Toolkit Idea Topic 8-Telephone Devices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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