Hearing Awareness Project
For my Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser/Instrument Practioner
- Some things are too good to improve on. The following article is one of them: Expectations: A Consumer Checklist by Dr. Mark Ross of The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Hearing Enhancement
- See also CHHA's brochure "Consumer Advice for Buying Hearing Aids"
For my Assistive Devices Technician
If you need to purchase devices to help you hear on the telephone, door bells, the television, the oven timer, the fire and other emergency alarms, and all those other potential problem areas where missing the sound cue could mean inconvenience at the least, and disaster at the most, then take some time to consider how you will make this purchase before you visit the dealer.
- Can you take the device home and try it out before you decide to buy?
- How long is the warranty and does it offer a one time loss/damage replacement, for any reason, during the life of the warranty?
- Is extended coverage available?
- Ask if financial help is available to help you pay for the device from government agencies, charities, or clubs
- Are there any manufacturer discounts available?
- Are there any manufacturer trials available?
- Are there any manufacturer donations available?
- Is there a Loan Bank in your community you can obtain the same device on a temporary basis?
Where to obtain Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)?
- Ask your local CHHA Branch who sells them in your region
- Ask your local deaf and hard of hearing service provider
- Ask your local Hearing Aid Dispenser/Hearing Instrument Practitioner
- Make a web search using the terms: "Assistive Listening Devices + Hard of Hearing + deaf"
For my Child's Teacher, School or School Board
- Help for Teachers - by Pam Candish, MLS, Guelph, Ontario
- Mainstreaming Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs - by Paula Rosenthal, J.D.
For my Ear Doctor
Meeting a Doctor can be nerve racking to the point you forget to ask some very important questions. Even specialists like Ear Doctors need to be reminded from time to time how to communicate with their hard of hearing or deafened patients. Follow this link to help you remember what to ask and what to ask for: http://chha.ca/chha/projects-ent.php
For my Other Doctors - Family, Specialists, Chiropractors, Dentists, etc.
The last time you visited your Doctor; did you understand what they were saying? Did you follow instructions? Were you satisfied with the visit? Tips for Doctors and their Patients. Don't leave home without them: http://chha.ca/chha/projects-doctors.php
For my Employer and Colleagues
- Working with Hearing Loss - A guide for Employers, Employees and Entrepreneurs
- This 24-page manual is a guide to successful workplace accommodation for employers, hard of hearing employees, and entrepreneurs. It provides an overview of hearing loss, information for hard of hearing and deafened job seekers, strategies for making the workplace accessible, and resources for additional information. Written by Gael Hannan.
- What to tell your colleagues
For my Household Insurance or Employer Health Insurance Companies
After the manufacturer's warranty has expired, an alternate insurance is recommended to protect your valuable and expensive aids and devices. Don't forget to ask:
- Do you cover the replacement of hearing aids, assistive listening devices and special telephones for the deaf or hard of hearing, for loss or damage?
- If yes, under what terms?
- Does this cover the cost of the device only OR does it also cover the cost of the dispensing/professional fee?
- What is the replacement deductible?
- Can I get a "rider" on my hearing aids to lower the deductible at an additional small annual fee?
- Are there any penalties for making claims?
More information is available from http://chha.ca/chha/projects-insurance.php.
For Nurses, Home Health Care Workers, Physical Therapy Aids and Orderlies
Everyone who provides you with health care services needs to know how to modify their usual communication methods. This will help you to understand their instructions and give you an opportunity to ask questions: http://chha.ca/chha/projects-nurses.php
Copyright © 2009 the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA)
Direct commercial exploitation is not permitted. No warranty of accuracy is given concerning the contents of the information contained in this publication. To the extent permitted by law, no liability (including liability to any person by reason of negligence) will be accepted by CHHA its subsidiaries or employees for any direct, or indirect loss or damage caused by omissions from or inaccuracies in this document. CHHA reserves the right to change details in this publication without notice.
