June 1, 2018. At part of the launch of the Let’s Loop PEI Project, made possible due to a grant from the CHHA Foundation, Island audiologists were invited to an informal session to introduce the project and to discuss hearing loops with Bill Droogendyk of Better Hearing Solutions.
We were delighted at the response. Five professionals from PEI, from 4 firms, attended: Peter Benstead of PEI Audiology, Krista Campbell of Campbell Hearing, Derek Hughes of Connect Hearing, Michael and Lynn Learie of Horizon Hearing. In addition, Heidi Eaton of Argus Audiology in New Brunswick made the trip over the Confederation Bridge to attend this session.
Left to right: Krista Campbell, Derek Hughes, Peter Benstead, Michael Learie. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
It was a chance to network, as well as to learn more about hearing loops. One issue we had run into was discussed. Two people told us that their audiologists had told them that they could have BlueTooth OR a Telecoil in their hearing aids, but not both. We weren’t sure if that was a miscommunication, but since we’d read in various articles that in fact a person can have all kinds of programs in their hearing aids, including BlueTooth, Telecoil, and Tinnitus Masking, it was a good opportunity to bring it up and have it confirmed. For more information on this subject, here is a link to an article written by American audiologist Juliette Sterkens: https://loopwisconsin.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/ready-to-buy-a-new-hearing-aid-be-sure-it-includes-bluetooth-and-telecoil-technology/
Heidi Eaton also let us know that a telecoil is usually included in the ‘streamers’ that come with a hearing aid. A streamer is designed to pick up audio signals, turning a hearing aid into a wireless headset. It’s worn around the neck and has buttons for phone, TV, and microphone applications.
Everyone sat around a table that was inside a temporary hearing loop, and each person had a chance to try out a hearing loop receiver to test the clarity of sound. After letting us know that he’d written an article on hearing loops that had been published in Canadian Audiologist magazine, Bill later shared it with us. (See http://canadianaudiologist.ca/breaking-the-2-meter-hearing-bubble/)
We shared our pamphlets on various initiatives we’re involved in, including on hearing loops, plus the tip sheet on activating a telecoil in a hearing aid, which was shared with blog readers in a previous posting. In case you missed it: audiologists info on t-coil connectivity
Photo: Heidi Eaton. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
A day after the session for audiologists, Dr Heidi Eaton emailed us, explaining that she had planted a seed for hearing loops in Moncton. “I attended the State of the City of Moncton address today. There were approximately 150 in attendance, including a number of city councillors. The mayor talked a lot about a Youthful City, low cost of housing, quality of life, downtown Center and growth, proximity to beaches.
During question period, I discussed the Senior Friendly initiative of the city and asked how the city plans to ensure all of the population is able to enjoy the flourishing downtown culture. I specifically asked, as an audiologist, the plan for accessibility for the Hard of Hearing population. I asked about loop systems (i.e at the new Events Center and the Capital Theatre) that are, on the large scale, inexpensive.
After the meeting, the Mayor asked me for information at which time I was able to hand over the loop information pamphlets. The mayor introduced me to the city manager. I handed him the same material and offered to connect him with those in the know and to offer support. There was discussion of sitting on accessibility committee. The mayor asked to have lunch and discuss this further. All in all, positive.” Well done, Heidi! How exciting that the City of Moncton is also considering hearing loops for their public facilities! We wait to hear more about her initiative.
We thank these hearing professionals who took time out of their busy lives to attend this session. Meanwhile, our Let’s Loop PEI story continues. You can email us at hearpei@gmail.com or comment on this blog. You can also follow us on Twitter: @HearPEI
Follow this link to our Upcoming Events page: Upcoming Events
Follow this link to places on PEI equipped with a hearing loop: Places on PEI Equipped With A Hearing Loop
Like the work we do? Consider a donation to help us do more. 100% of your donation stays on PEI to help Islanders. We now have a page at the Canada Helps website: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/34708
© Daria Valkenburg
The Aural Report 