Hearing – Beatitudes Community

DID YOU HEAR?

Sun, February 10, 2019 Published by Beatitudes Campus

DID YOU HEAR: New Hearing Loop System and the Importance of Addressing Hearing Loss

Many of you may have noticed the signs in recent days announcing that a new audio induction loop system has been installed in the Life Center. An audio induction hearing loop is a unique type of sound system for use with hearing aids that provides greater sound quality when listening to presentations. Most newer hearing aids are embedded with a telecoil receiver setting that can be used with this type of sound system to enhance sound quality, but directions for turning this setting on and off vary greatly by type of hearing aid. Due to the wide variety of hearing aids on the market, you will need to contact your audiologist to learn whether your hearing aids are enabled with this telecoil setting and how to turn it on and off. If you use hearing aids, this is the perfect time to give your audiology provider a call to utilize this new system in the Life Center.

On the subject of hearing, it seems timely to address the importance of hearing in maintaining quality of life at any age. The World Health Organization (2014) states that untreated hearing loss can have a debilitating impact on multiple facets of an individual’s quality of life. For example, research has shown that individuals with unaddressed hearing loss are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, decline in cognition, decreased self-esteem, and feelings of isolation (World Health Organization, 2014).

Additionally, a 2012 study by Johns Hopkins University indicated that unaddressed hearing loss was correlated with three times the risk of falling among adults. The good news is that by addressing hearing with your healthcare providers, whether you have new concerns, or it is just time for a checkup, you are taking a step with the potential to transform your well-being and social participation for the better. Along with using hearing aids when needed, it is important to advocate for yourself in social situations and utilize hearing protection when exposed to loud noises. Although age related hearing loss is common, there are steps we can take to minimize the impact of hearing loss on quality of life. We hope you will consider exploring hearing aids for a variety of health and wellness reasons if you have trouble hearing. And if you already have them, talk to your hearing aid provider or audiologist to learn how to take advantage of the hearing loop technology in the Life Center.

[Editor’s Note…]

The loop system at Beatitudes Campus has been a longterm project brainstormed within the Communications Committee for many years. We are highly thankful for all previous work done by this committee to make this vision a reality today.

Just A Phone Call Away

Mon, January 22, 2018 Published by Beatitudes Campus

February is National Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month, and many residents here experience low vision in various forms. While many have macular degeneration, which causes loss of central vision, others have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and numerous other visual conditions. What many don’t realize, however, is that almost all older adults experience age-related changes in vision. These age-related changes frequently include increased sensitivity to glare, diminished ability to see contrast, increased sensitivity to light changes, decreased depth perception, diminished visual acuity or sharpness, and decreased ability to see in dim light. Not only that, most older adults with vision loss have some degree of hearing loss too, which can make previously simple tasks like talking on the phone more challenging. To address both vision and hearing challenges on Campus, the Low Vision Support Group will be sponsoring a special presentation on February 9th at 1:00PM in Boardroom East. Connie Short is a representative from CapTel phones and has previously worked with the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She will be demonstrating and answering questions about the latest telephone technology for those with vision and/or hearing loss. AND THE BEST PART IS…THE PHONES ARE FREE TO RESIDENTS WHO QUALIFY! We hope you’ll join us to learn more!

Hearing Safety

Thu, October 27, 2016 Published by Cheryl Knupp

Noise-related hearing loss is a major occupational health concern. Thousands of workers annually suffer from hearing loss because of high workplace noise levels. Even when it’s short-term, noise can cause a temporary change in hearing. Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). A small increase in decibels results in a huge change in the noise and then potential damage to a person’s hearing.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets legal limits of 90 dBA on workplace noise exposure. These limits are based on a worker’s time weighted average during an 8-hour day. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers’ exposures be controlled below 85 dBA for 8 hours to minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss. which limits your ability to hear high frequency sounds, understand speech and seriously impairs your ability to communicate.

Noise may be a problem in the workplace if:

You hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work.
You have to shout to be heard by a co-worker an arm’s length away.
You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.

Make sure you are using the proper Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs) such as earmuffs and plugs.

For more information visit www.copperpoint.com and view the Hearing Safety 1 & 2 videos.

Hearing Safety

Fri, June 24, 2016 Published by Cheryl Knupp

Noise-related hearing loss is a major occupational health concern. Thousands of workers annually suffer from hearing loss because of high workplace noise levels.

Even when it is short-term, noise can cause a temporary change in hearing.

Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). A small increase in decibels results in huge change in the noise and the potential damage to a person’s hearing.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets legal limits of 90 dBA on workplace noise exposure. These limits are based on a worker’s time weighted average during an 8-hour day. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers’ exposure be controlled below 85 dBA for 8 hours to minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss, which limits your ability to hear high-frequency sounds, understand speech and seriously impairs your ability to communicate.

Noise may be a problem in the workplace if:

You hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work.
You have to shout to be heard by a co-worker an arm’s length away.
You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.

Here are some ways to reduce noise hazards

Engineering controls
- Low-noise tools and machinery
- Maintain and lubricate machinery and equipment
- Place a barrier between the noise source and employees
- Enclose or isolate the noise source
Administrative controls
- Operating noisy machines during shifts when fewer people are exposed
- Limiting the amount of time a person spends at a noise source
- Providing quiet areas where workers can gain relief from hazardous noise sources
- Restricting worker presence to a safe distance away from noisy equipment
Hearing protection devices (HPDs)
- Such as earmuffs and plugs (acceptable, but less effective)

To learn how to create and implement an effective hearing conservation program, visit www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/hcp/ and copperpoint.com to view the videos “Hearing Safety I & II.”

Tag: Hearing