Dr. Lafargue and Ms. Stern will be presenting a seminar “Tech and More For Living Well with Hearing Loss” March 12, at 12 pm at the Senior Planet Exploration Center at 127 W.25th Street in Manhattan. Call to reserve a place and for more information: 646-590-0615
Have you ever noticed when sitting around the table with family or friends in a restaurant and everyone seems to be having a good time talking and laughing, except one friend who seems completely withdrawn? You wonder, is something wrong? Is she depressed?
It might be hearing loss.
You might learn later that your friend, due to background noise and the fast-paced conversation, simply can’t keep up. Or perhaps you have had similar experiences of feeling isolated or left out from the conversation or frustrated at not being able to engage fully.
This is more common than you think. One in three people over the age of 65 and two out of three over the age of 75 have a hearing loss – and yet only 20% of people who could take action to treat their hearing loss do so.
What happens with hearing loss
Withdrawal from social situations has long been the hallmark of people who develop hearing loss, particularly those who develop hearing loss later in life. When one has conversations that are challenging, despite good hearing aids, or perhaps because hearing aids are not being used, there is a sense of personal loss. It’s not just the diminished sense of hearing – it’s also a loss of the connection to people and to the environment. These communication difficulties often lead to frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, depression and even impact one’s identity.
How to handle loss of hearing
Dealing with hearing loss is an ongoing journey, but there are ways to handle the physical – and emotional – challenges.
Acknowledging feelings of anger and frustration, as well as mourning what is no longer there, is the first step towards rebuilding communication and reconnecting to those around you.
Learning about, and using communication strategies can be a big help:
-
- utilizing visual clues in conversations (facial expressions and speech reading) – ask trusted friends to face you when they speak to you
- optimizing the environment by sitting in a well-lit area away from noise (don’t be shy about asking for a quieter table in a restaurant)
- explore and use the many technologies available.
As noted earlier, only 20% of people who could take action to treat their hearing loss do so. Yet there are many options for them to choose from, including, (but not limited to) personal hearing aids, listening systems in theaters and other large room venues, and smart phone apps. These can all be combined to keep a person socially engaged, even with a hearing loss.
Why would people with hearing loss not take action? Reasons vary. Some people feel a stigma they associate with hearing loss, others may not know where to turn or are concerned about costs. Whatever their reason, there are still options available that can be combined, with smart strategies, like those listed, to stay engaged socially and personally. That’s why we at the Center for Hearing and Communication use the tag line, ‘connect to life.’
The Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), the leading hearing rehabilitation agency in NYC since 1910, provides high quality, comprehensive services to empower people affected by hearing loss, deafness or listening challenges. At CHC, we provide a holistic approach to treatment – from hearing aids and assistive listening devices to listening and speech therapies in order to lessen the barriers to communication and social engagement.
Ellen Lafargue, audiologist, is the co-director of the Shelley and Steven Einhorn Audiology and Communication Centers at CHC. Dr. Lafargue has over 35 years of experience providing audiological services with a specialization in amplification for older adults. Carolyn Stern is the manager of CHC’s Center for Hearing and Aging helps individuals adapt strategies and technologies to live more fully with hearing loss.
Photo: Rawpixel for Unsplash
COMMENTS
7 responses to “Handling hearing loss”
I do a little bit of lip reading so sometimes I’ll say, “let me put on my glasses so I can hear you better.”
I lost my hearing early in life. Learned to adopt by reading lips. I didnt realize i was suppose to be able to hear ppl right next to me. I went without most of my life without hearing aids till i got 49. Wished i would have known a lot earlier.
Will this presentation be held again?
I am away Nov-March……you have very good programs in the winter……can you repeat them during the sunmmer months? Thank you……Ann Sewell, member
I purchase a pair of hearing aids. They were about $5000.00. They definitely make things louder but speech is not much clearer. I am missing a lot in conversations. And when there is background noise, it is extremely hard to hear.
Originally, I got one hearing aid and when that did not help as much as I wanted it to, I was convinced to get the second one and was told it would make a big difference. I did not notice the difference. I’ve gone back to the audiologist quite a number of times and they make adjustments that don’t seem to make much difference. Any suggestions?
