Heard In Fort Worth Hearing Loss Association of America - Fort Worth Chapter March 2017
HLAA Monthly Meeting
Saturday, March 4, 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church, Arlington
Special Date
Special Place
Special Program What Everyone with Hearing Loss
Should Know about Hearing Aids and
Hearing Loops Presenter: Richard McKinley Managing Director, Contacta, Inc.
Why people with hearing loss say they can
hear but can’t understand
How hearing loops help you hear better in
large public places
How to get your favorite venue or church
interested in a loop
Hear for yourself. First Baptist Church
Arlington’s Fellowship Hall is looped!
Richard McKinley, managing director of Contacta, Inc, a leading hearing loop equipment manufacturer, is coming from Michigan to present the program. This is an informational and educational presentation intended to show the great benefits of this hearing technology in meeting rooms, churches, conference centers, professional offices, homes, and other venues.
You will be amazed at the effectiveness of this system, which you can try with a telecoil in your hearing aid or a with a loop receiver.
We are meeting at FBC Arlington because its fellowship hall is a large venue, looped, and centrally located in the DFW metroplex.
If you think you know all about looping, you may be surprised. Hearing loops can be installed from the most intimate settings such as your living room or car to mid and large sized places like bank windows, libraries, and conference spaces to places of worship, theaters, museums, and airports.
Invite and bring others to this special program. Join HLAA, Sertoma Clubs, and other organizations in a campaign to Loop America.
This special program constitutes our chapter meeting for the month of March. We will NOT MEET this month on the second Saturday in Fort Worth as usual.
We will resume our regular second Saturday a.m. meetings at the Southside Church of Christ, 2101 Hemphill Street, Fort Worth, 76110 on April 8 with a program on cochlear implants, presented by Cochlear America.
MAP OF FIRST BAPTIST, ARLINGTON Church address is 300 S Center St., Arlington, but the Fellowship Hall and parking are on Pecan St.
Photo Credit: The photograph of The Fort Worth Herd on our Heard In Fort Worth banner is used by permission of The Fort Worth Herd
and its sponsor, the Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department.
David’s Discussion
HLAA National Convention 2017
This summer on June 22-25 the national Hearing
Loss Association of America hold its annual
convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Salt
Palace Convention Center and the Little America
Hotel. This conference is always a wonderful
educational experience. And this year it is being
held in one of the most beautiful cities in our
country.
You don’t want to miss this event, and if you
register before March 31, you can receive the
discounted early bird rate. As an additional
incentive, the chapter will pay our members’
registration fee for first-timers to a national
HLAA convention.
The HLAA 2017 keynote speaker is retired
Staff Sergeant Shilo Harris. He is known as an
inspirational speaker and author of Steel Will:
My Journey through Hell to Become the Man I
was Meant to Be. I am sure you will not want to
miss this opening session presentation held on
Thursday, June 22.
The Research Symposium on Friday, June 23, will
be moderated by Colin Driscoll, M.D., otolaryn-
gology chair at Mayo Clinic and chair of the board
of directors of the American Cochlear Implant
Alliance. The topic for this year’s symposium is
Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants: Merging
Technologies.
Sharon and I just returned from a cochlear implant
conference in Orlando, Florida, and heard exciting
details on a hybrid device that both works as a
hearing aid for low frequencies and a Cochlear
Implant for the full range of sound frequencies.
This device is the best of both worlds for those
who still have some good residual hearing in the
lower sound frequencies.
This year the convention will continue to have
several tracks of workshops to choose from, in
addition to two new tracks to provide something
interesting for everyone. These new tracks are:
Hearing Loops and Genealogy: Trace Your Family
Tree.
The Hearing Loop track is particularly well timed,
as many HLAA chapter organizations are starting
an advocacy push to provide information on why
hearing loops are so critical for those of us with
hearing deficiencies, allowing us to better under-
stand speech in all environments, from our home to
large public spaces.
As part of this hearing loop advocacy push, you
will want to see information in this newsletter
about our March meeting being held at First
Baptist Church in Arlington, which has looped
their fellowship hall where this presentation will be
held. They are also in the process of looping their
worship center so those with hearing difficulties
will be assisted with this important technology.
I hope all of you will make plans to attend both
events. Several of our members have attended the
national HLAA convention and found it a very
rewarding experience. With all the advancements
in the research of hearing technology, you don’t
want to miss what is now available and what will
be available soon. Also, our chapter meeting will
be held on March 4 in Arlington, so make sure you
take note of this and join all of us to see how this
technology can be so beneficial in public building
spaces.
See you in Arlington on March 4! Note the date
change to the first Saturday of March for our
chapter meeting and symposium on hearing loops.
