hltopics1-27

Toolkit Idea topic 22-Add Your Topic

2008-02-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

Hi Evevryone. This is the 22nd of 27 Idea topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas For People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Topics--4topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas-------18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas--------5 topics

22 Add Your Topic & communications Guidelines:
Below is a summary list of the 27 topicsthat have
been covered or will be covered. Please review this
list and then think about a topic that really interests
you that is not on the listed. What is missing?
List of 27 Idea Topics:
1 Three Things To Do
2 Hearing Loss Concerns
3 Real Problem Not Just Hearing Loss
4 Types Of Hearing Loss & Ear Problems
5 Hearing Aids
6 Health Care Providers
7 Audiogram
8 Telephone Devices
9 Signaling Devices
10 Sssistive Listening Devices
11 Internet Communications
12 Captioning
13 Cochlear Implants
14 Ototoxic Drugs
15 Psycho-Social Affects Of Hearing Loss
16 Lip-reading/Speech-reading
17 Sign Language
18 Support Orgaizations
19 Suggested Books On Hearing Loss+Life & Living
20 Periodicals and Email Newsletters
21 Hearing Loss Profile
22 Add Your Topic & Communications Problems
23 Hearing Loss Is Just A Part Of Our Life
24 Three Boxes Of Life
25 Hierrchy Of Needs(especially Belonging)
26 Life Concerns Besides Hearing Loss
27 Coping Effectively With Hearing Loss
Please review the above topics and let us know
which topic is missing that you would like to
add to the list. Thanks for sharing.

Here is a topic not listed above:
Good Communications Takes Action
a Guidelines for the LISTENER with a Hearing Loss:
1)Pay attention& observe the talker to understand better
2)Develop good listening skills
3)Pick a good spot to talk by avoiding areas
poorly lit or noisy
4)Anticipate difficult situations & plan to minimize problems
5)Take breaks when needed especially long meetings
6)Make specific suggestions about how best to talk to you
7)Ask for written clues or key words of topic being discussed
8)Set realistic expectationsabout what you can expect to
understand
9)Do not bluff or interupt
10)Povide feedback that you understand or fail to understand

b Guidelines for the TALKER as a Hearing Person:
1)Get listeners attentionbefore you speak/tap on shoulder
2)Avoid objects in your mouth/gum,food
3)Avoid putting obstacles in front of your face/hands
4)Speak clearly at a slow pace & dont shout
5) Use facial expressions and gestures
6)Get as close as possible to the listener
7)Avoid noisy backgroud & poor lightimg conditions
8)Give topic or clues when changing the subject
9)Rephrase or say it in a different waywhen not understood
10)confirmdetails in writing that use dates,time or directions
11)Be patient, relaxed and helpful
Can you add to this list!! Best regards Paul in New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 21-Hearing Loss Profile

2008-02-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 21st of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas For People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

21 Hearing Loss Profile: People with a hearing
loss should consider preparing a profile of their
hearing loss showing key hearing loss events,
dates in years and their age, assuming an
educated guess about how long you will live and
future plans you can pursue to survive with your
hearing loss. Below is a hearing loss profile I
prepared in 1995 and updated as a guide for self

Personal Hearing Loss Profile

Event------------------------------------Year---Age
Born.....................---------------------1925------0
Buzzing/ringing in ears.............-----1975-----50
Visit ENT & Otologist-----------------1976-----51
Large drop in hearing...............----1978------53
Shunt operation to reduce fluid
pressure in left ear/not helpful....--1979------54

Buy first hearing aids------------------1980----55
Visit two more otologists
Visit Three allergists for allergies
Visit two nutritionists for diet....-----1981-83-56-58
Early retirement due to hearing loss-1985----60
Lose all hearing in left ear........-------1995----70
Joined HLAA/SHHH & ALDA---------1995----70

Buy pocket talker to hear better------1996-----71
Buy Vibrating alarm clock/travel-----1997-----72
Took lip-reading class-little help-----1998-----73
Took sign language class-no help-----1999----74
Join SWC Club--------------------------2007----82
Life expectancy-------------------------2025---100

Future Life Events
Lose hearing in right ear---------------???
Have cochlear implant------------------???
Loss of vision-----------------------------???
Hair cell regeneration-------------------???

This profile made me think of future events that
can affect my life and what I could do about them.
It included such tools as joining support groups,
using assistive devices,learning lip-reading &
sign language, going deaf, considering a cochlear
and possibly losing my vision before my life
expectancy catches up with me.

Is preparing a hearing loss profile worthwhile?
Only you can determine that. I personally enjoyed
doing it and found it worth the time and effort it
took. Would appreciate hearing your thoughts and
feelings about a hearing loss profile as a hearing
loss tool.

Best regards Paul in New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 20-Periodicals & E-mail News

2008-02-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 20th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas For People With A Hearing loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

20PERIODICALS & E-MAIL NEWSLETTERS:
The following may be of interest to people
with a hearing loss.

1 Hearing Loss Magazine: It was first published
under the title of SHHH in July, 1980. Then it
became the SHHH Journal in the early 1980's.
Finally in May 1996, to better reflect its
contents, it became Hearing Loss Magazine. It
is published bimonthly and provides current
up-to-date information for people with a hearing
loss and those professionals who treat and
educate them. It has covered how in one day you
may be tested and fitted with hearing aids on
the Internet. It has featured people who are
working models and musicians who are not shy
about admitting a hearing loss. It provides a
free on-line HLAA E-News to supplement the magazine
content. The staff has weighed in on editorials
and provided valuable written reports in the areas
of advocacy, technology, membership, chapters,
special grants, annual conventions and much more.
Its editor can be reached at:
bkelley@hearingloss.org

2 ALDA News: This newsletter is published quarterly
and it provides interesting articles about education,
advocacy, role models, and support for people who
are late deafened and those with a hearing loss. It
includes articles about its members, services for
the people it serves, information about chapter
(local support groups)happenings and its annual
convention. Its editor can be reached at:
sweetsigns@comcast.net.

