasons. Hearing issues is one of the most dominant issue on the reasoning. We were the rock and rollers goi g to concerts and noise issues . Sorry for long bit
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Agreed about stereotyping older people, and am glad someone else responded to that so I wasn't 'first'! 🙂
However, I disagree about giving the people who sell hearing aids a pass on counseling their clients about technology that goes beyond hearing aids. I agree that too often, too much time is spent on trying to convince people to get hearing help, but once those people are in their office they have the opportunity to show them something almost magical. Take the time to demonstrate what a hearing loop/telecoil combo can do in a noisy setting. How hard is it for these professionals to install this equipment in their offices? Turn on some noise...like a radio in the room, turn the telecoil on in a pair of hearing aids,.and walk out of the room with the microphone and talk to the person who is trying out hearing aids. If that doesn't convince them, they don't want to hear. I believe that people who spend the large sum that a pair of good hearing aids costs, want to get the most out of those devices as possible, and it's only fair to disclose everything those devices can do. It's about taking time to educate. That should be a piece of the 'bundle' we are charged when we buy hearing aids.
I'm in my 70s and don't hesitate to try new technology. The people who influenced me to learn about telecoils, loops, and personal devices were the age I am now back then. They were the people who pushed the development of devices that go beyond hearing aids. Yes, I met them through SHHH. I thank those pioneers every time I benefit from telecoils. PS: Most hard of hearing people want to remain in the hearing mainstream. They are not going to gravitate to sign language and become oriented to deafness as a way of life. They want to hear. Hearing healthcare professionals should do everything possible to show them how. ...And age should not be an issue.