Ask An Expert

Ask A Question

Your Name:
Your E Mail:

What category best fits your question?

What is your question?



Latest Questions and Answers

margaret asks in regards to Speech-to-Text:
Please tell me where and how I can keep up with the latest developments in the speech to text technology. I have asked before regarding stt in the context of a senior's residence, dining at a table for four in a dr of say 50 people. I have researched both iphone and ipad to date. I think ipad would be best. Any tips?
2 days ago

Snookie Lomow answers:

Dear Margaret

Thank you for your question. There are several things you can try. Certainly the I-phone and the I-Pad or the Blackberry can act as a text board when communicating with someone one on one. You can also try software called Dragon Naturally Speaking where you can train the software to recognize your voice and then use it to dictate emails and SKYPE as examples using your computer. It all depends what you want to use it for. The main issue to date is that the speech to text technology can only recognize one voice at a time and cannot do multiple voices. But it is coming and I bet it won't be long before they figure it out. The best tool to use when having dinner with friends at a table is a device called a Pocket Talker. This device will help to amplify the sound from any talker at the table you just need to aim the Pocket Talker at the person who is speaking. I hope I have been able to give you some ideas to help improve your communication skills. Here's wishing you the best of luck.

2 days ago

Kolleen McCaughan asks in regards to Living with Hearing Loss:
Hi I am 47 years old and have worn 2 hearing aids for the past 17 years. I have recently discovered the disorder Otosclerosis and I am 95% sure I have it. My father was told back in the 1950's that he has a bone growing over his ear drum and he wore hearing aid ever since (he passed away in 2007). I started noticing my hearing loss in my late teen. I am also a white female. Sadly, no doctor has ever told me about this disorder. I would like to see if I am too old or if has gone to far to consider the Stapedectomy surgery. I was wondering if OHIP covers this operation. Also I first looked into the Disability Tax Credit back in the late 1990's but did not fit the criteria at that time. I was just informed that it had been changed and I now would probably receive the credit. I was diagnosed as severe to profound back in 2003. I am looking at getting new hearing aid (wish they were not se expensive!!) I have insurance through my work and my spouse does as well but I will still be paying a few thousand dollars even with the ADP program. This is why I only get new hearing aids every 5-7 years. Thank you
3 days ago

Gael Hannan answers:

Hello Colleen, and thank you for contacting the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association. Your first step is to consult with an otolaryngologist, a physician commonly known as an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat doctor). He or she will be able to answer your questions with regards to otosclerosis, surgery, other options, and may be able to help you with eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit, etc. If you don't currently have an audiologist, the ENT can refer you to one, or may even have an audiologist on his or her care team. Hearing aids are expensive, agreed, but you are lucky to have access to insurance as well as the ADP supports.

Congratulations on doing your research, and best wishes for successful consultations with the hearing health professionals.
2 days ago

Gnana asks in regards to Disability Tax Credit:
Hi

How do I check my DTC eligibility? I have lost 70 % as checked by consultant but they refused to sign the tax form to claim my DTC. They justified that reason is I am able to listen with support of instruments?

Are they correct in advice or should I approach any one else?

Regards
Gnana


1 week ago

Michael Currie answers:

Gnana,

You are not alone in this situation, in fact, majority of hard of hearing individuals are experiencing the same issue. Please feel free to look over this submission CHHA's Disability Tax Credit working group has put forward to the government. http://chha.ca/documents/chha_submission041610.pdf

In addition, only an audiologist or medical doctor can sign the form as per the CRA. Please refer to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t2201/t2201-09e.pdf

We would appreciate your support in our quest to make changes to this definition of the Disability Tax Credit.


5 days ago

Dwayne Attfield asks in regards to Disability Tax Credit:
I have been deaf in my right ear since the age of 6, I had a mastoid and during the surgery the main nerve was cut (it was in the way I'm told) is there any disability now and previous that I am entitled to or would qualify for
2 weeks ago

Michael Currie answers:

If you are only deaf in one ear, it is pretty hard to claim it as per the current definition of the CRA on the Disability Tax credit. Please refer to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300-350/316/glssry-eng.html#Hearing

It states:

Hearing

For the disability amount, you are considered markedly restricted in hearing if, all or substantially all the time:

* you are unable to hear so as to understand another person familiar with you, in a quiet setting, even with the use of appropriate devices; or
* you take an inordinate amount of time to hear so as to understand another person familiar with you, in a quiet setting, even with the use of appropriate devices. An inordinate amount of time means that hearing so as to understand takes significantly longer than for an average person who does not have the impairment.