– David Edmondson, Chapter President
HIGHLIGHTS OF FEBRUARY 2017 PROGRAM:
Tinnitus: That Ringing Sound is Not the Telephone Presented by Marylyn Coble, Audiologist
Edited and excerpted by Darlene Liesner from the meeting transcript by Maribel Arredondo, CSR. This is merely an outline and a few highlights.
Audiologist Marylyn Koble, MS, CCC-A, offers complete
mobile audiology services to people in their home or
business and in visits to active senior living and assisted
senior living facilities. She also maintains limited office
hours.
At the February 11, 2017 meeting, Ms. Koble gave a
comprehensive overview of tinnitus, defining it, explaining
how tinnitus affects the sufferer, identifying forces at play
and aggravating factors, and reviewing various treatment
options.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound that is involuntary and
within the brain. It may sound like ringing, buzzing,
whooshing, humming, or other noises. It may be heard in
one ear, both ears or in the head. Approximately 50 million
people experience tinnitus. For most people it is a mild
irritant. For approximately two million people, it is
seriously debilitating. Approximately 75% to 80% of
people with hearing loss experience tinnitus.
Tinnitus may cause lack of sleep, depression, despair, loss
of concentration, confusion, headaches, muscle aches,
anxiety, stress, and anger. Tinnitus may be caused by
hearing loss, loud noise, earwax, middle ear disease, TMJ
problems, cardiovascular problems, Meneire’s disease,
medication, high blood pressure, or other factors. Hearing
loss is the most common cause of tinnitus – even mild
loss. Hearing aids are the number one treatment for
tinnitus.
Stress is the main aggravating factor in tinnitus. Learn to
alleviate stress. Some foods, such as alcohol, caffeine, and
salt may aggravate it. Also lack of sleep and LOUD
NOISE.
Two forces are involved in tinnitus: the auditory system
and the brain. Damaged hair cells in the cochlea do not
transmit sound to the brain. As a result, the brain searches
for sound. In a person without hearing aids, the brain finds
and focuses on the tinnitus.
Treatment options: Although currently incurable, tinnitus
is manageable. The probable cause and the severity of the
tinnitus determine the treatment protocol. Treatment
should start with a medical evaluation by an ENT doctor.
Sometimes additional testing such as an MRI or CT scan is
necessary. A 25-question Tinnitus Handicap Inventory
may be given. The treatment should be specific to the
individual and comprehensive.
For the auditory system, the treatment is sound therapy.
For the brain it is counseling. Counseling may simply be
information, explaining about tinnitus and the results of the
testing. Counseling may be more formal. CBT (Cognitive
Behavior Therapy) is the most beneficial type of coun-
seling for patients with severe tinnitus. In a series of
sessions, a clinical psychologist identifies and modifies the
patient’s negative thoughts and behaviors related to
tinnitus. The psychologist helps the patient think
differently. CBT focuses on the individual’s emotional
reaction to tinnitus.
Sound therapy, for the auditory system, encompasses many
different devices. For people with mild tinnitus, basic
sound therapy such as environmental sounds, a fan, or an
air purifier may help. Music that the person likes may be
played at a reasonable level.
More sophisticated devices include the ITE (in the ear)
tinnitus masker. Fitting in the ear, ITE maskers generate
white noise. Neuromonics makes a small MP3 player type
device with headphones. The device is programmed by the
audiologist.
Resembling a bulky MP3 player, the Sound Cure is also
effective. The Sound Cure generates “s” tones (specific
low frequencies). Rather than covering up or masking the
tinnitus, the Sound Cure temporarily suppresses it.
Wearing the bulky device and headphones is a drawback.
Combo devices are hearing aids with a tinnitus feature.
Widex manufactures an aid which produces Zen (non-
predictive) tones. Zen tones sound somewhat like wind
chimes. Non-predictive tones do not get stuck in your
head, as familiar tunes sometimes do.
A sound pillow has speakers on either side of the ears. An
MP3 player plugged into the pillow plays relief sounds.
The bed partner is not disturbed.
With tinnitus treatment, the effect typically is not
immediate. When participating in sound therapy, use the
device consistently. Within thirty days the user should
know whether the device is helpful.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) involves sound
therapy plus counseling. The goal is habituation –
adaptation – getting the brain to the point that it no longer
fixates on the tinnitus. It learns to ignore it.
Other therapies: In that they help relieve stress, some
other therapies may be beneficial: antidepressants and
antianxiety medications, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy.
As for herbal and over-the-counter supplements, Ms.
Koble cautioned “buyer beware.”
Ms. Koble fielded questions, providing many helpful
answers and suggestions.
