November 18, 2017. November 1, 2017 saw our Chapter members continue with the roadshow of presentations on tips for better communication with the hard of hearing continued. After giving successful presentations at two Women’s Institute Fall Rallies (about 165 women in total), and Andrews of Stratford (30 participants, both men and women), we gave a presentation at the Seniors Active Living Centre in Charlottetown.
The turnout for this event, which was open to the public, was disappointing, with 19 participants, both men and women. As with the other three presentations made, all the evaluations were positive, and each participant filled out an evaluation. 8 participants identified as hard of hearing (42%), 11 not. 8 (42%) noted that they had close friends or family members who were hard of hearing.
One of the questions asked in the evaluations is ‘How involved are you now socially – with family, friends in the community?’, and people had the option of answering ‘Rarely’, ‘Sometimes’, ‘Often, or ‘Frequently’. As per our expectation that people who came out to the presentations across the island were active socially, all except one answered ‘Often’ or ‘Frequently’. Only one person answered ‘Sometimes’.
Comments in the evaluations included:
- This is a very useful project. Thank you.
- It would be useful to have info on various types of assisted listening devices that may be useful. (This person should come out to the Chapter meetings, and follow the Chapter’s blog, where this information is regularly provided!)
- With many members of the Seniors Active Living Centre members being hard of hearing, these tips will be useful.
- Excellent presentation. Very informative.
- I will be looking into your speech reading classes and tinnitus seminar.
- Would like to have the doctor suggest or schedule a hearing test for the 60+, similar to what’s done for eyesight. (That’s a very good point!)
One of the questions asked was whether people wanted to be contacted for a follow-up to the presentation. 10 answered yes and provided contact details.
The booklet is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons For Seniors Program, was written by members of CHHA PEI, and illustrated by artist Wayne Wright.
Two more presentations are coming up on the island. If you are hard of hearing and have not attended a session, these are your last two chances.
- November 20 at 1:30 pm – Arts and Heritage Centre in Alberton
- November 27 at 2:00 pm – West River United Church in Cornwall
Next meeting: Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, starting at 9:30 am, at the North Tryon Presbyterian Church.
Do you have a tip or story to share about hearing loss, or living with someone who is hard of hearing? Let us know! Comments can be made on this blog, or you can email us at hearpei@gmail.com.
© Daria Valkenburg
The Aural Report 