If you have a disability in both ears, I would suggest you take this form to your audiologist to discuss the possibility of qualifying for it. Please download and print off this form. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t2201/t2201-09e.pdf


5 days ago

Judith MacIntosh asks in regards to Cochlear Implants:
Hello :) I am a Life Skills Outreach Worker currently working with a new client, Female, age 58 receiving CPP Disability and Ministry (Income Assistance) top up. She advises she's received a Cochlear Implant in 1985 at St. Paul Hospital in Vancouver. Currently, it is EXCEPTIONALLY challenging communicating with this lady. I do not think that she has had recent testing nor follow up on the proper operation of her implant. I am wondering if funding is available through CHHA for proper testing, adjustments, fittings or other devices. It appears by reading the guidelines for Ministry benefits that unless she is searching for employment that she would not qualify for funding there.

Any assistance or information you can provide would be most helpful and appreciated.

Judith MacIntosh
Life Skills Outreach Worker
Kamloops Mental Health and Addictions
235 Lansdowne Street
Kamloops, BC V2C 1X8

email: judith.macintosh@interiorhealth.ca
2 weeks ago

Betty Anderson answers:

Each province in Canada has a cochlear implant program or shares a program with a neighboring province. Technology has changed significantly over 25 years. It is very likely that she would be eligible for some upgrades in her implant technology. I am unclear about her circumstances from your letter. Is she still living in Vancouver? When was the latest check up of her device? She could make contact with St. Paul's for a review of her technology and her needs and alternatives for updates or repair. The various companies that produce and service the cochlear technology may be offering updates to older hearing technology. There are a variety of companies such including Cochlear, Advanced Bionics AB, and others that have developed these devices. Her first step might be to contact the clinic through which she initially worked to receive her first implant and discuss her concerns. Our provincial clinics at this time are assisting some early implanted adults to access newer technology for older equipment. Since you indicated that communication with her is challenging you could consider assistance with communication through your chapter of CHHA. There are now devices available for speech to text communication with an individual that would enable her to communicate information effectively and with more ease. Your local area of CHHA could assist you with information for this alternative.
1 week ago

Sheryl Riley asks in regards to All Other Issues:
Is there anyplace in Kelowna that offers a course in American Sign Language?

Thank you.
3 weeks ago

CHHA National answers:

Thank you for your inquiry~
the UBCO (the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus) in Kelowna offers level 1 ASL classes.
If it's a family situation where a child is deaf and the parents want to learn ASL, then the deaf children's society will provide lessons for them.
I hope this is of help to you-This information was received from the BC Chapter of CHHA
2 weeks ago

Dorothy Komish asks in regards to Hearing Aids:
Is there any assistance from Government for seniors in purchasing a hearing aid ?
2 weeks ago

Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:

Hello Dorothy,
Yes, many provinces will provide assistance. Also, certain provinces have assistance for seniors with limited income/assets. Your audiologist should be able to inform you.
Regards,
Dr.A
2 weeks ago

Bill Cope asks in regards to Hearing Aids:
Is there an Aid that uses rechargeable batteries?
Is there any advantage in buying an Aid in the USA?
Is there any recommendation for a 'generic type of Aid?
2 weeks ago

Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:

Yes, Siemens has the option of rechargeable batteries in certain of its hearing aid models. There is often no advantage of buying an aid in the USA as they can often be more expensive to the insurance structure which is used. Also beware that many Canadian audiologists and dispensers will not service hearing aids abroad due to warranty issues which cannot be transferred from country to country.
Dr.A.
2 weeks ago

Keith McDonagh asks in regards to All Other Issues:
Hi, I am looking for a Clarity C435 phone for a friend. Do you know who sells them in Ottawa, Ont?

Thanks
2 weeks ago

CHHA National answers:

In Ottawa you can contact one of the following:

1) Any hearing aid dispenser
2) The Canadian Hearing Society
3) Shoppers Home Health Care centres

You can also order online from many Canadian distributors of Clarity products.