HLAA Shifts Legislative Focus Since 2003, Hearing Loss Association of America
(HLAA) has supported legislation that would allow
consumers to receive a tax credit for the purchase of
hearing aids. Several iterations of the tax credit bill have
been introduced over the span of nearly 14 years, and
none has passed. HLAA has therefore decided to focus
its efforts and resources on initiatives that we believe
will have a more far-reaching impact.
Some of these current efforts include:
Working toward the implementation of the
recommendations contained in the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine report, Hearing Health Care for Adults:
Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability.
Supporting legislation that would ensure Medicare
coverage for the cost of hearing aids.
Providing input to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), which is currently working
on a rulemaking that would consider a new
category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing
devices.
Supporting reintroduction of the Over-the-Counter
Hearing Aid Act of 2016, a bill introduced in
December 2016 by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-
Mass.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to provide
for the regulation of OTC hearing aids.
While we are diligently working on these and many
other efforts to improve the lives of people with hearing
loss, we cannot do it alone. If ever there was a time in
the fight for more affordable and accessible hearing
health care for HLAA members to mobilize their
extensive grassroots efforts, now would be it. Whether
you call, write or visit your congressman, file a
complaint when you are denied access, or attend local
council meetings to advocate on behalf of those with
hearing loss, the importance of your efforts cannot be
overstated.
HLAA’s commitment to advocating for more affordable
and accessible hearing health care for everyone with
hearing loss will not waiver. But we will be selective
about the issues and legislation we support. We seek to
support legislation that has a greater potential to impact
more people and provide tangible and significant
benefits. We will be sure to keep you updated on all
developments.
Source: http://www.hearingloss.org/content/hlaa-prioritizes-
legislative-and-advocacy-agenda-2017
Folk Artist Zoë Nutt Shares Her Hearing Loss Story in New Music Video
Bethesda, MD: Nashville folk
artist Zoë Nutt today announced
the release of the video for her
new single “Like You,” which
invites people to hear her story of
living with progressive hearing
loss and tinnitus.
Zoë is thrilled to partner with
the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
and HelloGiggles to unveil the emotionally-driven,
captioned video and to use her music as a means to
bring a positive message and inspire others for a greater
cause. “Like You” can be downloaded via NoiseTrade,
and all proceeds will be donated to HLAA. Describing
the video in her own words, Zoë said:
I am going deaf. And I want people to know. We are all dealing with issues in our lives, but we don’t have to be
defined by our problems. I’d rather define my life by
how I’m dealing with my problems. It’s a strange feeling to be releasing a music video about losing my
ability to hear, but it’s the hand I’ve been dealt and one that I plan to overcome. This music video represents the
start of my story and I’m very excited to write the next
chapter.
Go to HelloGiggles today to watch Zoë Nutt’s
compelling music video for “Like You” and download
the track via NoiseTrade to donate to the Hearing Loss
Association of America. Follow Zoë Nutt online to keep
up with new music, show dates, and more.
More at http://www.hearingloss.org/content/zoe-nutt-
shares-hearing-loss-story
HLAA Announces New Director of Chapter Development
HLAA Director of Chapter Development Valerie
Stafford-Mallis is retiring on March 31. She will be
replaced by her assistant Erin Mirante. Erin is a recent
graduate of the University of Maryland and has a degree
in social work. She has been a longtime volunteer with
several organizations, including HLAA.
Executive Director Barbara Kelly commented, “Valerie
has brought a strong sense of professionalism and
business sense to our chapter department as well as her
willingness to assist and train our chapters in many
positive ways.”
HLAA convention attendees can meet Erin there.
Source:http://www.hearingloss.org/sites/default/files/docs/TWIB
_2017_Feb17.pdf
HLAA Hosts Veterans and National Court Reporters Foundation
The National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF)
introduces a new initiative to preserve the
experiences of veterans with hearing loss for the
Library of Congress Veterans History Project through
the use of CART captioning. NCRF partnered with
HLAA to host an event at the HLAA national
headquarters on Saturday, February 18, interviewing
multiple veterans with profound hearing loss. NCRF
will also conduct interviews at the HLAA 2017
Convention in Salt Lake City. If you are a veteran
with hearing loss and interested in being interviewed
for this project, email April Weiner, foundation
manager, at [email protected].
For 2017: Support your Fort Worth chapter and newsletter.
We’ll acknowledge your donations in the newsletter each month this year.
Platinum = $400+; Gold = $200 to $399; Silver = $100 to $199; Bronze = $50 to $99; Friends = Up to $49
2017 Gold: Johnnie Carter. Friend: Emma Hill.
The Fort Worth Chapter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.
All contributions are tax-deductible.
Hearing Loss Association of America - Fort Worth Chapter
2017 NEWSLETTER POSTAL SUBSCRIPTION & CHAPTER DONATION FORM
Make checks payable to: HLAA - Fort Worth Chapter
Bring to the monthly meeting or mail to: HLAA – Fort Worth, PO Box 1310, Euless TX 76039.
