What you don't know about hearing aids | Juliëtte Sterkens | TEDxOshkosh
TLDRIn this insightful presentation, the speaker discusses the prevalence and impact of hearing loss, highlighting its commonality and potential consequences such as depression and cognitive decline. The talk delves into the limitations of hearing aids and introduces technological solutions like Bluetooth-enabled devices and telecoils, emphasizing the importance of assistive listening systems in public venues. The speaker advocates for awareness and utilization of these technologies to improve the quality of life for those with hearing impairments.
Takeaways
- 👂 Mild temporary hearing loss can be experienced by simply plugging ears with fingers, simulating the common condition.
- 📈 Hearing loss prevalence increases with age, affecting about half of the population by 75 and two-thirds by mid-80s.
- 📚 Hearing loss is not just about reduced volume; it also involves unequal pitch perception and difficulty distinguishing similar-sounding words.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family history of hearing loss can be a strong indicator of potential personal hearing loss.
- 🔊 Hearing loss can have serious impacts on mental health, social life, cognitive function, and physical safety of older adults.
- 🤖 Advancements in hearing aid technology, including AI and remote programming, have not yet made them fully effective in restoring normal hearing.
- 🔊 Hearing aids can amplify sound but struggle to enhance speech clarity, especially in noisy environments or when the inner ear or hearing nerve is affected.
- 📡 Modern hearing aids can connect via Bluetooth, allowing for phone calls, streaming media, and improved hearing in specific situations with additional accessories.
- 👥 Simple human behaviors, such as speaking more clearly and moving closer, can significantly aid those with hearing loss in communication.
- 🏢 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws mandate assistive hearing accommodations in public places, yet many are unaware of these provisions.
- 🔄 Telecoils in hearing aids, when activated, can receive signals from hearing loop systems, vastly improving hearing in venues with such installations.
Q & A
What demonstration did the speaker start with to illustrate mild hearing loss?
-The speaker started with a demonstration where the audience was asked to plug their ears with two fingers until they were completely plugged, simulating mild hearing loss.
What is the commonality of hearing loss among the population as mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions that hearing loss is common, with about half of the population experiencing it by age 75, and two-thirds by their mid-80s.
How does hearing loss affect speech understanding, according to the speaker?
-Hearing loss can cause words that sound similar, like 'zip' and 'sip', to sound the same, especially in noisy environments, making speech understanding difficult.
What is the speaker's initial expectation about hearing aids when he started helping people with hearing loss over 44 years ago?
-The speaker initially expected that hearing aids would work like eyeglasses, making everything sound crystal clear.
What are some of the advancements in hearing aid technology mentioned by the speaker?
-The advancements mentioned include the transition from analog to digital devices, remote programming, fitness tracking, and the use of artificial intelligence for feedback and noise reduction.
Why can't hearing aids fully restore normal hearing as per the speaker's experience?
-Hearing aids can make sound louder but not always clearer, especially when the inner ear and hearing nerve are affected. They also have a limited effective range and reduce three-dimensional hearing ability to one dimension.
What is the role of Bluetooth technology in modern hearing aids as described in the script?
-Bluetooth technology allows modern hearing aids to pair with smartphones for hands-free phone calling, streaming of podcasts, audiobooks, and navigation directions.
What is a hearing loop and how does it benefit hearing aid users?
-A hearing loop is an assistive listening system that broadcasts audio wirelessly to hearing aids or assistive devices. It benefits users by providing a clearer audio signal in public venues.
What is the purpose of the telecoil feature in hearing aids?
-The telecoil is a tiny antenna that, when activated, receives signals broadcast by a hearing loop system, improving the reception of audio in places with such systems installed.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how does it relate to hearing loss?
-The ADA is a law that requires places of public accommodation to provide assistive hearing accommodations for patrons with hearing loss, similar to wheelchair ramps for wheelchair users.
How can hearing aid users and the general public benefit from knowing about assistive listening systems and laws like ADA?