2 weeks ago

ron shingles asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I have blocked Eustachian tubes. I can clear my right ear blowing the nose, most times. Strangely, after many years the left ear will clear for a few days and then go dormant. When both ears are cleared I can hear very well. I had reconstruction surgery 40 years back and everything was fine until the tubes started to block up. Visits to a Specialist only lead to an audio test and told to get a very expensive hearing aid. OK. How can I unblock my tubes ... why can't a stent be put in the tubes to keep them open? Doctors seem to think there is not too much to be done with old people (I am 78) and ear doctors just prefer to pass you on to the so called Hearing Aid Business
1 month ago

Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:

Hello Ron,
At times sensorineural hearing loss may provide a sensation of blocked ears, although the ears are not blocked at all. In order to diagnose dysfunctional Eustachian tubes, an audiologist would need to measure a tympanogram and conduct a Eustachian tube function test. If these come out to be normal, there will be no justification to treat.
I hope this helps,
Dr.A
2 weeks ago

Bernie Baumgartel asks in regards to Hearing Aids:
I live in Surrey, B.C. and am a member of CHHA.
I would like to install a loop in my house. Maybe 2 loops. Can you tell me of a business which sells them here?
How much do they usually cost?

Thanks for your anticipated reply. Bernie
1 month ago

Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:

I am uncertain. Perhaps if you contact Bill Droogendyk in Ontario and he may be able to guide you to a local installer:

H: 519 647 2855
C: 905 518 3780
www.betterhearingsolutions.ca
2 weeks ago

Susan Sand asks in regards to Hearing Aids:
Are there phone systems that work with telecoil technology in Canada
2 months ago

Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:

Most analogue land-line phones work very well with the hearing aid's telecoil.
2 weeks ago

Lana Moskaluk asks in regards to Telephone Issues:
I have been tested for hearing lose and it has been determined that I don't have tinnitus and no real profound loss. I do however have a buzzing sound in my head.ears and it makes it difficult to hear voices over the phone. Are there any devices that I can attach to the phone to assist me in hearing the caller more clearly? There are some voices, females, in particular that seem to cause me more trouble.
2 weeks ago

Dr. Andre Marcoux answers:

Hello Lana,
Tinnitus cannot be tested objectively. It is likely that you may have tinnitus. Although I do not have access to your results, I would seek a second opinion from an audiologist based on the information you are providing here.
Regards,
Dr.A
2 weeks ago

Karen Smythe asks in regards to All Other Issues:
Good afternoon:

I am a Staff Sergeant with the Toronto Police Service and I am requesting statistical data on the estimated number of hard of hearing persons residing within the City of Toronto.
We are in the initial stages of a creating a process to introduce 9-1-1 texting services for our hard of hearing community. Any information you could provide me in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Karen Smythe
Staff Sergeant #106
Toronto Police Service
Communications Services
(416)808-8361
1 month ago

CHHA National answers:

I would suggest that you contact the Canadian Hearing Society which provides services to hard of hearing people in Ontario. The Head Office phone number is: (416) 928-2500.
2 weeks ago

ml thompson asks in regards to Telephone Issues:
My dad has a hearing problem. I live in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Where might I purchase a phone that will help him hear when I call him?

Thanks
1 month ago

Dr. Charles Laszlo answers:

My suggestion would be that you contact the Canadian Hearing Society in Thunder Bay: Suite 12, 125 Syndicate Avenue South
Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6H8. Phone (807) 623 1646
2 weeks ago

Lynne Gore asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
Hi There,
Could you tell me where I can get a Vibrating Alarm wristwatch please?
One that can be used to remind me to take meds

Thanks
Lynne
3 weeks ago

Dr. Charles Laszlo answers:

Thank you for your question Lynne-The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) only have offices in Ontario, but will ship their products anywhere in Canada. Their website is www.chs.ca
They carry a few different types and styles of watches that may be what you are looking for. I hope this information is helpful to you.
Thank you.
3 weeks ago

Donna Burns asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I live in Hamilton ON, and would like to know if there are any speech reading classes available locally. I wear 2 hearing aids but find I have problems understanding what is said unless I am close to the speaker.
3 weeks ago

CHHA National answers:

Our Hamilton Branch can tell you all about the services available in your region. Please contact them at:

CHHA Hamilton Branch
1459 Brock Road, RR 4
Flamborough, ON, L9H 5E4

Linda Baine, President
Voice: 905-659-7347
Web: www.chha-hamilton.ca
E-mail: info@chha-hamilton.ca
3 weeks ago

Jan asks in regards to All Other Issues:
What is the acceptable signage/symbol for identifying if an organization is accessible to the hard of hearing? Could you send me the most current signage/symbol used by hard of hearing agencies and consumers. Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely
Jan, Intake Counsellor
1 month ago

CHHA National answers:

Dear Jan

The International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss (ear with transversal bar) is often used when access is provided for people who are deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing. For more information on other types of access symbols, please visit the following page on the CHHA website:
http://www.chha.ca/chha/projects-symbols.php

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this symbol, please contact the CHHA National Office at 613-526-1584. We have a variety of sticker options available for use.

Thank you for your inquiry
Snookie
1 month ago

Angela Fisher asks in regards to Disability Tax Credit:
I was wondering when I will be getting the rest of my Disability Tax Credit? I filed in October and only got my first installment and that was in March. I wonder how much longer the Government will take to give me my money back. Thanks
1 month ago

Michael Currie answers:

Please contact the CRA or you can do it online via http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/myaccount/ to check the status of your funds, etc.

Unfortunately, knowing the government, it is hard to say when your money will come back at a set time.
1 month ago

Angela Fisher asks in regards to Employment Issues:
I was wondering if you guys could help me find a better paying job that would accept hard of hearing people like me? I currently work in a grocery store and it's barely helping me to make ends meet. Thank you for taking your time to read this and responding.
1 month ago

Michel David answers:

CHHA offers Employment services in Ottawa, Edmonton, Kelowna and St. John's, NL. People who do not live near these sites you can usually access employment services from one of the deaf and hard of hearing services in each province. To find out which one download our free PDF Resources Guide:
http://chha.ca/documents/en/resources_guide.pdf

You may also benefit from our publication Working with Hearing Loss. It is available online at:
http://chha.ca/documents/Working_With_Hearing_Loss.pdf
1 month ago

devangi dalal asks in regards to All Other Issues:
I have been working with hearing impaired children in India for last 19 years. I'm running organisation in India which helps in awareness, collecting donations, giving them correct digital hearing aids to their requirement and education in normal stream and encourage them to have a career like normal people. I have got very high regards for your organisation towards the hearing impaired children. Is there any possibility to get associated with your work so I can be more helpful our kids in India?
2 months ago

CHHA National answers:

Dear Devangi Dalal

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association focuses on helping those that are 19 years of age and older. Children with hearing loss are the interest of an organization in Canada called VOICE. I recommend you contact them as they may be more helpful to you. They can be found at www.voicefordeafkids.com.

Snookie
1 month ago

Jacqueline Sikora asks in regards to Assistive Listening Devices:
My Mom is 89 (going on 65) and has a hearing aid, it does not work and now it sits in a drawer and I feel sorry for her, the she cannot hear. It must ne terrible being hard of hearing. I am very patient with her, and have no problem repeating things. I am afraid that if she is out on her own she will have trouble when she is talking to someone.
She have gone for hearing tests, but she just says that she hears when she doesn't. Can you help me with her hearing and to suggest a better hearing aid for her.
2 months ago

Dr. Charles Laszlo answers:

Hello Jacqueline,
The ongoing deprivation of sound is not in your mother's interest. She needs to understand that she needs to work with what hearing she has left or it will gradually deteriorate to a level which will be very difficult to rehabilitate. While it is possible the the hearing aids are not well fitted, an audiologist should also take the time to counsel her diligently.
Regards,
Dr. Marcoux, Ottawa
2 months ago

Ben Hladun asks in regards to All Other Issues:
Walk2Hear: How can I listen to Jim Kyte, former NHL hockey player with profound hearing on you website when I am hearing impaired. Can I not get his story in written form on the same website.