3 SWC E-Mail Newsletter:This quarterly on-line
newsletter called "Online Voices" is available
for members and the public and reflects the
voices of its members. Its articles are varied
as our members and the many threads that come
up day-by-day. The articles include the editor
speaks, hearing loss articles, the audiologist
booth, book reviews, poetry, whats cooking and
miscellaneous. To read a particular newsletter,
go to the Say What Club website and click on
newsletters, then click on the link for that
issue. You can also locate a specific author
or subject by clicking on th link swcindex.

4 Hearing Loss Help E-zine: This free monthly
e-mail newsletter is published by Neil Bauman.
The monthly issues cover hearing loss inform-
ation under these topics:news items, beware of
ototoxic drugs, answers to your questions,
coping strategies, information on hearing aids
and cochlear implants & assistive devices. The
first issue was April, 2006 and latest was
Dec 20, 2007. All of them can be seen at his
website hearinglosshelp.com and clicking on
e-zine archives at the left of the screen.

5 HOH-LD News: This is a free monthly e-mail
newsletterabout Hard OF Hearing(HOH) and
Late Deafened(LD) people in the US. Its purpose
is to increase awareness of issues & concerns
within the HOH/LD communities. The latest
issue Volume 34 Issue 3 contains four articles
about Hearing Loss in the Workplace-2007 and
beyond, the Hearing Regeneration Initiate-
Part One, view heroes on the Internet with
captions and short tales. Go to the Internet
and type "hh-ld-news" to find current and old
issues.

6 Hearing Education & Listening program (HELP).
This is a free pamphlet available at HearX
offices and has three sections:
I An overview of hearing loss, how we hear,
types & causes of hearing loss, types of hear
ing aids, binaural amplificaion, listening tips
and care of hearing aids.
II Importance of good hearing,effects of hearing
loss, overcoming hearing loss, effective commun-
ications strategies and coping behaviors and
important information for families.
III Communications skills inclding speechreading,
visual awareness, assistive & alerting devices,
maintenance check, resources and articles on
hearing loss such as: hows your hearing, whay did
you say, communications/Whats realistic and whats
not, do you hear what I hear, tips to go..to the
restaurant and my wife mimbles.

7 Your Guide To Better Hearing:
This is a fre pamphlet available from the Better
Hearing Institute at their website. It includes:
1) Pictures & stories about 40 famous celebrities
2) Hearing Loss Topics including Tinnitus
3) Hearing Solutions including Medical Advances
& Assistive Technology
4) Hearing Loss Prevention/Noise
Go to the website and order your free copy. The
reading about the famous celebrities is reaally
good and highly recommended.

8 Cosumer guide To Hearing Aids:
This fee pamplet is available on-line from AARP.
The phamplet is out of stock and cannot be ordered
by mail but can be printed on-line.It answers many
questions about hearing loss,hearing aids, latest
technology and costs. Since it free I highly
recommend downloading a copy

Your views on the above and other periodicals and
e-mail newsletters will allow us to benefit from
your experiences.

Best regards Paul from New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 19-Suggested Reading Books

2008-01-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 19th of 27 Idea topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

19 Suggested Reading Books: There are two types of
books that people with a hearing loss should read.
First are books dealing with hearing loss. The other
ones are books that deal with life and daily living.
Sometimes we get so absorbed with our hearing loss
that we forget about life and daily living in our
lives.

A Books About Hearing Loss: Books I found helpful
with my hearing loss.

1 "Keys To Living With A Hearing Loss" by Marcia
Dugan 1997. This author was very active with HLAA/
SHHH for many years and her book reflects her own
experieces with hearing loss as well as many people
who communicated with withh SHHH dduring it's 18
years of existence. The 41 keys/chapters distill.
in a short time, how people can help themselves to
live better lives with hearing loss. It includes
useful information about hearing in restaurants,
theaters, places of worship, in the hospital, when
traveling and in the courtroom. Each short chapter
stands on ir's own and can be used to start a good
discussion for support groups and meetings. It is
out of print but can be obtained at your local
library or used copies can be purchased at low cost
on the Internet.

2 "Hear:Solutions,Skills & Sources For People With
Hearing Loss" by Anne Pope 1997. This book has eight
chapters that explain the sources of sound, how the
ear works, and what can go wrong with full color
illustrations. Valuable advise is given on choosing
a hearing aid as well as information about assistive
listening devices and skills such as speech-reading
and auditory training. It provides strategies for
dealing with everyday situations and helpful inform-
ation for families and friends. The emotional impact
of hearing loss is also covered with advice on stress
management,legal matters and the functions of self-
help groups. Interviews with eight people who had
become hard of hearing offer personal insights and
interesting perspectives.

3 "An Invisible Condition: The human Side of Hearing
Loss" by Howard Rocky Stone 1993. This book is an
excellent collection of 14 years of editorials by
Rocky Stone from the SHHH Journal now called
"Hearing Loss".It is a short book and easy reading.
It provides insights into a man that was gifted and
never dreamed that the longest fight of his life
would be a battle of hearing loss and later a loss
of sight. He started SHHH and called hering loss an
"invisible condition". He helped close the tremendous
gap that still exists between the hearing and
non-hearing fellow human beings among us.

