Achieva’s Post

New work using #NHATS by Sarah Bessen et al. in @JAMA_current: #Hearing #Aid Use Trends Among #OlderAdults by #Income and Metropolitan vs Nonmetropolitan #Residence "In this nationally representative cross-sectional study, the proportion of adults aged 65 years and older reporting #hearingaid use increased by 45.5% between 2011 and 2022, with the greatest increase occurring among adults who resided in #metropolitan areas. "Notably, hearing aid use decreased among adults with #lowincome in #nonmetropolitan areas, where hearing loss is more prevalent. These longitudinal data provide an update to prior literature on hearing aid use and corroborate prior research on #disparities in #hearing care." https://t.co/tcEAfFO4Aw

Truth: as a DeafBlind person, this month alone I had to pay almost $3000 for equipments I needed as a deaf and low vision person. Disparity in how much disabled people have to pay out of pockets for “medical” expenses that insurances like Medicare do not cover - Hearing aids. This month alone, I had to pay over $2000 out of pocket for new hearing aids plus almost $500 to replace the lens on my glasses. A colleague, who is also DeafBlind and uses hearing aids, shared the same predicament- but they had to take out a loan to be able to get their new hearing aids. That’s not right at all. I recall a friend of mine who was a medical doctor who once shared that medical professions take an oath known as the Hippocratic Oath: "I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous." Though this is not widely used by medical professionals, yet the point being is to abstain from whatever is deleterious… By having us pay out of pocket, which is an insane amount, for these equipment is deleterious. This is injustice. Insurances (and medical providers in America) need to step up their game in providing us with better coverage and equity - especially Medicare! Note of continued audism and ableism within the Medicare system for folks with “hearing loss” - When Medicare was signed into law in 1965, it did not include any coverage for hearing aids. They were considered “routinely needed and low in cost” and most Americans didn’t live long enough to actually need them. Even though the costs are now high and the need great, Medicare still doesn’t cover hearing aids. Medicare has four parts: Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. While Medicare Parts A and B do not cover the cost of hearing aids or hearing services related to hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage plans (additional cost) do offer coverage for hearing aids and services, depending on the plan you choose. That being shared, Abled bodied folks do not have this shared experiences and have that luxury of picketing money when us disabled folks cannot. End of rant. But seriously, we need to change the system here. Like ASAP. #DisabilityJustice #DisabilityRights #Disparities #HealthCare #Deaf #DeafBlind #HearingAids #DeafLife #DeafBlindLife #EquityMatters #HealthAndWellness #HealthBenefits #AntiAbleism #Audism

How innovative solutions are improving access to hearing health for older women

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, so what better time than now to announce a momentous change for one of WT's most distinguished departments? WT's former Department of Communication Disorders is now known as the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, a name change that better reflects its mission of assisting people in need around the Panhandle and beyond. Not only are they responsible for helping with speech-sound remediation in schools, but they also help people who have suffered strokes, people who need assistance in swallowing—even in helping with the early identification of autism and dyslexia. https://lnkd.in/gWN3gbRM

"That awkward moment when you're sitting in a conversation; then suddenly realizing everyone is looking in your direction, waiting for you to respond." This quote perfectly highlights the anxiety and stress that individuals with hearing loss may experience in social situations. The feeling of being caught off guard, unsure of what was said, and fearing a mistaken response can be overwhelming. This anxiety can lead to: 1. Social withdrawal: Avoiding conversations and social interactions due to fear of misunderstanding or embarrassment. 2. Feelings of isolation: Being left out of conversations or feeling disconnected from others. 3. Low self-esteem: Feeling inadequate or embarrassed about one's hearing loss. 4. Mental health concerns: Increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and cognitive decline. It's essential to recognize the emotional impact of hearing loss and offer support, such as: 1. Encouraging open communication about hearing difficulties and functional limitations. 2. Using visual aids or assistive listening devices. 3. Providing clear and patient communication. 4. Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Persons with hearing disabilities must have access to proper aural rehabilitation, as explained in the SA White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Unfortunately, older persons with hearing loss are often excluded from such programs, which is a significant oversight. We are failed by the system in SA. By acknowledging and addressing these concerns, we can help alleviate anxiety and promote a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with hearing loss. Fanie du Toit #faniedreams

