According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, hearing loss is “one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.” In fact, “roughly one-third of Americans 65 to 74 years of age and 47 percent of those 75 and older have hearing loss.” A particular hearing loss associated with aging, known as presbycusis, is the result of the loss of hair cells within the fluid filled part of the inner ear. Since these hair cells convert the sound vibration to an electrical impulse which travels to the brain, the loss of these hair cells results in poorer hearing, especially for high frequencies. The National Institute of Health SeniorHealth has a four minute video clip that does an excellent job explaining hearing loss and I have listed the link for easy viewing.
NIH SeniorHealth video "Older Adults and Hearing Loss": http://nihseniorhealth.gov/hearingloss/hearinglossdefined/video/hb1_na.html?intro=yes
So, what can elders do? While hearing aids are certainly a great option, I wanted to bring in another avenue. One device that may help elders deal with hearing loss is CapTel, a captioned telephone. When you dial on a CapTel phone, you are connected to a captioning service that transcribes what the person you called is saying. This transcript appears on the display section of your CapTel phone so you can read it and then speak your responses, just like you would on a regular telephone. When others call you, they first dial the captioning service and input your telephone number. Then their part of the conversation will be transcribed on your CapTel phone.
The CapTel phone is a great way for seniors to keep in touch with friends and loved ones, especially if using a computer is challenging. Phones are ubiquitous and being unable to use phones can be very limiting. For example, elders may have trouble making restaurant reservations, confirming doctors’ appointments, or even just chatting with their grandchildren. The CapTel is a great option because it is simple to use; it works just like a regular telephone. Hearing loss does not have to result in strained relationships or frustrating miscommunication. An elder can continue to use a familiar, comfortable device to communicate with the outside world despite his or her aged-related limitations.
NIH SeniorHealth on hearing loss: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/hearingloss/hearinglossdefined/01.html
CapTel: http://www.captel.com/how-it-works.php
No comments:
Post a Comment