4 "The Story of My Life" by Helen Keller 1954:
Everyone should read this classic book. Helen
Keller is known to many people from their school
days or to others who saw the movie or play
'The Miracle Worker". Before she became a world
famous speaker, author, and advocate,she was blind,
deaf and mostly mute child living in Alabama
in the 1880's and died at the age of 87 in
Connecticut. Misunderstood, pitied and spoiled by
her family, at the age of six, she terrorized the
household with her tricks and tantrums. Then 20
year old Anne Sullivan arrived who provided the
key that unlocked the door between Helen and the
world. The book unfolds the trials and tribulat-
ions Anne and Helen encountered and as they
forged a 49 year long friedship. From their
isolation in the family cottage to the moment
when Helen finally understood the concept of
language and communication, she managed to
"see" so much around her, learned so many
languages,learned to speak, write and travel.
Her book is in three parts: the story of her
life, her letters and a section about her life
and education. Hope you enjor reading it as much
as I did.

B Books About Life & Daily Living: Books I found
helpful and enjoyed reading.

5 "The Thre Boxes of Life:How To Get Out Of Them"
by Richard N Bolles 1981. This book is full of
ideas about the three boxes of life called:
EDUCATION-WORK-RETIREMENT.We divide our whole
life-span into three periods:the first is that
of "Getting an Education", then "Going To Work"
and earning a living and the last period of
"Liiving In Retirement". It's highlighta will
be covered in closing topic 24.

6 "Motivation and Personality" by A H Maslow
1987. This author studied people with good
psychological healthinstead of sick or neurotic
people. He found people with peak experiences
that made them feel good about themselves. He
then propsed a theory of human motivation caled
"The Basic Needs Theory". It includes five basic
needs in a hierarchy order. These needs will be
covered in closing topic 25.

7 "Love, Medicine and Miracles" by Bernie Siegel
1986 This book shows patients and their loved
ones how they can influence their own recovery
from cancer. It provides lessons learned and
miracles about self-healing from exceptional
cancer patients. Dr Siegel shows that love heals
and miracles happen every day. I have sent a copy
of this book to many people, both relatives and
friends, when I found out they had cancer and
everyoneof them said it helped them understand
what they were experiencing.

8 "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life"
by Wayne Dwer 2007. This renowned author has
written many books on self-development and
this one is his latest. In this book he has
taken the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching and
transformed them into 81 verses/chapters
designed foractually living The Great Way.
It is a book to be read slowly one verse at
a time that may forever change the way you
look at your life and the result will be
that you will live in a new world aligned
with nature. As you read you may undrstand
some of George Carlin's wisdom and learn to:
1 Change your life by trusting your ability
to respond to circumstances in your life.
2 Focus on understanding yourself instead
of blaming others.
3 Accomplish much by trying less.
4 Come to grips with the radical concept
of "enough is enough".
5 Take pleasure from what you possess
without being attached to things.
6 Practise recognizing that there is a
time for every thing.
Read it more than once and you will find
that it can change your life.

9 "Alcoholics Anonymous(AA)" Headquarters
in NYC 1997. This book with over one million
copies shows how alcoholics have reccovered.
It's main point is that alcohol is a disease.
It's many stories by anonymous men and women
who were addicted and helped by following the
12 steps are very moving and full of insight.

I am not an alcoholic but recommend this book
for two good reasons:
1 The two men who founded HLAA/SHHH and The
Phenix Society were members of AA and used the
ideas and concepts of the 12 steps to start
these groups.
2 There are many, many self-help groups that
use the 12 step approach. A few of them are
listed here:
1 Al-Anon for families of alcoholics
2 Nar-Anon for families of drug addicts
3 Gam-Anon for families of gamblers
4 O-Anon for families of over-eaters

Your thoughts about these nine books and
others you may have read may be of interest
to those of us with a hearing loss.

Best Regards Paul in New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 18-Support Organizations

2008-01-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hi All. This is the 18th of 27 Idea topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

18 Support Organizations: There are quite a few
support organizations available to help people
with a hearing loss. Cochlear America lists 16
of them on their website. Here we will list a
few key ones that are most likely to be of
interest to those of us who have a hearing loss.
Check their website for more detailed information.

1 HLAA/SHHH: Hearing Loss Association of America
previouly called Self Help for Hard of Hearing
People is located in Bethesda, MD. It is the
nation's largest organization for people with a
hearing loss and has about 10,000 members plus
about 7-10,000 members at the local level that
participate but do not pay national dues. The
organization exists to open the world of
communications for people with a hearing loss
through information, education, advocacy and
support.
It has 12 state organizations in CA, FL, GA,
MI, NC, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TX, WA and WI as well
as about 200 local support groups in the
country. A click on your state of the US map
on their website will provide information
about support groups in your state.Membership
dues are $25 per year that includes a bimonthly
publication called "Hearing Loss" as well as
special rates for attending their national
convention which will be held in Reno, NV
June 12-15, 2008. Attendance varies from
800-1500 per year depending on location which
changes each year.

2 ALDA: Association of Late Deafened Adults is
located in Rockford, IL. Most of it's members
share the common experience of having been
raised in the hearing world and becoming deaf
rather than being born deaf. They are unable
to understand speech without visual aids such
as speech-reading, sign language and/or CART
(Communications Access Real-time Translation).
Their motto is "whatever works". It has chapters
in CA,FL,GA,IL,IN,MA,ME,NJ and OH. Membership
is $25 ($20 for Seniors) per year and includes
their quarterly publication "ALDA News" as well
as special rates for attending their annual
convention in Chicago,IL October 8-12, 2008.
Attendance varies from 150-300 people.

3 SWC: Say What Club is a non-profit Internet
based organization run by volunteers for people
with a hearing loss or late desfened adults or
people interested in hearing loss issues. It
has about 400 members and eight lists of which
one is for people interested in or have cochlear
implants. Each list has it's own personality and
includes every day people like artists, writers,
engineers,lawyers, librarians, psychologists,
cat & dog lovers, teachers and others who have
had experiences with hearing loss. There are no
dues but donations are cheerfully accepted to help
offset annual expenses of about $7,600 per year.
It has an annual convention which usually includes
about 40-50 people. This year's convention will
be held in Philadelphia, PA July 9-12, 2008.