Rosalyn, I recommend you reach out to the Hearing Loss Assocation of America at http://www.hearingloss.org – it is very possible there is a hearing loss support group in your area where educated consumers freely share information how to live well with hearing loss and how to get the most from your hearing aids.
I’ve been through the hearing loss journey since age 12 when it was discovered. After wearing hearing aids for 30 years, my hearing was finally gone. Profound deafness made daily communication a strenuous chore. I had one cochlear implant at age 47 and the second one at age 60. I’m very thankful for the technology that allows me to hear my family’s voices again, my son’s music, and sounds of nature. For 25 of the 30 years wearing hearing aids, I only heard garbled speech. Reading lips helped a little.
Thank you for sharing the information. I encourage every senior to take advantage of technology to help them hear better. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are improving every day.
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
13 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
28
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
12 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a special holiday tour in Paris, France!
虛擬博物館導覽
虛擬博物館導覽
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Messaging Apps
Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Hangouts, and WhatsApp.
16 events,
30
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
來聽聽看市面上一些受歡迎的健康應用程式的簡介。
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
9 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Come learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
12 events,
4
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
14 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Introduction to A.I.
Introduction to A.I.
Come chat with ChatGPT and learn about A.I.!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
11 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Cusco, Peru!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
Digital Coupon Tools
Digital Coupon Tools
Learn how digital coupon tools can help you save money!
15 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Like to know what's happening? Come learn about X (formerly Twitter)!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「行動健康應用程式」開放問答室 (Mobile Health Apps Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「行動健康應用程式」開放問答室 (Mobile Health Apps Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於 「行動健康應用程式」講座中的疑惑。
Fitness Apps
Fitness Apps
Learn how fitness apps can help you track and conquer your goals!
9 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Introduction to Digital Wallets
You CAN leave home without your wallet! Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Instagram Basics
Instagram Basics
This lecture offers an overview of some of Instagram's more popular features and will give you a taste for what all the fuss is about.
11 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
我們將討論如何準備首次會議,以及成功舉辦會議的技巧。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Food Delivery Apps
Food Delivery Apps
Learn about the pros and cons, how to search for new restaurants, and how to leave a tip and rating.
16 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Sharing the news? Learn to read and check sources before sharing!
Intro to Gaming
Intro to Gaming
Game on! Come discover the world of gaming and start playing!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
對於新電腦的種種選擇感到困惑嗎?我們將協助您簡化,讓您能夠做出決策!
7 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Have questions about your Android smartphone?
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Facebook
Facebook
Facebook can be a great way to connect with old friends, share life updates, and join social groups. Learn more about the popular platform.
11 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
本講座將探討我們日常與物聯網交互的多種方式,並了解它如何徹底改變整個行業。
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Move, breathe and flow during this gentle, slow, flowing form of exercise
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Crowdfunding for a Cause
This lecture will give an overview of donation-based crowdfunding and explore two popular platforms used by individuals and nonprofits to raise money: GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於「如何選取一台新電腦」 講座中的疑惑。
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Drones
Drones
Learn why more and more drones are taking to the skies!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
0 events,
25
14 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
實惠家用網路
實惠家用網路
了解負擔得起的家用網路的選擇
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
14 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Voice Assistants
Voice Assistants
Learn about the many devices, current uses, and future implications of this exciting technology.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
30
0 events,
31
0 events,
1
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Cloud Storage
Fit Fusion Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
MyChart
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
虛擬博物館導覽
Fit Fusion Workout
Messaging Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Money Matters
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Affordable Home Internet
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Affordable Home Internet
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Introduction to A.I.
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Fit Fusion Workout
關於 Zoom 的一切
Digital Coupon Tools
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「行動健康應用程式」開放問答室 (Mobile Health Apps Open Lab)
Fitness Apps
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Chair Yoga
Instagram Basics
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
Fit Fusion Workout
Food Delivery Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Intro to Gaming
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
Morning Stretch
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
eBay & PayPal
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Translation Tools
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Chair Yoga
Facebook
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Drones
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Chair Yoga
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
MyChart
實惠家用網路
Fit Fusion Workout
#AgeFriendly
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Voice Assistants
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Recent Articles
Recent Comments