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WHAT YOU MISSED IN MAY
Mary Fredericks
Josh Gendel is not only the Technology Director atthe Center for Hearing and Communication(formerly the League for the Hard of Hearing); he isalso our chapter
’s technical professional advisor.
Walk-in demos are available at CHC on Thursdays at2 pm; they are of a general nature geared towardprofessionals such as visiting nurses. It isrecommended that individual appointments bescheduled for personal advice. Josh gave us a good basic overview of the types ofALDs; they are generally classified as: alertingdevices/alarms (tell you that something is happening,like a door or phone ring) and communicationsystems/devices (help you to hear speech, like audioloops, infrared systems, amplified phones).He demonstrated a remote doorbell ringer with astrobe light; this can be installed in several locationsand is battery operated. The transmitter is wireless;the receiver/flasher must be plugged in. Sonic Alertsystems can be set for doorbells, phone, baby cry,smoke alarms. Alarm clocks can be loud ringers,flashing lights and/or vibrating types. (Some peoplesleep with their hearing aids on; this is not a goodidea
—
the ears need to be ‘aired’ at times to avoid
the possibility of infection.) Surveys have shown thatflashing light smoke alarms are not the best way towake someone. Try a system connecting with a bedshaker.An interesting Q&A session followed. Someapartment dwellers have difficulty hearing visitorson the intercom; try asking an expected visitor to callyour apartment from their cell phone to let you knows/he has arrived. You can also have a customizedintercom installed.Regarding phones, virtually all wired phones noware hearing aid compatible
—
not so with cell phones.Look for cell phones with M4/T4 ratings for the micand the T-coil. Try going to a phone store when it isnot busy; arrange in advance with a friend ready toread to you from a newspaper when you try differentphones. To reduce interference, it sometimes helps tohold the cell phone a little distance away fromhearing aids. There are no phones compatible withzero or extremely poor speech discrimination;CapTel phones are a very good substitute, eventhough there is a slight time delay between the audioand the visual display.To contact the Center for Hearing andCommunication: 917-305-7700;
ALD Suppliers:
Harris Communications: 1-800-825-6758 (Voice);
(Harris Communications gives HLAA members a15% discount off selected items.)Hearmore: 1-800-881-4327;
Soundbytes: 1-888-816-8191;
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
Tuesday, June 2: Scholarship Reception in lieu ofregular Chapter meetingTuesday, June 9:
Center for Hearing andCommunication Golf Tournament; for more info. call(917) 305-7804 or go here:
Thursday, June 18
–
Sunday, June 21: HLAAAnnual Convention in Nashville, TennesseeA Few Highlights
:
Wed., June 17
: Registration opens (Noon - 6:00 pm)
Thursday, June 18
: Newcomers Orientation (11:00am
–
Noon. If you have never been to an HLAAConvention, you will want to attend!)
Friday, June 19
: Birthday Party Banquet
Sunday, June 21
: Awards Breakfast (8:30 - 10 am)*Founder's Day Recognition at the Awards Breakfast.
Thursday, July 23:
Center for Hearing andCommunication Cochlear Implant Support Group50 Broadway, 2nd Floor; 5:30 pm to 7 pm*For more information, call (917) 305-7751or e-mail
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