4 CHHA: Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is
based in Ottawa, Canada and is the equivalent of
the HLAA/SHHH organization for hard of hearing
people in Canada. It has local support groups
and an annual convention. If you attend a HLAA
convention you may meet pople from Canada who
attend and run excellent workshops especially
in speech-reading. They also have many
interesting publications and pamphlets on
hearing loss.

5 Other Organizations Of Interest:
a CHS: Canadian Hearing Society in Toronto, Ontario.
b League For Hard of Hearing in NY City & Florida.
c American Tinnitus Assoc in Portland, Or.
d Cochlear Implant Assoc in Washington, DC.
e Natl Cued Speech Assoc in Cleveland.OH.
f NAD: Natl Assoc of the Deaf in Silver Springs, MD.
g A G Bell Assoc of the Deaf in Washington, DC.
h Telecommunications for the Deaf in Silver Spring,MD.

Sharing your experiences with the above and other
organizations not mentioned above may be of help to
those of us with a hearing loss who are interested
in those groups.

Best regards Paul in New Jeresey

Toolkit Idea Topic 17-Sign Language

2008-01-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 17th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit Of Ideas for People with A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

17 SIGN LANGUAGE:
1 Why Study Sign Language?
a Almost 100% OF the people who attend NAD
(Natl Assoc of the Deaf) conventions use
sign language. About 60% of the people who
attend ALDA(Assoc of late deafened Adults)
conventions signand about 30% of the people
who attend HLAA(Hearing Loss Assoc of America)
conventions sign. Plan to attend the SWC
convention in Philadelphia this year to see
how many people sign and use lipreading to
communicate with others.
b A research study showed that only 7% of the
meaning conveyed by by typical utterance regarding
our feelings & attitudescomes from the words we
use, 38% from our voice, and 55% from our body
language. When our body languageconflicts with our
words, we pay more attention to our nonverbal
message.

2 Sign Language: is a language that uses manual
communication, body language and lip patterns
instead of sound t convey meaning-simultaneously
combining hand shapes, orientation and movement
of the hands, arms or body, and facial expressions
to express fluidly a speaker's thoughts. Sign
language commonly develops in deaf communities,
which includes interpreters, and friends and
family of deaf people as well as people who are deaf
or hard of hearing themselves.

3 American Sign Language(ASL):is a complex visual-
spacial language that is used by the deaf community
in th US and English-speaking parts of Canada. It is
a linguistically complete, natural language. It is
the native language of many deaf people as well as
some hearing children born into deaf families.
Hand gestures are only one component of ASL.
Facial expressions such as eyebrow movement and
lip-mouth movements are also significant in ASL
as they form a crucial part of the grammatical system

4 Alphabey & Numbers:
a To see the alphabet letters and numbers 0-9 in
black and white type on the internet "american sign
language alhabet". Then click on "american manual
alhabet wikipedia" and print out a copy for your self.
b To see the alphabet letters in color type on the
internet "american sign language fingerspelling",
then click on "American sign language(ASL)" and
print copy for yourself.

5 Fingerspelling:is a way many sign people see a
message. Just as you use 26 letters of the alphabet
to write words on paper, signers use 26 hand-shapes
to show words in front of their body. Each word is
usually spelled letter for letter. It is not hard
to learn. If you and a friend practise these hand-
shapes you can have a two-way conversation. But it
takes a lot of practice to increase spped of finger-
spelling.

6 Learning Signs: Signs are usually learned by
categories or groups such as:
a ategories
1( Clothing
2) Colors
3) Family & Relatives
4) Foods
5) Home
6) People
7) Places we go like restaurants, doctors office
8)Parts oif the body
9) Questions: who what when where & why
10)Time and many more
B Groups:Each group has a specific movement
and all signs in the group basically have
the same movement except for the letter shown.
Example: all in the family group.
1)Sign F for family, A for agency, C for class
To see the sign for family group go towebsite
and type"lifeprint.com", then type family, then
click on "family version b1" to see the sign.

7 References:
a My favorite sign book is "The Joy Of Signing"
by Lottie L reikehof seond edition. It has many
pictures and categories plus an alpabetical
index in the back of the book for each sign.
b Other books can be found on the internet by
typing Sign Language Books.
c A favorite website to learn the alphabet and
finger-spelling is "lifeprint.com"
d Most community colleges and some support
groups offer basic, intermediate and advanced
coursess in sign language. Agood textbook and
experienced teacher are helpful.

Let's exchange ideas on how we learned or can
learn sign language so others can profit from
our experience.

Best regards Paul in New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 16-Lipreading/Speechreading

2007-12-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hi & Happy New Year. This is the 16th of 27 Idea
Topics I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People with A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Shhet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics
Note :This is the first topic this year. Prior
topics 1-15 can be seen at google website:
hlt1-27.blogspot.com

16 LIPREADING/SPEECHREADING:will define both
terms but understand that today they are used
interchangably.

1 Introduction:Many people with a hearing loss use
their eyes to make up for what they cannot hear
since they usually have difficulty hearing speech
as it normally sounds. In addition to straining
to hear, you are also using your eyes to get what
your ears missed and that you hear better when
you see people's faces.

2 Definitions:
a LIPREADING:is a skill most people use to understand
speech by visually interpreting the movements of
the lips,face and tongue with information provided
by the context,language and any residual hearing.
People with normal vision,hearing and social skills
unconsciously use information from the lips and face
to aid aural comprehension in everyday conversation.
b SPEECHREADING:uses lipreading skills plus additional
clues such as facial expressions, gestures and body
language. Knowing the topic and context helps to
figure out what a person is saying.

