Invisibility: The Cause & The Cure Raymond L. Furner, Ph.D. Hide from Social Stigma What Causes Invisibility Escape from Responsibility Denial of Hearing Loss ISHA April 7, 2018 Analysis Invisibility is a symptom. Hearing loss is the problem. Communication is the cure. Hearing Loss is a Serious Problem for Many People In the United States: Approximately 40 million people are hard of hearing. Common causes are: increased age increased exposure to noise Hearing Loss Association of America 2009 Why is hearing so important? Because, virtually all of our social and cultural interaction, and learning is a result of hearing and understanding sounds. Helen Keller Observed: I am just as deaf as I am blind, and of the two, deafness may be worse Loss of vision separates us from things. Loss of hearing separates us from people. Helen Keller 1
Definitions Speech: The attempt to transfer information using sound. Hearing: Knowing that a sound has been made. Good Hearing: When you hear sounds and you understand what they mean. Communication: Understanding the meaning of sounds that are made. Ugly Hearing: Bad Hearing: When you hear sounds and do not understand what they mean. When you hear sounds and you THINK you know what they mean, but you really don t. Does a little misunderstanding really make that much difference? Bottom Line: Hearing loss is when you do not understand the meaning of sounds. I m proud of you! I m tired of you too! 2
Five Stages of Hearing Loss 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression 5. Acceptance Deaf Population in Indiana As many as 25% of all Hoosiers may suffer from hearing loss. (1) More than 1/3 of all seniors are hard of hearing About ½ % of all Hoosiers cannot hear and understand normal conversation. (1) November 14, 2011: Archives of Internal Medicine. What to do about hearing loss? 1. Screening 2. Testing (Diagnosis) 3. Treatment (Support) Where does the screening take place? 1. Schools 2. Health Fairs 3. Corporations 4. Home (Spouse, Parents, Grandparents) Who benefits from screening and testing? 1. Children not covered by state screening programs. 2. Workers of all ages, and those who are exposed to noisy environments. 3. Seniors. My Experience with Hearing Loss Blue Report Card Quarterback and kicker Big Ben Hearing Test Advice to attend trade school First and second hearing aids FM system/neck loop Hearing aid update Cochlear Implant CapTel Phone 3
Audiogram Hearing Loss: Anxiety and Depression Depression for late deafened adults is 5 times the national average Depression in partners for late deafened adults is 2.5 times the national average Severe anxiety for the hard of hearing is 2.5 times the national average Severe anxiety for partners of the hard of hearing is 1.5 times the national average Terry D. Portis, Hearing Loss Association of America May/June 2006 Hearing Loss and Risk of Falling Hearing loss is associated with triple the risk of falling. May be associated with vestibular problems. Broken bones are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the senior population, but accidents happen to young people too. Understanding that you have a hearing loss could save your life. February 28, 2012: Archives of Internal Medicine IHHF INDIANA HEARING HEALTH FOUNDATION, 501C (3) Screening teams of 5-7 volunteers Earscan 3S--5 or more units Expected volume up to 400 individuals per day Objective: Identify individuals who do not hear selected frequencies at a predetermined intensity. Otoscope III Earscan 3 S 4
Diagnosis Audiologists/ Otologists/ Others Network for referral Up to 80 referrals per day Who does the Testing? Hearing Health Care Professionals Treatments ABCs of a cochlear implant Remove ear wax Treat inflammation Cochlear Implant B A s Captioned Telephone C F D E s Captioned Telephones 880 i 2400 i Large Screen for Visually Impaired Touch Screen 5
Medicare/Medicaid Help and Support Rehabilitation Services Insurance Corporate help for Americans with Disabilities Easter Seals Crossroads Lions Sertoma Others How the Lions Programs Work Loaner Program & Affordable Program Loaner Program & Affordable Program How to get a CapTel Personal Information Proof of Income Attach copy of 1040 Check CapTel 800i or 840i Sign Mail How to donate hearing aids! More than 10,000 Lions in Indiana one of them lives near you More than 400 Lions Clubs in Indiana one of them is located near you Deliver aids to Lions State Office 8780 Purdue Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Visit : http://indylionsspeechhearing.org/ Email: indianalionsh@gmail.com Contact: Lion Ray furner@ameritech.net 6
Donation Rebecca, our audiologist at Riley Hospital with donated hearing aids. Indiana Lions distribute more than 300 hearing aids per year. Plan of Action Use all available tools Support screening programs Donate used hearing aids Stop being invisible! Indiana Lions Speech & Hearing Incorporated Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation Thank you for your help! 7