Coming Events

Calendar
Vancouver Branch Upcoming Events:

CHHA-VAN Branch meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every other month, 7 pm at Children’s Hearing and Speech Centre of BC, 3575 Kaslo Street in Vancouver unless otherwise noted. Lots of parking on street or in the parking lot to the South (between Sunny Hill and CHSCBC).Communication access provided is Real-Time Captioning.

On Thursday, March 18th at 7 pm, Cindy Gustin, who is the Head of the Cochlear Implant Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital, will speak on the topic of “Recent Developments in the Cochlear Implant Program in B.C.” She will review how one is assessed for and receives an implant, demonstrate new technology, current state of the adult program in B.C. and give a glimpse into the future. There will be time for questions, and an hour afterwards for informal social talk. Click here to see the poster in PDF format.

 
Other Events:

CHHA-BC is having its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, April 17 at Surrey School District Conference Centre,#400 – 9260 140 Street in Surrey. Its starts at 10 am with coffee and then join Gael Hannan (a long time CHHA member and advocate, she is our guest speaker) for an entertaining presentation about living with hearing loss – and our role as torch-bearers for clear communication in a world of mumblers. Luncheon is provided. To register for the AGM before April 10th, please call 1 866 888 2442 or email us at chha-bc@telus.net. Download this poster in PDF format for more information.

CHHA-BC will be at Vancouver Wellness Show on April 30 – April at Canada Place in Vancouver. Come check out our booth and have a chat with our CHHA members/Volunteers!

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Communication is about to get better for the hard of hearing in Canada!

By Snookie Lomow, CHHA Executive Executive Director

Ottawa, July 29 -The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) wishes to acknowledge the ruling by the CRTC brought down on July 21, 2009.

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) is the voice for Canadians who are hard of hearing. It is the only national not-for-profit consumer driven organization that advocates for the needs of the over 3 million Canadians experiencing hearing loss. More than ten per cent (10%) of Canada’s population is hard of hearing, and for senior citizens age 65 and above this figure increases to 40%. A hearing disability has a serious impact on the quality of life of the person experiencing it, and may result in low self esteem, social isolation and anxiety or depression. It also has a significant impact on everyone who comes into contact with a person who is coping with hearing loss, such as family members, friends, teachers, co-workers and employers.

CHHA was created in 1982 by a group of dedicated individuals, many of whom still remain active in the organization today. These individuals envisioned an organization that would be a leader in raising awareness, advocating and supporting Canadians living with hearing loss. CHHA has successfully built a network across Canada that includes nine provincial Chapters and 50 local and regional Branches serving close to 3000 members.

From the CHHA perspective we want to bring to the attention of the CRTC our appreciation for all the work and support the Commission undertakings have demonstrated to help the needs of the hard of hearing community. CHHA fully supports the following initiatives:

  • All Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) and Voice Over Internet (VoIP) Protocol providers will be required by July 21, 2010 to provide a relay service 24 hours a day; 7 days a week similar to the TTY relay service currently provided by telephone companies. CHHA acknowledges that this is a necessary advancement to meet the communications needs of hard of hearing Canadians. We look forward to its implementation.
  • In the future all Broadcasters are required to provide closed captioning for all promos, advertising and overnight programs along with the 100% of the daytime programs currently in place. Therefore access has to be provided 24hours a day, 7 days a week! It has also been determined that the French Broadcasting networks must now provide captioning to the new standard imposed on the English Broadcasting networks as well. We are pleased to see that the Commission has stated that renewal of Broadcast licences will be subject to compliance. This is an excellent step forward!

However CHHA would like to comment on the following items in the new ruling that are of concern to our stakeholders.

  • All IP services (Internet Providers) are required to make accessible 9-1-1- services, however there are no standards set to make available services to persons with hearing loss. The IP providers are required to file a report by Jan 21, 2010 on benefits uses and limitations on such services. CHHA hopes that IP providers will work with the hard of hearing community to achieve positive results so that our stakeholders can have access to emergency 9-1-1 services.
  • All IP providers are required to improve accessibility of call centres to all Canadians however the course of action recommended is not specific enough and voluntary standards were not successful in the past, therefore more vigorous standards are needed. It is our view that these call centres need more specific direction and that a real-time text communication system would be the ideal solution.
  • Broadcast providers will need to provide information on all products and services that are accessible to the hard of hearing via the telephone, web or television by July 2010. However it has not been stated clearly how the providers will comply.

CHHA wants the Service Providers to recognize the fact that our stakeholders are hard of hearing Canadians who can provide support in the area of testing of products or services when they become available. Due to our expertise and consumer access, CHHA is anticipating that service providers will consult with CHHA to help determine the appropriate formats and accessibility alternatives before making a decision. CHHA is encouraged by the 100% requirement for Broadcast captioning 24 hours a day and that this ruling will be monitored and enforced.

CHHA has in the past been part of a Working Group reviewing caption issues and we anticipate we will be given the opportunity to help determine the assessment of pop-ups versus rolls-ups for the delivering of captioning. CHHA believes that a National standard for closed, open and blocked captioning needs to be established so that all broadcasting networks can deliver uniformity and consistency in the services provided.

