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Tip of the Week
Change your answering machine or voice mail recording to ask callers to speak slowly, and to repeat any phone numbers that they leave in messages. You can also leave your e-mail address in your greeting--clearly spell it out--and suggest that people communicate with you via text instead of voice.
Previous Tips
Protecting your ears from excess noise exposure can help prevent further hearing loss. Try turning your hearing aids or cochlear implant down or off when you use noisy appliances, such as the vacuum cleaner and the garbage disposal. Run the dishwasher and the washing machine when you're out running errands, and consider using carpet, which absorbs sound better than bare floors, in high-traffic areas at home. _____________
Dress up and dance like nobody is watching during this romantic season! Use your senses of touch and sight, and your sense of humor, to create your own non-verbal language with your partner, for spicing up special occasions. And also try improving everyday communication through your non-auditory talents. By working together with sensitivity and love, you and your partner can bridge the hearing gap doing routine things together, no matter how mundane an activity may seem...even grocery shopping, housework, or getting ready for bed. Make today truly sensational! _____________
Brighten up the winter blahs with a batch of Whatgirl's Scones. These buttery, easy-to-make treats will warm your soul on a cold and dreary morning, and they make a wonderful gift for Valentine's Day. Arrange the scones in a pretty basket, brew up some gourmet coffee, and enjoy a relaxing breakfast with your sweetheart! _____________
Make sure that you "re-bake" your hearing aid or cochlear implant processor dehumidifier drying unit (unless it is the disposable kind) frequently during this wet season, to help keep your hearing devices in good shape. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for re-activating the moisture-absorbing material...you can microwave the pellets in some types of drying units, but never nuke those metal versions! _____________
 © John Sfondilias, Big Stock Photo Traveling by air for the holidays? Let the airline know that you are hard of hearing when you make your reservation; you can often note your hearing status on the online reservation form. If you can't hear flight announcements and there is no visual message board in the boarding area, when you get to your departure gate, ask the airline representative there to personally notify you when it is time to board, or if there are any delays. And once you're on the plane, let a flight attendant know how he or she can best communicate with you. Safe travels! _____________
At the holiday table, use low centerpieces and good lighting to make speechreading easier. Sit where you can comfortably speechread--have lighting above and behind you, not in front of you--and remind everyone to face you when she or he talks to you. Ears tired from all of the chatter and clatter? Take a break and go for a tranquil walk. _____________
If you rely on speechreading and are having surgery, make sure to ask your doctor any questions before she puts on her surgical mask. And don't be shy about reminding nurses and other medical team members that you need to see their faces in order to "hear" what they are saying. Some surgery centers will let you wear your hearing aids or cochlear implant processors into the operating room...but if they won't, arrange with a nurse or a family member beforehand to give you your devices as soon as you get to the post-op recovery area. _____________
Think proactive, not reactive, when traveling--it is a lot easier to prevent problems by anticipating them than it is to clean up a mess after it happens. If you will be staying in a hotel, you may need an amplified phone, a television with closed-captioning, a strobe smoke alarm, or other assistive technology in your room. E-mail the individual property--not the parent company--before you make your reservation to confirm the availability of what you need, and get the name and e-mail address of the person responsible for reasonable accommodations onsite. Be specific about your needs, and include your travel dates. Get written confirmation that the property will have equipment in work order ready when you arrive. Also, let your contact person at the hotel know ahead of time if you are traveling with a hearing service dog. _____________
After all of the hearing tests and hearing aid selection appointments, you finally have your new electronic ears! Practice your hearing by listening to music that you enjoy and remember from before the onset of your hearing loss. The songs may sound different at first, but playing your favorite tunes from the past, and singing along to them, can help you get used to your hearing aids (and how your own voice sounds now), and let you become more comfortable wearing them very soon. _____________