#cCMV Findings of this cohort study support that ongoing audiological follow-up for untreated children with congenital hearing loss is important, as the majority of patients had hearing deterioration. The timing of seroconversion was associated with the risk of developing late-onset hearing loss. These insights can aid in parental counseling, patient stratification, and follow-up. Future research should focus on the effect of treatment, the influence of determined risk factors, and the study of eventual new risk factors in patients at high risk to develop hearing loss. https://lnkd.in/eS9MHff8

As we observe Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, it's essential for home healthcare professionals, caregivers, and home health aides to deepen their understanding of the terms related to hearing loss. This knowledge enhances our ability to provide compassionate and effective care to our clients. Here are some important definitions: deaf (lowercase): Refers to the audiological condition where an individual does not hear. Deaf (uppercase): Denotes a cultural identity shared by individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) and participate in Deaf culture. Hard of hearing: Describes individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, who may use residual hearing, hearing aids, or other devices. Late-deafened: Refers to individuals who have become deaf later in life, often requiring different communication strategies and support. Fostering awareness and understanding of these terms helps us deliver more tailored and respectful care to those we serve. Let's continue to educate ourselves and advocate for the needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. #DeafBlindAwarenessWeek #HomeHealthcare #Caregivers #HomeHealthAides

Human rights in the workplace: Road To Independence has developed a protocol and guidelines regarding the functional needs of a hearing-impaired or deaf adult in the workplace. The protocol addresses the following: 1. Degree of hearing loss in decibels 2. Description of the hearing loss (clinical) 3. The functional impact on the individual. 4. Recommendations in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, SA legislation, codes, and guidelines. This strategy is aligned with the social model of disability and universal access and design principles. The protocol indicates the impact of hearing loss and the support that the employee concerned may need. It also serves as a guideline to use in the consultation process between: 1. The individual with hearing loss 2. Health professionals in the field of audiology 3. Representative of the disability sector (an expert on the impact of hearing loss) 4. A representative of the employer 5. An occupational therapist, if necessary. For more information, contact: Fanie du Toit Adult Basic Education Practitioner National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities Global Peer Support Network Advocates of Individualized Hearing Care™ Non-manipulative Ethical Selling Each Ear LLC 082 820 7358 (WhatsApp text only) fanie.dt@mweb.co.za https://lnkd.in/dpvSkHFX

How can we support systems and policies that enhance family-centered early intervention, improve family well-being, and optimize developmental outcomes for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing? The final article in this Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education special issue shares actionable steps from Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) Research Fellow & LEND Faculty Dr. Amy Szarkowski and colleagues about how to strengthen family-centered early intervention for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing programs, services, and systems across the globe:

At HASA, we understand that hearing is a vital part of your overall health and development. Early detection of hearing issues is crucial for effective intervention and support, which is why newborn hearing screenings are so important. Why Prioritize Hearing Screenings? Early Detection: Identifying hearing issues within the first few months of life can significantly influence a child's language, social, and cognitive development. Timely Interventions: Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment options, which can lead to better outcomes and easier adaptation for the child and family. Support Holistic Development: Addressing hearing health supports not just communication abilities but also the mental and emotional well-being of children as they grow. We encourage parents and healthcare providers to ensure that hearing screenings are a standard part of a child's medical care. Catching hearing issues early not only helps in treatment but also improves the overall prognosis and quality of life.For more insights on the interconnectedness of hearing health and holistic wellness, read our latest blog: The Importance of Holistic Health: Hearing Loss & Mental Health. Let’s make hearing health a priority from the start to pave the way for healthier futures! https://lnkd.in/eQbQy66P #Teamwork #2024 #ThankYou #NonProfitOrganization #COO