CHHA is both encouraged and delighted with the determination and devotion set out by the CRTC to find appropriate solutions to meet the accessibility needs of Canadians who are hard of hearing.

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Widespread Addiction to Portable Music Players Increasing Potential for Premature in Youth, Adults Alike – Pt. 2

by Jessica Perreault, CHHA National Office

With increased usage of portable music devices, both adults and youth alike are becoming more susceptible to potential premature hearing loss. The following outlines possible risks and preventative measures that can be taken to help prevent permanent hearing loss.

While it is not a widespread epidemic, tinnitus is one of the possible side effects of exposure to the loud music heard from portable listening devices. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing heard in the ears or head on a regular basis, and is often the result of exposure to loud noises. At the same time, it is even possible to experience partial or full hearing loss, as a result of this exposure. This is not to say that people need to quit listening to the music they enjoy. There are a few simple steps that can significantly reduce the risk in listening to a portable music player.

1. Turn it down. Most people attempt to block out the surrounding noise by turning up the volume. A general rule of thumb is when you can’t hear that noise anymore, it’s too loud.

2. Reevaluate your headphones. Ear bud headphones are more damaging to your ears than an over-the-ear style headphone. The proximity of the noise to the inner ear canal with ear buds creates a higher intensity. Ear buds often require louder volumes to block out that ambient noise as well. Over-the-ear style headphones come in a variety of styles, and are also available in what is called isolation, or noise cancellation headphones. These headphones are designed to filter background noise, allowing the listener to enjoy his or her music at a safer level.

3. Limit exposure time. If you are going to listen to loud volumes, keep in mind that for every volume increase of 3 dB, listening time should be cut if half. If you just can’t turn it down, turn it off for awhile. Avoid exposure to other loud noises such as the lawnmower or hairdryer, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

4. Examine other options. For iPod listeners specifically, ‘limiter’ software can be downloaded from Apple’s website. The limiter on your device restricts the volume to a maximum of 115 dB at its peak. As Dr. Chasin of the Musicians’ Clinic of Canada indicates, this is a very good strategy and smart move in order to protect listeners.

It is important to understand that these steps do not eliminate the risk completely and that prolonged exposure to any loud volumes does carry the risk of potential hearing loss. Like any preventative measures, some work better for certain individuals than others, and as such it is important to find the method that works best for you.

The goal at CHHA is to raise awareness of the hard of hearing community and educate individuals about hearing loss. To learn more about the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, and issues such as personal portable music devices, call Voice: 604 795-9238 Toll-Free: 1-866-888-2442 (In BC Only).

This Press Release is from CHHA National Office, Ottawa, Ontario. All rights reserved

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Widespread Addiction to Portable Music Players Increasing Potential for Premature in Youth, Adults Alike – Pt. 1

by Jessica Perreault, CHHA National Office

ipod-nano-green-256x256With increased playing time, easy portability, higher peak decibel levels, and rapid growth in popularity, the portable personal music player has become a ticking time bomb for potential premature hearing loss. While precautions can be taken to handle the risk of damage, those unaware of how damaging their listening habits are may be less likely to change their behavior.

Experts argue that we are not stumbling on some new phenomena that is going to create pandemonium. What we are seeing is a resurfacing of the concerns raised in the 1980’s when Sony put out the “Walkman”. The ‘90’s brought us the “Discman” and now, the millennium has graced us with the “iPod” and many other MP3 players available on the consumer market. The changes in technology have allowed consumers to listen to their devices anywhere, for longer amounts of time, at increased volumes.

Even though information as surfaced regarding the potential harm of personal devices, studies have shown that both adults and youth are not likely to change their listening habits. According to one study conducted by Zogby International for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), half of all youth and adults polled said they are not concerned with potential hearing loss, and approximately the same amount indicated they had no intention of taking preventative measures.

Dr. Marshall Chasin, AuD., M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO, Aud(C ), an Audiologist and Director of Auditory Research at the Musicians’ Clinics of Canada, indicates that the peak decibel (dB) level of these portable devices is approximately 136dB. However, depending on the style of headphones used in conjunction with the device, maximum output can reach anywhere from 50-140dB. To put that in perspective, 140dB is equivalent to a gunshot or firecracker. Listening to 80-85 dB (equivalent to an alarm clock, or telephone dial tone) for approximately 40 hours per week is safe without the worry of inflicting damage. However, for every 3 dB increase in the volume, the safe exposure time is cut in half. That’s a lot of damage potential in a very short period of time.

While research to suggest that age does not affect an individual’s susceptibility is limited, children nowadays are more likely to be exposed to personal music devices early on. As a result, the exposure is increased substantially from what it was for their predecessors. Children are more likely to get into the habit of relying on the portable players than their parents. Still, anyone is just as likely to suffer from the risks of loud noise. Remember, it’s not important who you are and what you listen to, but how you listen to it, when you listen to it, and at what volume.

The goal at CHHA is to raise awareness of the hard of hearing community and educate individuals about hearing loss. To learn more about the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, and issues such as personal portable music devices, call Voice: 604 795-9238 Toll-Free: 1-866-888-2442 (In BC Only).