If you use an assistive listening device in class, arrange at the beginning of the term to have a signal for the professor in case she or he accidentally turns off the transmitter, or steps away from a free-standing microphone. Waving to get the instructor's attention, and then tapping your fingers to your ears, is one effective way to alert a lecturer. Try this approach in work meetings, too. _____________
The color of your sheets may help you sleep better. When the weather is hot, white or pastel sheets can make you feel a little less burdened by the high temperatures. If you have trouble falling asleep regardless of the weather, try using dark sheets, such as chocolate brown or navy blue; burrowing in these colors will give your eyes fewer distractions than lighter shades that reflect any nearby illumination. Regardless of the color of your sheets, when you get up the next morning, a pillow fight can get you energized for a happier day! _____________
Ready to head to the theater to catch a summer blockbuster? Try buying your tickets a day in advance, and checking out the assistive listening device receiver at the same time. If the batteries or any other parts need to be replaced, the theater manager can get the job done before showtime. _____________
Warm weather can wreak havoc on your hearing aids or speech processor, because sweat, mist from lawn sprinklers, and humidity can damage the devices. Make sure to store your "electronic ears" in a dehumidifier container at night, or whenever you're not wearing them. If you wear your aids to the pool or beach, take along their storage case in a zip-top bag for protecting your ear gear while you're in the water...and keep the bag out of direct sunlight. _____________
Keep a pack of spare batteries in each of several locations where you are likely to need replacements away from home--your desk at work, your purse or wallet, your gym bag or backpack, and your everyday jacket pocket are handy places to stash extras. Remember to dispose of used batteries in accordance with your local waste regulations! _____________
Make sure to remove your hearing aids or speech processor before you put on makeup or apply shaving cream. The powders and lotions and potions in our daily beauty and grooming routines can damage the microphones and other components in hearing equipment, and repairs can be costly and take a long time. _____________
While the newly proposed Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act (H.R. 1646) may sound terrific, read the fine print: You won't be able to write off the cost of the hearing aids as medical expenses if you take the tax credit, and your tax savings may well be higher with the deduction. Also, for those who are eligible, the amount of the credit is limited to $500 per ear every five years...less than 55 cents per day for both ears, which will barely cover the cost of batteries for many people. Before giving your support to this proposed legislation, consider advocating for broader inclusions and a larger credit, and think about who will really benefit from the bill in its current form. Many of the bill's supporters are hearing aid manufacturers and organizations of hearing health care professionals. Find your House Representatives and let them know what you think. _____________
Summer is just around the corner! When you head to an amusement park, make sure to take out your hearing aids, or take off your cochlear implant speech processors, before you get on any wild or wet rides. Keep your hearing devices secure in their cases, and put the cases in a fanny pack or a zippered pocket. If water damage is possible, seal your equipment cases in a plastic zip-top bag before stashing them. _____________
With summer just a few months away, now is a great time to get custom-fitted swimming earplugs. Bright pink or orange plugs will be easy to find if you lose them in a pool. An audiologist can use the same impressions for your hearing aid earmolds, so you shouldn't have to pay for a second set of impressions, as long as you order everything that you need at the same time. (You can also request that your impressions be saved or returned to you for future use, but not all hearing aid centers will agree to do that.) _____________
Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers—both in-person and online—can charge different prices for identical merchandise, based upon an individual patient’s source of payment (such as using available veteran's insurance benefits versus paying the costs out of your own pocket). So, even if you buy the same aids from the same audiologist as someone else you know, you may be charged more. _____________