3 Some facts:
a Lipreading takes a lot of focus & can be very tiring.
b Lipreading may be difficult because only 30 to 40
percent of speech is visible on the lips.
c Many sounds are made in the back of the throat, such
as k and hard g.
d Many words have the same mouth movement and look the
same on the lips but sound different, such as pat,
bat and mat.
e Speechreading can be like taking a fill-in-the-blanks
test, so paying attention to context is critical to
good speechreading.
f Speechreading is a skill that must be learned and
practised regularly. Some people are natural lip
readers but most of us have to struggle to learn it.

4 Useful Information:
a Speechreading like any new skill may require training,
regular practise and natural ability.
b Speechreading videotapes and guidebooks are available
and some community colleges offer classes to help
people improve their skills.
c Visit the website and type "lipreading" and/or
"speechreading" to obtain more information.

Let's share our experiences with lipreading/speechreading
so others can profit by our experiences.
Some interesting questions about lipreading are:
1 Why does it come so easily to some people but others
like me, have to struggle to learn it?
2 Are classes really worth the time, frustration and money
involved?

Best regards Paul in New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 15-Psychological Effects

2007-12-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 15th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for people With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

NOTE:This will be the last topic this year.
Nest topic 16 Lipreading/Speechreading will be
Monday Jan 7, 2008 because of the holidays.

15 PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF HEARING LOSS:
Need to understand stages of grief & stress.
1 GRIEF:Applies to more than death including
hearing loss. Grief stages are:
a SHOCK:Condition of sudden drop in blood flow
through the body.
b DENIAL:"I can't be losing my hearing, not me"
c ANGER:"Why me! Emotional state from mild
irritation to intense rage"
d BARGAINING:"If I do so and so, can I put off
my hearing loss for a while"
e DEPRESSION;Sets in when bargaining does not work.
f ACCEPTANCE:I accept my loss of hearing and am
ready to live with it & help myself.

Note:Stages may not appear in this order. Person
may go back and forth among some or all of these
and other emotions.

2 Stress;is any physical, chemical or emotional
factor that causes bodily or mental unrest. Mild
stress is beneficial to do a good job, focus
better and work energetically. Elimination of
stress is unrealistic since stress is a part of
normal life. Symptoms include headache, sleep
disruption, anxiety, anger & depression.

3 Stress Test:How stressed are you?
Looks at 42 life events that you have experienced in
the last year or two. Then total the numbers beside
the events that you checked. Use the key below to
determine if you are mildly,moderately or severely
under stress. Also note the negative effects of high
stress on your body.
Key: 0-149 = mild life stress 30% chance of illness
150-299 = moderate life stress 50% chance of illness
300+ = Major life stress 80% chance of illness
Note:Go to website and type "life stress test", then
click on life stress test and print copy of the test.

4 Stress Management Ideas:
a Physical exercise like walking
b Relaxation & Meditation Techniques
c Imagery & Muscle Relaxation
d Time Management & Organizational Skills
e Support Systems:Loved ones, friends, Neighbors,
Pets, and self-help groups like HLAA, ALDA
& Say What Club.

5 Ways of Helping Yourself:
a Physical Activities
b Share your stress
c Know your limits
d Make time for fun
e Be Active
f Check off your tasks
g It's OK to cry (especially us guys)
h Avoid self medication
i Check with your doctor
j Consider counseling
k Spend time with your loved ones
l Take a course in relaxation or meditation

Let's share our experiences with stages of
grief and stress as it pertains to hearing loss
so others can benefit from our experiences

My best wishes to all of you for a Very Merry
Christmas & A Happy New Year.

Paul from NJ

Toolkit Idea Topic 14-Ototoxic Drugs

2007-12-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. This is the 14th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit Of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics
Prior topics can be seen at google website:
hlt1-27.blogspot.com

14 OTOTOXIC DRUGS:Medications that may cause
damage to the inner ears resulting in temporary
or permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.

1 Common Symptoms:Some common symptoms are:
a Noise in the ears((tinnitus).
b Pressure in your ears.
c An awareness of & fluctuation or increase in
the degree of your hearing loss.
d Dizziness.
e Word discrimination problems.

2 Risk Factors:
a Taking drugs for a long time.
b Taking ototoxic drugs in large doses.
c Prior ear damage.
d Drugs not administered properly.
e Very young or older people.

3 Reducing Risk:
a Tell your doctor you are hard of hearing.
b Tell your doctor about ringing in your ears.
c Ask about side effects of drugs.
d Ask pharmacist aabout potential ototoxic
effects.
e Read labels for ototoxic side effects.

4 Common Ototoxic Medications:
a Salicylates:Aspirin & aspirin containing
products.
b Non Steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs.
c Antibiotics.
d Loop Diuretics.
e Chemotheraputic agents.
f Quinine.

5 More Information:There are many web sites
that provide information on this subject.
One good one is by Neil Bauman at
hearinglosshelp.com/articles.htm#ototoxic drugs

Let's share our experiences with ototoxic drugs
so others can benefit from our experiences.
Paul in NJ

Toolkit Idea Topic 13-Cochlear Implant

2007-12-03T04:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 13th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas For People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

13 COCHLEAR IMPLANT:Is a device that is partially
implanted into the bone behind the ear to stimulate
remaining nerve fibers within the inner ear. It is
not a cure nor does it restore hearing to normal.
It is advanced technology that taps the retained
potential of the hearing pathway by enabling it to
respond to sound by bypassing damaged hair cells
to directly activate the auditory nerve fibers.
Many say they function as well as people who have
been effectively fitted with hearing aids.

1Surgery:Performed under general anesthesia is
relatively pain free, takes 2-3 hours and
complications are rare. The surgeon makes an
incision behind the ear, raises the skin flap
to expose part of the mastoid bone.
Drills a small depression in the bone to hold
the receiver/coil in place. the cochlear implant
is placed under the skin with stimulating arrays
consisting od electrical contacts inserted into
the cochlea through a small opening near the
round window. The skin flat is sutured and healing
takes about four weeks.