Name:________________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________ City:_______________ Zip:________
Email address:__________________________________________________________________
Annual Chapter Newsletter Subscription Fee for Postal Delivery ($15) $__________ Donation to Fort Worth Chapter $__________
TOTAL $__________
The Hearing Loss Association America (HLAA), founded in 1979 by Rocky Stone, opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy, and support. HLAA publishes the bimonthly Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual conventions, produces Walk4Hearing®
events, hosts online learning, and more. HLAA has an extensive network of chapters and state organizations. Further information can be found at
www.hearingloss.org. The national headquarters is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Telephone: 301-657-2248.
2017 Board of Directors President: David Edmondson ([email protected]) Vice-President: Jack Wages ([email protected]) Secretary: Linda Marshall ([email protected]) Treasurer: Patricia Hindman ([email protected]) Newsletter Editor: Dan White ([email protected]) Librarian/Historian: Judy Oetting ([email protected]) Hospitality Chair: Jeannene Brown ([email protected]) Program Chair: Joyce Parlin ([email protected])
Heard In Fort Worth
This newsletter is published monthly by the Hearing Loss Association of America - Fort Worth Chapter
Mailing address: Box 1310, Euless TX 76039 Telephone 817-564-3764 or 817-228-8041
http://www.hearinglossfortworth.org http://www.hearingloss.org
Hearing Evaluations * Hearing Devices
J. Thomas Roth, Au.D. CCC-A, FAAA Doctor of Audiology
Phone 817-332-8817 904 W. Pennsylvania
Fax 817-332-8827 Ft. Worth, TX 76104
ANTHONY HEARING AIDS
Physician-Based Hearing Solutions
Phillip F. Anthony, M.D., Otologist
Sandra Clarkson, MA, CCC-A, FAAA, Lead Audiologist
Julie Mistic, Au.D, CCC-A, FAAA, Audiologist
901 Hemphill, Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817/338-HEAR
Fonner Hearing Aid Center
315 Randol Mill Road, Arlington 76011 Call 817-277-8121 Fax — 817-277-8191
6647 Boulevard 26, Fort Worth 76180 Call 817-284-8584 Fax — 817-284-3253
www.Fonnerhearing.com
HEARING CARE CENTER
“Helping patients and families hear a difference”
Kurt Chappell, BBA
4736 Bryant Irvin Road, Suite 702 Fort Worth, TX 76132
(817) 263-1971 www.chappell-hearing-aids.com
This Ad Space is Available.
Email [email protected].
Fonner Hearing Aid Center
Arlington 315 Randol Mill Road
Tel — 817-277-8121 Fax — 817-277-8191
Fort Worth 6647 Boulevard 26
Tel — 817-284-8584 Fax — 817-284-3253
www.texasears.com
HEALTHFIRST MEDICAL GROUP
SCOTT O’LEARY, M.S., CCC-A AUDIOLOGIST
Audiology/Hearing Aids
George Kostohryz, Jr. M.D.
Otolaryngology/ENT
4625 Boat Club Road, #257 Phone 817-346-6464
Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Fax 817-238-0054
Marylyn Koble, M.S., CCC-A, Audiologist
(817) 504-3644 [email protected]
Call for an in-home consultation
Audiology Associates of Arlington
Elizabeth Johnson, Au.D., FAAA
Comprehensive Audiological Evaluations Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices
3132 MATLOCK RD., STE 303 817-472-7720 ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76014 817-417-7280 FAX
NEWSLETTER SPONSORS
We are extremely grateful for the financial support we receive for our newsletter from our sponsors. Mention of goods and services does not imply HLAA endorsement, nor should omission suggest disapproval.
Advertising rates are $150 per year or $12.50 per month for a business card size ad.
PO Box 1310
Euless TX 76039 E-mail [email protected]
or call 817-228-8041 to UNSUBSCRIBE
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
.
PLACE
POSTAGE STAMP HERE
Heard in Fort Worth HEARING LOSS NEWSLETTER
We normally meet on the second Saturday of each month.
OUR NEW HOME IS Southside Church of Christ
2101 Hemphill Street, Fort Worth 76110 Meeting entrance is from the south parking lot.
See page one for details.
MAIL: PO Box 1310, Euless, TX 76039
Telephone 817-228-8041 for further information.
All are welcome!
Informational Community Meeting
on Hearing Loops For anyone who lives with hearing loss
and their families
Saturday, March 4, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
First Baptist Church, Arlington in the Fellowship Hall on Pecan St.
See page one for map and details.
Sponsored by:
The Fort Worth Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America
Sertoma Club of Fort Worth
Southern Star Technologies