-By being aware of these systems and laws, hearing aid users can take advantage of assistive listening accommodations in public venues, leading to better audio clarity and an improved experience.
Outlines
👂 Understanding Hearing Loss
The video script begins with an interactive demonstration to illustrate mild temporary hearing loss, using the audience's fingers to plug their ears. It discusses the prevalence of hearing loss, noting that it's common and can affect quality of life, leading to issues like depression and cognitive decline. The speaker emphasizes that hearing loss is not just about reduced volume but also involves unequal perception of pitches and difficulty distinguishing similar-sounding words, especially in noisy environments. The script also touches on the limitations of hearing aids, explaining that they can amplify sound but not necessarily improve clarity, especially when the inner ear or hearing nerve is affected.
📡 Enhancing Hearing with Technology
This paragraph delves into the capabilities of modern hearing aids, which include Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and streaming audio. It introduces the concept of assistive listening systems, such as hearing loops, which can broadcast sound directly to hearing aids or assistive devices. The speaker suggests practical strategies for improving communication with those who have hearing loss, such as speaking more clearly and moving closer to the listener. The paragraph also highlights the importance of awareness about the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws that mandate public venues to provide assistive hearing accommodations.
🔊 The Power of Telecoils and Hearing Loops
The speaker discusses the benefits of telecoils in hearing aids, which can receive signals from hearing loop systems installed in venues. They share personal anecdotes to illustrate the transformative effect of these technologies on the hearing experience. The paragraph outlines the progress made in the installation of hearing loops in various public places and the advocacy efforts to increase their adoption. It also mentions the inclusion of hearing loop information in Google Maps, providing a practical tool for those with hearing aids to find accessible venues.
🌐 Advocating for Better Hearing Accessibility
In the final paragraph, the speaker calls for action to improve hearing accessibility in public venues. They encourage the use of Bluetooth accessories and telecoils in hearing aids to enhance the listening experience. The script provides advice for individuals with hearing loss on how to advocate for better hearing accommodations in public places, including using assistive listening devices and engaging with consumer organizations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking up about hearing difficulties in public venues and the role of accessibility laws in ensuring a more inclusive society for those with hearing loss.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Hearing Loss
💡Temporary Hearing Loss
💡Audiologist
💡Hearing Aids
💡Telecoil
💡Assistive Listening Systems
💡Bluetooth Technology
💡Cognitive Decline
💡Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
💡Hearing Loop
💡Accessibility
Highlights
Demonstration of mild temporary hearing loss by plugging ears.
Hearing loss is common and increases with age, affecting half of individuals by age 75.
Hearing loss can lead to depression, social isolation, cognitive decline, and increased risk of falls in older adults.
Hearing loss is not just a loss of volume; it affects the perception of pitches unequally.
Hearing aids can amplify sound but struggle to make speech clearer, especially in noisy environments.
Hearing aids have limitations, including a limited effective range and inability to restore normal hearing.
Modern hearing aids have advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, fitness tracking, and AI-assisted noise reduction.
Hearing aids can be paired with smartphones for hands-free calling and streaming audio.
Bluetooth accessories can enhance hearing in noisy situations or at a distance.
Simple strategies like speaking clearly and moving closer can improve communication for those with hearing loss.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires public venues to provide assistive hearing accommodations.
Assistive listening systems broadcast audio wirelessly to hearing aids or headsets in public venues.
Many are unaware of assistive listening systems and their benefits for those with hearing loss.
The telecoil in hearing aids can receive signals from hearing loop systems for improved clarity.
Hearing loops have been installed in various public places, including theaters, churches, and government buildings.
Google Maps is starting to show hearing loops in its accessibility section to help users find venues with assistive listening systems.
Advocacy efforts have led to the installation of nearly 900 hearing loops across the United States.
Consumers should explore Bluetooth accessories, telecoils, and assistive listening systems to improve their hearing experience.
Public venues should be encouraged to install assistive listening systems to make the world more accessible for people with hearing loss.
Transcripts
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