2 Costs:Cochlear implants cost fron $20,000-30,000.
This includes evaluation, surgery, hospital costs,
fitting the device and communications training.
Many health insurance carriers, including Medicare
in some states, provide full or partial coverage
for cochlear implant devices. If you think you are
a candidate talk to an ENT doctor who may refer you
to a specialist in this field.

3 Internal & External Parts:
a Internal Parts:Internal coil and electrodes are
inserted into the cochlea during surgery.
b External Parts:Microphone, speech processor and
external antenna are hooked together and linked
via magnet to the internal parts, after the incision
is healed. At this time the audiologist assesses
patients ability to listen to sounds and adjusts
controls in the speech processor. The processor is
the size of a small calculator or large BTE(behind
the ear) hearing aid and drives the implant.
The assessment takes several visits. With expeience
many implant people notice enhanced sound quality.

4 Strategies For Wearing An Implant:
a Be patient
b Use ALD's
c Shop Carefully
d Clean carefully
e Be aware of climate control
f Carry an identification card

A discussion of cochlear implants by users and those
of us who may be future candidates, would allow us to
benefit by your experiences.
Best Regards Paul in NJ

Toolkit Idea Topic 12-Captioning

2007-11-13T15:27:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. This is the 12th of 27 Idea Topics
listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics
Prior topics acan be seen at google website:

12 CAPTIONING;Displays text or spoken words to
allow viewer to follow the dialogue. Captioning
usually may be on or off at the will of the
person watching.

1 TV Captioning:Text display of spoken dialogue
and sounds that are visible on the screen. All
new TV sets larger than 13" come with a built-in
caption chip that can be activated to show captions
for hard of hearing & deaf people when desired.
Older sets can be connected to separate decoders
to present the same captioned messages.

2 Telephone Captioning(CapTel):Special telephone
that allows you to see what someone is saying as
well as hear the message. See topic 8 for more
information.

3 Captioned Movies:More and more theaters are
providing captioning of selected movies. Check
or call your local theaters for schedules.

4 CART(Computer Assisted Real-time Translation):
Captioned speech on a full or partial screen
that allows hard of hearing & other people to
read the words a speaker says almost as soon as
spoken. Used at most meetings held by such
groups as HLAA(Hearing Loss Assoc of America)
and ALDA(Assoc of Late Deafened Adults).

Let's chat about our use of these and other captioning
experiences you have had so we can learn how to use them.

Paul in NJ

Toolkit Idea Topic 11-Internet Communications

2007-11-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone &Happy Thanksgiving
This is the 11th of 27 Idea Topics listed
on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Page 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Page 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Page 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics
Previous topics can be seen at google website:

11 INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS:Requires the use
of a personal computer and some basic knowledge
which can be learned in a short period of time.
Typing is usually done with two fingers and a
mouse is used to find locations on the screen.

1 E-mail(Electronic Mail):A way to communicate with
other people who have a personal computer with
Internet access. It has the advantage of a written
record although some people may not consider this
an advantage.

2 Hearing Loss Information:There are many web sites
available that allow hard of hearing people and others
to access information about hearing loss and other
topics. Type in the key words like "hearing Loss" to
find information about this topic. The Say What Club
uses a web site to allow us to exchange information about
hearing loss and other topics of interest to the group.

3 Games:Many people like to play games and the computer
and the internet allow you to play all kinds of games
on the computer like solitaire, poker, etc.

4 Blog Spots:The internet allows you to create blog spots
about any topic of interest to you. I use it to post one
of 27 topics each week so that new people who missed a
prior topic can view it.

Let's exchange informationabout these and other uses of
internet communications so we can benefit from your
experience.

Paul of NJ

Toolkit Idea Topic 10-ALD's

2007-11-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. This is the 10th of 27 Idea Topics I
listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Prior topics can be seen at google website:

10 ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES(ALD"s: Improve hearing
in everyday conversation by reducing negative effects
of distance, background noise and reverberation. They
send sound from the source via a microphone to the
ears of the listener. There are four types of ALD"s.

1 Personal Amplifier/Pocket Talker: This acoustic
amplifier includes a plug-in microphone and an amplifier
that can accomodate most headsets. They are helpful in
small groups,in restaurants,and in the car. Average cost
is $100-200 depending on accessories ordered.

2 Audio Induction Loops:Consist of a coil of electric
wire placed around an selected area. The wire, which
creates a magnetic field that can transmit sound, is
connected to the amplifier and to the speaker's
microphone or sound source. The magnetic field around
the wire is picked up by individuals with a hearing aid
that has a t-coil. The signal can also be picked up
with a headset and receiver if the person is not wearing
a hearing aid.The hard of hearing person must sit inside
or along the loop to hear the sound without the effects
of background noise or echo's.

3 FM(Frequency Modulation)System:The FCC has assigned
certain frequencies for use by people with a hearing
loss. The speaker wears a microphone connected to a small
FM transmitter worn near the neck while the hard of hearing
person wears an FM receiver connected to his ear phones or personal hearing aid. The transmitter and receiver need to
be on the same frequency. Useful in noisy restaurants, small meetings and moving cars.

4 Infrared Systems:Use an invisible light beam to transmit
sound. The hard of hearing person wears a headset with a
receiver that is in direct line of sight with the infrared
light beam. Listeners who wear hearing aids with a t-switch
can wear a neck loop plugged into the receiver or silhouette
behind the ear. An infrared system can only be used indoors.

Let's share our experiences with these four assistive
listening devices.I have a Williams pocket talker. When I
attend large meetings without CART, I scotch tape the
microphone to the loudspeaker and use anextension wire to
connect to the pocket talker.With it I hear 95% of what
the speaker says. Without it I only hear about 50% of what
is said.

