This summer is different from any that we’ve experienced before. With the global pandemic raging on, instead of spending time with friends and family, many of us are social distancing at home. But now more than ever it is important to stay connected, especially if you have hearing loss.
Tips for Connecting and Communicating 
Keeping your connections with loved ones is important this summer. Below is a list of tips the International Council on Active Aging put together to help you keep your meaningful connections going strong.
- Call someone on the telephone
- Connect through video platforms
- Invite others to join an interactive online discussion
- Work out together with a virtual class
- Embrace social distance outdoor activities
- Spend time in parks
- Utilize your backyard
- Volunteer with community support groups focused on outreach activities
Connecting with Hearing Loss
Hearing aids are how most individuals with hearing loss are able to stay connected. But sometimes hearing aids are not enough. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are personal listening systems that optimize your ability to hear in environments where hearing aids fall short. ALDs can help reduce background noise and eliminate the effect of distance between hearing aid users and a sound source.
Assistive Listening Devices in the Home
Assistive listening devices can improve your communication in your home.
Telephones
There are a number of devices available to help improve your telephone experience. Some work by connecting your phone to your hearing aid, providing a seamless listening experience. Others, known as captioned telephones, display what the caller is saying, allowing you to both read and listen as they speak.
Televisions
Television programs are challenging listening situations as they layer dialogue, sound effects and music on top of each other. Television adapters wirelessly connect your hearing aids to the television, giving you better control over the volume.
Assistive Listening Devices at Accessible Venues
Once it is safe, many of us will be venturing back out to visit our favorite venues. Ever since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was passed, any place that hosts a public event is required to provide public accommodation for hearing loss. This includes:
- Movie theaters
- Museums
- Concert halls
- Stadiums
- Ticketing windows
Most larger venues have opted to use a loop system, as it can be accessed by those with and without hearing devices. Hearing aid users can simply switch to the telecoil or “t” setting or program on their hearing aid to pick up the sound transmission. Those without their own device can borrow a receiver device from the venue, which is usually worn around the neck.
To learn more about assistive listening devices or to schedule a hearing exam, contact the experts at Valley Audiology today.