Thanks.
2 months ago

CHHA National answers:

Dear Ben

Thank you for your question. I am presuming that you are having difficulty in viewing the video from your computer because if you were able to open it you would see that it is captioned. But just in case you cannot see the captions: here they are:

My name is Jim Kyte; I am a former national hockey league player. I was born with a profound hearing loss, but what did that mean? I had a 100 decibel loss which means I hear about 10 % of what normal people can hear. Recently I discovered the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association better known as CHHA which was formed in 1982 to be the voice of hard of hearing Canadians. Statistics have shown that nearly 10% of the Canadian population, that's pretty close to 3 million people, have some degree of hearing loss. This makes hearing loss just about the most widespread disability in Canada. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is a vast network made up of 53 local and regional branches and 9 provincial chapters across Canada. There are a lot of hard of hearing Canadians! The association needs your help to continue the great work it does especially when it comes to advocacy, because the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is there to stand up for you, or your family members, or your friends who are hearing impaired. It is working to make sure that the community, where you live is hearing accessible and barrier free! It is also working to empower persons who are hard of hearing, by providing them with information so that they will be well equipped to live a full and productive life. For example, the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is currently advocating for national standard for captioning in television and in movie theatres. It is also working hard to bring captioning telephones to Canada. What needs funding desperately is a new nation-wide speech reading program that will help persons who are hard of hearing to improve their communication skills and to better function in everyday life. We all know a relative or friend who struggles with the challenges of hearing loss. Many become isolated and depressed. Hearing loss is an invisible disability , help us to help those who cannot easily help themselves , please join me by signing up today as a walker or put together a team of colleagues at work.....You will find this a rewarding experience as you are helping so many others...At the Ottawa Walk2Hear event I will be walking to support the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association so it can continue to help fellow Canadians , making a slap shot and help us score so that my friends at the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and I can together meet our first fund raising goal of $50,000 this year. From my house to yours I say thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart. Let's all Walk2Hear!

I hope you will find someone to support in our walk by visiting the web site at www.chha.ca/chha. We would appreciate any financial support you can provide be it large or small. We thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely
Snookie
2 months ago

Cindy Thoreson asks in regards to Living with Hearing Loss:
Hi,
My mom has mild hearing loss in both ears. I want to buy her a cell phone, but she has a lot of trouble hearing, even with the volume turned up. Is there a particular manufacturer that sells a cell-phone model which enhances hearing for the listener? I'm looking for a cell-phone that augments or boosts, just one with exceptionally clarity, that ideally would reduce/filter out background noise. Any suggestions?
2 months ago

Charles Laszlo answers:

You do not say whether your mom wears a hearing aid or not. If she does, then the next questions is whether she has a T-switch on her aid. If yes, than she should get a cell phone compatible with her T-switch.

If she does not wear a hearing aid, then you will need a cell phone that offers amplification. You seem to be aware of that. Since every hearing loss is different it is hard to predict which cell phone will work for your mom. There are a lot of people with mild hearing loss who have no trouble using any cell phone, yet others like your mom seem to have difficulty. My recommendation is that you take your mom to the store and let her try out different models from different manufacturers. There are many different phones and it is not possible to predict which phone will suit you mom. So you must experiment and try out as many as you can until you find the one that works the best.

Please note that phones cannot filter out background noises. If the caller is in a noisy environment that noise will come through the phone making it more difficult to understand. Much depends on the speaker using the phone, since holding the phone in the proper position will make the speech louder with respect to the environmental noise.


2 months ago

Gillian Thomson asks in regards to All Other Issues:
Hello,

I am writing to ask you if you were at JuneFest at Mel Lastman Square on June 16, 2010. The student I work with picked up blue information pamphlet about hearing aids. She actually called it a blue book. Did you happen to have anything like this on display? I'm in search of this blue hearing aid information book for her as she lost it and is quite upset. She would like to see about getting a hearing aid and wants to show her mother the booklet.

If you can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Gillian Thomson
2 months ago

CHHA National answers:

There is a CHHA pamphlet called "Consumer advice for buying Hearing Aids" However it is an orange colour at the top.
The other info is one sheet that is blue at the top called "Beyond the Hearing Aid: helping patients and families cope with hearing loss". There was no 'blue' paperwork to speak of though. It is possible that is was CHS (Canadian Hearing Society) that she obtained the publication from. They have a local office in Toronto. Contacting them would be your next best step.
Thank you.
CHHA National

2 months ago