Paul in NJ

Toolkit Idea Topic 9-Signaling Devices

2007-11-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. This is the 9th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 17 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics
Prior topics can be seen on google website:

9 Signaling Devices:Help compensate for your hearing
loss to provide confidence & security at home & work.
1 Flashing Lights:Most common signaling device used
that provides light patterns for various sounds

2 Bells:Loud bells can be used to alert you to the
telephone & door bell in the home.

3Wake-up Systems;
a Digital & Standard Clocks
b Bed Vibrators: Portable ones helpful when traveling.
Place under pillow and it vibrates at time set. Helpful
if you carry extra batteries.

4 Hearing Dogs:Trained by professionals to alert owners
to various significant sounds. Dog attracts owner & leads
him/her to the sound.

5 Purchasing Signaling Devices:Number of signaling & alerting devices grows daily. Try the internet, demonstration centers,
and talk to other hard of hearing people that use them.

Let's share our use of signaling & alerting devices so
others can profit by our experiences. If anyone owns a
hearing dog, share your experiences too.

Paul in NJ

Toolkit Idea Topic 8-Telephone Devices

2007-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 8th of 27 Idea Topics
listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Shhet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics
Prior topics can be seen on googlw website:

8 Telephone Devices:most new base type telephones
have two volume adjustments : an adjustable lever
at the side and a button on top od the phone for
additiobnal volume. The button on top must be
pressed for each call.

1 Amplified Phones:Older phones can be amplified in
the following ways:
a Built-in amplifier: You can replace the standard
handset with one that has an adjustable wheel volume
control built into it. Be sure ir will work with the
brand & model of the telephone.
b Portable adjustable battery amplifier that slips
over the handset earpiece. Useful when traveling or
using a pay phone.
c In-line amplifier connected between the base of the
phone and the handset to adjust volume as needed.

2 Telephone Answering Machine: The 5.8 Hz cordless telphone/answering system with caller ID is very
helpful for some people with a hearing loss. It
provides adjusting volume on the top with a button
for both voice and recorded annoucements. The portable
phone(s) also have a volume adjustment on the side of
the phone.

3 Caller ID: Telephone companies offer Caller ID whch
lets you see the name & number of the incoming call
before you answer the phone. Helps with initial
embarressment of not getting the caller's name.

4 T-switch/Telecoil: An induction pick-up coil reduces
the sound of bckground noise & makes ir easier to
concentrate on the conversation. The t-switch must be
operated to make it active.

5 Captel: A special captioned telephone with a small
screen that allows you to see what someone is saying
as well as hear the message. People calling you must
dial a special 10 digit number to activate the
captioning and then dial your number. This can be
avoided by ordering two line captel service. You
must pay for the second line from your local
phone company.Veterans can get a FREE Captel phone.

Let's discuss & exchange experiences with these
and other telephone devices that you found useful.

Paul of New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 7-Audiogram

2007-10-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 7th of 27 Idea topics I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Page 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Page 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Page 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics
Prior topics can be seen on google web site:

7 Audiogram: A graph chart of a persons hearing loss.
It usually shows the following tests:
1) Pure Tone Air Conduction:measures your ability to
hear different tones of sound and the loudness of the
sounds in dB. The frequencies vary from 250-8000 Hz.
Right ear shown as 0 & left ear as X on the chart.

2) Bone Conduction:Vibration on the mastoid bone behind
the ear with different frequencies to determine if you
have a conductive outer or middle ear,sensorineural inner
ear or mixed hearing loss.

3) Speech/Word Discrimination:a list of single syllable
words read or played to you.The percentage of 25 correctly repeated words is youe speech discrimination score. The
single syllable words are chosen as a sample of speech
sound in an ordinary conversation.
4) Other Tests: Uncomforable Level,Most Comfortable Level,
Speech Reception Threshold. Patient Health History and Medical Waiver information should be taken at the first visit.

An excellent colored copy of an audiogram with explanation
of tests and a copy of a personal history & medical waiver
form can be obtained for FREE by calling America Hears Inc
at 1-800-492-4515 and ask for there free information kit.

Lets have a good discussion and exchange of your experiences
with audiograms and tests taken.

I'm Happy and Sad and have a Dream.
HAPPY because 30%(12 of 40) of connectors shared their
experiences with us.
SAD because 70%(28 of 40)did not let us learn from their
experiences.
My DREAM is to have 100% of us share their personal
experiences with us in this & future topics. Will you
please help make my dream come true. your reward is
knowing thar one of us may be helped by your sharing.
Paul of New Jersey

Toolkit Idea Topic 6-Hearing Health Care Pros

2007-10-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 6th of 27 idea topics I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Page 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Page 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Page 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

6 Hearing Health Care Professionals
1) Medical Doctors
a ENT/Otolaryngologist-Ear, nose & throat doctor that treats conductive loss in the outer and middle ear. Usually refer inner ear problems to an otologist.
b Otologist-Doctor who spend 100% of their time on ear disorders
specializing in inner ear problems of the cochlea, balance mechanism and nerves.

2) Audiologists-have a masters degree in audiology, licensed and trained to identify, measure & evaluate hearing loss and provide non-medication of hearing loss including hearing aids. some assistive devices and rehabilitation.

3) Hearing Aid Dispenser/Provider-A person who fits and provides hearing aids. Choose someone who spends adequate time informing & counseling you and in whom you have confidence and trust.

4) Speech-Language Pathologists-provide evaluation,rehabilitation and prevention of speech and language disorders. Frequesntly seen in children with a hearing loss.

