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One in Seven Middle-Aged Adults Has Hearing Loss

03-21-2011

Researchers in Madison, Wisconsin have discovered that 14% of middle-aged Americans have some sort of hearing loss. For those aged 48 to 59, that percentage jumps to around 20%, and for those 80 years old and older, the percentage skyrockets to 90%. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health research study included 3,285 subjects from 21 to 84 years of age.

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Siemens Motion 501

04-13-2010

I've had three different hearing aids in my life, and the Motion 501 ITE is the best and most comfortable out of all of them. It isn't very hidden on my ear, but it is quite stylish. My hearing loss isn't severe, so I wasn't in need of something too strong. If you have severe hearing loss this many not be the one for you. I have it on the second to highest setting and it is perfect for me. If you are looking for an everyday hearing aid I would recommend this one.

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Social Media for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

02-23-2011

Recent events in Egypt have poignantly illustrated to us how powerful social media can be. This technology has changed the world in which we live in a dramatic way. The freedom to assemble, a right often taken for granted by those of us in the democratic world, no longer requires bodily presence to accomplish.

Today deaf and hard of hearing people from all over the world are gathering on the internet and forming communities to share frustrations and concerns, provide helpful information, pursue social or institutional change, or simply to cultivate friendships.

Those born with hearing loss and those for whom the onset of hearing loss has presented in adulthood face enormous challenges. They must educate themselves about their condition, explore the myriad of treatment options, research non-profits and organizations that may be able to help them, and so on. For these people, the internet is a boon – and social media is there to help navigate the way.

When talking about social media, we are of course talking about Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others. Below is a list of the most popular deaf and hard of hearing social media groups. In most cases the privacy settings are ‘open’ meaning anyone can view anything on the site; a few offer the user privacy options.

SOCIAL AND/OR ADVOCACY

DeafPals.com is a free social networking site for the deaf and hard of hearing with over 2500 members. It makes it easier to browse and locate deaf and hard of hearing people from all over the world. The interface is similar to Facebook, with member profiles, an area to post videos and photos, an events calendar, links to members’ blogs, groups, polls, chats and forums on everything from deaf culture to dating to pets.

AllDeaf.com is a Craigslist-ish looking site with very active group forums. It also has a Facebook page.

Facebook Groups

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing group has more than 11,000 members. This page is really active with some great discussions going on.

The Deaf All Around the World page has more than 10,000 members

The Deaf USA page has just shy of 4,000 members.

The American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Awareness page is associated with Gallaudet University and has more than 10,000 members.

The page for Global Deaf Women has more than 2,000 female members.

You can also find many deaf Groups by location or region whether you’re in Los Angeles, Kalamazoo, Colorado, or the UK, to name just a few.

PROFESSIONAL OR CAREER GROUPS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

On LinkedIn there are more than 80 groups for the hearing impaired: some are networking groups, some are businesses that cater to the Deaf and HOH community, some are nonprofits. Below are examples.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Professionals is a group for college educated people working in any field who are dealing with impaired hearing or deafness. Discussions include strategies for dealing with the contemporary workplace, support, and seeking solutions.

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing states its mission on its LinkedIn page: “[the Association] helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advocating Independence through Listening and Talking!”

This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have a favorite social media group, please share with us and leave a comment here.

Hearing Loss and Dementia

03-30-2011

Researchers are calling for “critically needed” “rehabilitative strategies” for confronting a newly discovered association between hearing loss and the progression of dementia.

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How to be a smart hearing aid buyer

03-18-2011

Many people have a misconceptions about hearing aids and believe there is no solution to their hearing problem. Consumerrespots.org conducted a national survey of 1,100 people who bought hearing aids in the past three years, and lab-tested the features of 44 hearing aids to learn more about the following challenges.

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