When you interview for a new job, politely ask about the employer's procedure for requesting reasonable accommodations, so that you know exactly what your responsibilities are for obtaining what you need to perform your duties. Get all information--including the name and e-mail address of the person responsible for providing accommodations--in writing. Employers committed to including people with disabilities in their labor forces will have this material available. Approaching them with a spirit of cooperation, while focusing on your assets as an employee, will get your new career off to a flying start. _____________  © Kathleen Melis, Big Stock Photo It can be very frustrating to have a battery die during an important meeting or a special event, so change your hearing aid batteries (or put in a freshly-charged cochlear implant or assistive listening device battery) before an important date, class exam, or appointment at work. Get in the habit of keeping extra battery packs in your desk, wallet, and gym bag too! _____________  © Olga Telnova, Big Stock Photo Make 2009 your year for learning more about hearing loss. See our interesting research findings on hearing impairment among working-age adults in the United States in our Research department. Here's to good health and a Happy New Year! _____________  © Rodrigo Roy Boncato, Big Stock Photo Remember that most hearing health care expenses--such as hearing aids, batteries, and cochlear implant copayments--are deductible medical costs if you itemize your tax return deductions. Start gathering your 2008 receipts now, to make tax time easier. For more information, see IRS Publication 502. _____________
Several merchants, ranging from veterinarians to pet supply stores, will give you a discount on necessary products and services for your Hearing Dog. Be sure to ask about price breaks, and have your dog's service animal documentation ready to show upon request. Note that air carriers cannot charge a fee for service animals who travel with their owners, but you may be required to get a health certificate from your veterinarian at your expense prior to travel. _____________
Change the batteries in your home signaling and assistive devices--smoke alarms, phone amplifiers, strobe door alerts...everything!--when you set your clocks back on November 1. Check with your local recycling center for disposal instructions, since many cities prohibit putting old batteries in the regular trash. And enjoy the extra hour of sleep! _____________
If using the phone is difficult for you, let a prospective employer know about your hearing loss in the cover letter you send with your résumé. At the end of the letter, ask the employer to contact you by e-mail instead of by phone, because you are hearing impaired. Alternative forms of communication are reasonable accommodations. _____________
It's almost election day! If a television commercial for a candidate or ballot initiative your locale is not closed-captioned, go to the web page sponsored by the contender or ballot measure, and send an e-mail requesting captioning if they want your support and vote. _____________
Cooler weather on the way means more time indoors. Make a team project out of tackling autumn home modifications for better hearing with your partner. Rearrange your living room furniture so that the sun (or indoor lighting) doesn't shine in your face and make speech reading difficult, consider using carpeting to absorb background noise, and add visual alerts such as strobe smoke alarms for safety. _____________
Cochlear implant surgery will require ear protection right after the operation. If you are considering the procedure, get all post-operative information in writing before surgery day, and double-check all of your records for possible errors that can affect your care. _____________
Ready to catch a summer baseball game? Major and minor league parks are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide reasonable accommodations. E-mail the park ahead of time for information on how to borrow assistive listening devices, for the availability of captioning on the video boards, and for the locations of public TTYs. _____________
Here is an easy way to pamper your ears after you take out your hearing aids or remove your cochlear implant(s): Soak a cotton ball in warm water--scented with a few lemon slices for a touch of luxury--and squeeze out the excess. Swab the damp ball around your outer ears and let the warmth melt your stresses away! _____________
People with hearing loss need to be extra-vigilant when exercising outdoors. Try to workout away from all traffic, including bicyclists and roller skaters. During your walks or runs, wear white or fluorescent yellow or orange clothing, and make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street. Avoid working out anytime that visibility is reduced, such as during heavy commute hours, at sunrise and sunset, at night, or when the weather is foggy or rainy. _____________
If you are considering getting a hearing service dog, make sure that you thoroughly research the training agency's long-term stability and commitment to post-placement capabilities. Find out what will happen if the program suddenly ends, and make sure that your personal information will be secured in compliance with federal privacy laws. Have an experienced contracts attorney review all program documents before you sign them. _____________
Going through a rough patch because of listening troubles? Make an extra effort to do something special for yourself. Keep a list of simple pleasures that make you feel good and don't require hearing--such as meditating, reading a favorite poem, or sipping iced tea outside--and do one every day. _____________
Ask your health care providers for appointment reminders via e-mails or text messages instead of phone calls.
