activities and information events on a variety of topics, for example alcohol awareness, cancer awareness and benefit information

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2 What s On... Hard of Hearing Groups These groups offer the opportunity to socialise and enjoy the company of other people who have become hard of hearing. The St Helens Group meet every Monday afternoon 1pm 3pm and every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 10.30am-12.00pm in a very relaxed atmosphere in the lounge of the Deafness Resource Centre, Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, WA10 2QB The Halton Group meet on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesday of every month 1.30pm-3.30pm at Hanover Court, Palacefields Avenue, Brookvale. WA7 6EJ Deaf Club This group brings together culturally Deaf and deafblind people whose first language is British Sign Language. The group meets on Wednesday afternoon 1.00pm-3.30pm and enjoys pre-arranged activities and information events on a variety of topics, for example alcohol awareness, cancer awareness and benefit information Tinnitus Groups Tinnitus Support Group meets on the 1 st Wednesday of every month at 10.00am at Deafness Resource Centre. This is a self help group for people who suffer from Tinnitus, an informal get together for you to share your experiences with other Tinnitus sufferers, access information and get support to manage your Tinnitus. There are also Tinnitus Support Groups in Halton on the 1st Thursday of every month, alternating between Runcorn & Widnes, please contact Mavis Lewin for more details call: Happy Hands (Family Group) Sessions are for D/deaf or Hard of Hearing parents, children ages 0 10 and family members. Families interested in socialising with D/deaf of Hard of Hearing families are also welcome. Happy Hands is held every Wednesday from 4.30pm 6.00pm Youth Group Deaf Active St Helens is an inclusive youth-led service for young people aged 10 and older who are D/deaf, hard of hearing or have D/deaf family members. Young People who have an interest in socialising amongst the Deaf community are also very welcome. The Deaf Active St Helens Youth Club runs every Wednesday from 6.30pm-8.30pm Office space for RENT Self contained offices based within a busy resource centre; consisting of three individual offices and toilet facilities, which are fully accessible. Reasonable rent to include heating and lighting, reception facilities, cleaning and security and kitchen facilities. On street parking Rent as a whole area or individual offices. Telephone for more information

3 Going on holiday is supposed to be a time of happiness and relaxation. Although it can be stressful for us all at times, it can be a lot more challenging for a person with a hearing loss, here are some top tips to help things run smoothly: If possible make your bookings online, as all confirmation will be in writing If not, ask for everything to be confirmed in writing price, dates, bookings and travel arrangements Make sure you know your travel arrangements clearly in advance: timetable, changes of train or plane, locations of airports, stations and coach pick-up points Find out if the hotel has any provision for hard of hearing and deaf people before you book with them: e.g. visible or tactile smoke alarm, subtitled television Take any equipment you need with you e.g. vibrating alarm clock, door beacon, portable telephone amplifier, television listening device and smoke alarm. Take an adapter with you if necessary Have your hearing aids/cochlear implant checked by the audiology department before you leave on holiday Pack spare hearing aid batteries Check that you will be able to send text messages from your mobile telephone from abroad Learn the phrase 'I am deaf' in the language of the country you are visiting or have it written on a card Translate a few communication tactics into the language of the country you are visiting and have them written on a card Take maps it is difficult to hear people s instructions but if you have a map they can show you the way Invest in a good guide book that way you will not have to rely on other people telling you things Remind hotel staff that you will not: a. hear anyone knock on your room door; b. use the telephone; c. hear the smoke alarm make alternative arrangements with the staff Don t be afraid to ask professionals, such as tour guides, for help if you need it Travelling with cochlear implants If you are travelling with a cochlear implant you should take your identification card or letter from your audiologist to show customs and security officials It s normal to hear a buzz or hum when you walk through security. To avoid any potential buzzing sounds as you pass through, you may wish to turn off your telecoil If you are carrying a loaner processor, ensure it s off and put it safely in your carry-on luggage or bag. Do not place your sound processor directly on the conveyor belt as static electricity may build up that can corrupt the MAP Your implant cannot interfere with the plane s navigation or communication systems. Therefore, there is no need to turn your device off during take-off or landing. You do need to hear staff as they give you the safety briefing Lastly, Relax and Enjoy!

4 Joe Fairclough We are all saddened by the death of Joe, he was a gentleman with an amazing smile and wicked sense of humour. People close to Joe recall the tricks he often played on customers visiting his shop and his love of a game of dominos and a pint at his local. Joe worked as a cobbler in Rainford starting as a teenager working for Tommy Roberts who was also profoundly deaf. Sadly, Tommy was killed in a road accident but he made sure that Joe would be able to continue working by leaving him the cobbler equipment and some money. Joe has worked every day since, until recently when illness prevented him from continuing. Joe was a true character who will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

5 Hearing Aids Myth or Fact? Fact: Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal. Hearing aids do not cure your hearing loss, but they provide benefit and improvement in communication. They can improve your hearing and listening abilities, and they can substantially improve your quality of life. Myth: You can save time and money by buying hearing aids online or by mail order. Fact: By working with an audiologist, you are purchasing professional care and services to ensure that the correct hearing aid is selected and that proper programming of the hearing aid is completed Other professional care includes: Hearing evaluation Referral for medical treatment (if needed) Hearing aid evaluation Verification of fit of hearing aid Instruction in how to properly use and maintain the hearing aid Follow-up care and support Repair services Rehabilitation services Myth: A hearing aid will damage your hearing. Fact: A properly fitted and maintained hearing aid will not damage your hearing. Myth: A milder hearing loss is not bad enough for a hearing aid. Fact: Everyone's hearing loss and listening needs are different. By working with your audiologist, you can determine if a hearing aid is needed and how much it will improve your hearing. Myth: Wearing two hearing aids is not necessary. Fact: We normally hear with two ears. Binaural (two-eared) hearing helps us localize sounds, assists us in noisy settings, and provides natural sound quality. Most people with hearing loss in both ears can understand better with two aids than with one. Myth: The invisible hearing aids worn in the ear are the best hearing aids to purchase. Fact: There are several styles of hearing aids, and all are state of the art. What is most important is that you purchase a hearing aid that accommodates your hearing loss and your listening needs. Just because your friend uses a particular hearing aid style does not mean you have to (or should) use that style. Your friend's style of hearing aid may be a totally inappropriate prescription for your needs. If you think you need to wear hearing aids, please ask your doctor for a referral to Audiology or call them on: For St Helens Residents, St Helens Hospital, Audiology Department

6 Deafness Resource Centre, Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, WA10 2QB

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