Since we all have had experiences with these professionals lets have a good discussion and sharing of our experiences.
How many of us see an ENT or Otologist once a year to see if they can help us in any way?
How often do we see an audiologist? Does he give you a copy
of your audigram?
How many of us have never seen an audiologist but rely on a hearing aid dispenser? Especially in rural areas.
Does anyone have experience with a speech language pathologist?
Let's
chat. Paul in New Jersey

FYI: Prior five idea topics can be seen at google web site
"hlt1-27.blogspot.com"

Toolkit Idea Topic 5-Hearing Aids

2007-10-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 5th of 27 idea topics I listed on three sheets of paper called:

"A toolkit of Ideas for People witha Hearing Loss"

5 Hearing Aids
a) Basic Types
1) ITC-In The Canal: Invisible Some power
2) ITE-In The Ear: Partly Visible More Power
3) BTE-Behind The Ear: Very visible Most Power
Require Ear Mold-Replace when loose fit
Require tubing-Replace when hard

b) Two Important Features(request with new aid)
1) T-switch(telecoil): for phone & ald use
2) DAIC: Direct Audio Input Connection
For external microphone & bicros use

c) Batteries:Different sizes & cost
1) Sizes 10-13-312-675
2) Cost Varies: $22.50 for 40 cells/free shipping
Web site: Hearing Planet on line store

d) Technologies
1) Conventional/Analog-least expensive
2) Programmable: -more expensive
3) Digital: -most expensive

look foirward to hearing your comments and experiences with hearing aids regarding types,features,batteries & technologies
Paul in New Jersey

Introduction Idea Topic 4-Types of Hearing Loss

2007-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. This is the 4th of 27 idea topics I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for People with a Hearing Loss"

Page 1 Intoduction Ideas 4 topics
Page 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Page 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

4 Types of Hearing Loss(HL) & Some Ear Problems

1) Conductive HL: a Ear Wax or Infection
b Perforated Ear Drum
c Fused or Defective Ossicles
(3 small bones in middle ear)
2 Sensorineural HL: Damaged hair cells in Cochlea by
(nerve deafness)a Ototoxic Drugs( amount & duration)
b Loud Noise
c Disease
d Heredity & Aging(presbycusis)
3 Disorders: a Tinnitus:Ringing or roaring noise
b Miniere"s Disease: a Tinnitus plus
b HL Fluctuations
c Dizziness
4 Helpful Hints: 1 Avoid salt,sugar,caffeine,alcohol
2 Avoid noisy & stress situations
3 Healty diet & Exercise(walking)

This finishes the four introductory topics on hearing loss.
Look forward to hearing your comments and experiences with types of hearing loss, disorders and helpful hints
Paul in New Jersey

Introduction Idea Topic 3-Real Problem Not Just HL

2007-10-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi All. This is the 3rd of 27 idea topics I listed on three sheets of paper called:

"A Toolkit of Ideas for People with a Hearing Loss"
Page 1 Introduction Ideas 4 pages
Page 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 pages
Page 3 Closing Ideas 5 pages

3 Real Problems: Not Just Hearing Loss But:
1) Barrier to Communications"(creats problems for family,
at Work, School, Social situations, Travel
2) Experience Stress If Not Addressed
3) Stress Signs:
a Physical: Fatigue,Irritation,Tremor,Chills
b Emotional: Shock,Denial,Anger,Depression
c Cognitive: Confusion,Inattention,Disoriented
d Behavioral: Restless, Withdrawn,Pacing

Note: Added two more hearing loss concerns to last week's list.
8 Survival: Hear on Phone,Loss of Job, Unable to drive
9 Need For belonging: Not downers like forget it or never mind.

Please share your comments & experiences with barries to communications and Stress. Paul in New Jersey

Introduction Idea Topic 2-Hearing Loss Concerns

2007-10-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. Its Monday and time for the 2nd of 27 idea topics I listed on three sheets of paper called:

"A tool Kit od Ideas for People with a Hearing Loss"
Page 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Page 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Page 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

Intro Idea Topic 1 Sep 10, 2007
Intro Idea Topic 2 Sep 17, 2007

2 Some Key Hearing Loss Concerns
1) Denial: Stigma of disability & sign of aging
2) Bluffing: to hide our own hearing loss
3) Invisible: unlike glasses, cane or wheelchair
4) Does not hurt physically but emotionally
5) Misunderstand: miss appointments,confuse directions
6) Dependance on others: Need priority to get help
7) Affects all we do at:home,school,work,retirement &
social & leisure activities
8) Survival: Hear on Phone, Loss of Job, Unable to Drive
9) Need for Belonging:Not downers like forget it or never mind

Pleae everyone share your comments & experiences with those of us with a hearing loss. Also do you think this list is realistic? Learn anything new or just a rehash of what you already know?
You could make my day by having all of you sharing your thoughts about this list of hearing loss concerns, Paul of New Jersey

Introduction Idea Topic 1- 3 Things To Remember

2007-10-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. this is the first of 27 idea topics I listed on three sheets of papers called "A Toolkit of Ideas for People With A Hearing Loss"
Page 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Page 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Page 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

"A tool kit Of Ideas For People With A Hearing Loss"
Inroduction Topic One: Sept 10,2007

1 People With A hearing loss need to do three things:
1) Admit you have a hearing loss & learn to accept it.
2) Seek information about hearing loss using the Library, Internet,Professionals & Self Help Groups
3) Learn how you can help yourself to take action.

Confucious said "The essence of knowledge,having it, to use it" (to help yourself and others). The words in ( ) are mine.

I would like to give credit to Marcia Dugan for most of the ideas from her book "Keys to Living With a Hearing Loss" dated 1997.t only costs $6.95 and could be a useful addition to your personal library of information on hearing loss. In the book she refers tomSHHH which changed its name to HLAA(Hearing Loss Association of America).

I welcome your comments and a discussion of this first of 27 idea topics I will send each Monday to members of the Say What Club Connect Members. Paul from New Jersey