This Press Release is from CHHA National Office, Ottawa, Ontario. All rights reserved

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Visual Voice Message (Voice to Text Messaging)

By Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Staff

There is a new service being provided by Telus (and perhaps other carriers). It is called Visual Voice Mail.

Telus describes it as:

“Don’t worry about missing important messages when you are unable to answer your phone. With TELUS Visual Voice Mail, there’s no need to dial in to pick up your messages, you just read them on screen.

Read it instead of listening to it

Visual Voice Mail converts your voice mail messages to text and delivers them straight to you as SMS or email within minutes. The converted message will include the phone number of the caller embedded in the text.

Keep record of your voice mail.

You can view all of your messages in one convenient inbox and have a visual record of who called and what they said. ”

Telus provides this service for a monthly fee of $7.50. However it is currently being offered for a free 30 day trial.

This is the link to the information.

or you can call: 1 800 316 0979 or Visit your nearest store

Comments from WIDHH staff using this service already:

“It works well except if a person does not speak clearly when they leave a msg, a word will either be skipped or spelled phonetically. Also, if the voice message is long, it will cut out some of the mssage and leave a request for you to call and listen to the rest of the message.”

If you are using this system – we would like to hear how it is working for you. If there are tips on using the system effectively – we’d like to hear about that as well.

Reprinted from WIDHH’s Blog – http://widhh.blogspot.com/2008/10/visual-voice-mail-voice-to-text.html

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How to Buy Hearing Aid Compatible Cellphone

by Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Staff

There are so many cellphones on the market these days, it can be overwhelming when it comes to finding a phone appropriate for you. Following are some tips on what to look for in a cellphone so that it will be hearing aid compatible.

Look for a Cellphone with a rating of AT LEAST M3/T3

In the US all cellphones are tested for hearing aid compatibility. The M# represents how well the cellphone will work with a hearing aid in microphone mode. M1 is the lowest rating and is an indication of high interference. M4 is the highest rating and indicates low interference.

The T# rating represents how well the cellphone will work with a heairng aid in T-Coil mode. Again T1 is the lowest rating and T4 is the highest..cellphone1

The whereabouts of this information differs with all cellphone manufacturers. Commonly it can be found on the display card next to the device, on the product packaging, or in the phone manual. Some websites such as PhoneScoop maintain a database of this information. (note: when you go to the website, type in the name of the phone in the Jump to a phone box – top right of main screen. When the phone information comes up scroll down to features and click on ’show missing features’. You will find the M/T rating under Accessibility, Hearing Aid Compatible)

Choose a Provider that Uses CDMA rather than GSM.

In Canada, both Telus and Bell operate on the CDMA network. Rogers, Fido and all other carriers operate on the GSM network. Phones connected to the CDMA network will interfere less with your hearing aid.

Choose a “Flip” Style Phone

A cellphone’s antenna is a significant source of interference. Generally speaking, the antenna on a flip phone will be positioned farther from the speaker than on a candy bar phone. Be wary of phones with no visible antenna.

Find a Phone with a Smaller LCD Screen

The screen is also a significant source of interference. Often phones with very large or multiple LCD screens (such as iPhones etc)will have low M# ratings. Look for a phone with one small screen.

Be Mindful of the Cellphone’s Outer Casing

There is a growing trend towards manufacturing metallic phones. The idea being that a metal phone is stronger when dropped than a plastic phone. While this is all well and good, metal phones will not work as well with your hearing aid.

Try Before You Buy

In the US it is mandatory that all phone retailers have a ‘live’ phone in store for you to try. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Canada. Still, many retailers will have working phones to demo.

Test that the volume is adequate, and that you can hear clearly on microphone and T-Coil modes.

Know the Return Policy

In store testing is no substitute for the real world. Be sure to try the phone in a variety of listening situations: at home; in the car; at a noisy restaurant etc.

Usually the return policy is based on both days and usage. Ensure that you have adequate time to do your own testing, and can exchange the phone if it is unsuitable for your needs.

Look for a Headset Jack and Bluetooth Connectivity

There are several accessories designed to assist you in hearing on a cellphone. Almost all of these rely on either a 2.5mm headset jack or Bluetooth connection. If your phones has these useful features, you will have a lot more options to assist you.

Two of the most common accessories that you can plug into the 2.5mm jack are:
1. Silhouette cord – a small thin piece of plastic is worn behind your ear, beside your behind-the-ear hearing aid. It emits a magnetic field and transmits the signal from the phone to your hearing aid when the hearing aid is on the t-coil setting. The silhouette cord has a microphone for handsfree operation.
2. Neckloop – a ‘necklace’ style cord you wear around your neck. The neckloop emits a magnetic field and transmits the signal from the phone to your hearing aid while the hearing aid is on the t-coil mode. The neckloop as a microphone for handsfree operation. Note custom hearing aids with t-coils are not always stong enough to use with a neckloop – you may have better success with a silhouette cord in these cases.

Reprinted from WIDHH’s Blog – http://widhh.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-buy-hearing-aid-compatible.html

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