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.