Schedule meetings and appointments for early in the day, so that you can listen when your ears are rested. _____________
A lot of retailers are notorious for blaring music in their stores. If the background noise bothers you, don't hesitate to ask a store manager to turn those decibels down a couple of notches. If she or he balks, send an e-mail about the problem--letting the company know that you will shop elsewhere--to the company's headquarters via its website. _____________
Think green! Many cities now require hearing aid battery recycling, and do not allow the disposal of dead batteries in the trash. Check with your local recycling service or your audiologist for recycling options. _____________
Safety first! Use strobe light smoke detectors and door knockers, flashing phone ringers, and other visual notification devices at home. Check your local electronics store for product demonstrations; many devices are also available for purchase online. Some cities and other jurisdictions require permits for the installation of alarms and other equipment, so be sure to ask the staff members at the appropriate government departments where you live for the applicable rules. _____________
When planning your next vacation--and it's not too soon to think about summer!--e-mail individual attractions and the convention and visitors' bureaus of the cities you'll be visiting to find out about services for people with hearing loss, and how to request them. Many public venues and theme parks have facilities hard-wired for telecoil-equipped hearing aids, or offer captioned informational films. _____________
Need a fast, last-minute sweet treat for your valentine (or as a decadent self-indulgence)? Try Whatgirl's Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. Just two ingredients and a few quick steps! _____________
College admissions letters will be in the mail soon. Even if you checked into a campus's reasonable accommodations for hearing loss before you applied, make sure that you follow your chosen school's policy for requesting what you need after you accept the admission offer. Notify professors about requests for accomodations such as notetakers or front-row seating for speechreading well before class starts. Also, check your dorm or apartment for visual signaling devices such as strobe light smoke alarms, and request any necessary upgrades or changes as far in advance as possible before you move in. Keep copies of all communications. And congrats! _____________
Go to a popular restaurant during off-peak hours to minimize background noise. Carpeted eateries tend to be quieter than those with bare floors, and tables away from the bar and food preparation areas are usually better choices than are tables near blenders, wide-screen televisions, and clattering dishes. Weather permitting, sitting outdoors on a patio can also help, because sounds won't be bouncing off the walls, windows, and floors.
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Can your hearing aids pass the "hug test"? If you get feedback when you hug someone, you may need new earmold impressions or hearing aid reprogramming. Make an appointment with your audiologist...before Valentine's Day! _____________
_____________  © Lev Olkha, Big Stock Photo This is the perfect time of year to shop for a winter hat. Look for one that sits high on your head to avoid generating hearing aid feedback. Berets, cabbie hats, and newsboy caps are a few good choices, and blues, browns, and creams are the hot colors this season. But if you love holiday green or hot pink to keep your tresses warm, go for it! _____________ © Kathleen Melis, Big Stock Photo "Battery Clubs" at hearing aid dispensers and online merchants may not save you money. Shop around at your local discount stores and neighborhood drug stores for better prices, and stock up when batteries go on special. Be sure to check the expiration dates on the packages before purchase. _____________  © Jiang Bin Ping, Big Stock Photo Sit with your back to windows or lamps when you're talking with someone else. Speechreading is much easier without a bright light shining in your face! _____________
Call or e-mail a theater ahead of time and ask the manager to test the theater's assistive listening device before you arrive. Theater staff can replace dead batteries or broken wires before showtime. _____________
Shopping for new hearing aids? Remember--you're the customer! Don't be afraid to ask hearing aid dispensers about their policies regarding extra costs after your initial purchase, especially for repair fees, reprogramming charges, and replacement earmolds. If you don't get clear answers in writing, go to another dispenser. _____________
After a long day of listening, divert your attention from your ears to your toes with a relaxing footbath. Aromatic flower petals, warm water, and smooth stones to massage your feet will let you revel in your sense of touch. _____________
Taking a professional development course this fall? Ask the instructor to have everyone sit in a circle, instead of using the traditional classroom seating format. Your speechreading will be more effective when you can easily see everyone's face.
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