Vol. 4, No. 2, March/April 1996	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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SHHH and Johns Hopkins Launch Nationwide Telecoil Awareness Project

Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc. a leading national consumer organization for people with hearing loss, in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Center for Hearing and Balance, has initiated a National Telecoil Awareness Project. Funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National Institute of Health, the purpose of the project is to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of telecoils in hearing aids.

Most consumers do not understand why they should include a telecoil in their hearing aid purchase. Consequently fewer than 30 percent of all hearing aids purchased in the United States have a telecoil included.

As consumers who strive to make the maximum use of technology, SHHH members know that a telecoil has a dramatic impact on a hearing aid user's functionability on the telephone. Further, telecoils allow hearing aid wearers to access assistive listening systems which enable them to get more mileage and performance out of their hearing aid by overcoming distance or background noise barriers in a variety of situations like classrooms, movies, theaters, lectures, courtrooms, or even while listening to TV.

 

The SHHH/John Hopkins project will result in the development of a practical video for consumers about telecoils. The video will be used by physicians, audiologists, and hearing aid specialists at the time that a consumer is considering purchasing hearing aids for the first time or replacing existing hearing aid(s). Written guidance materials about telecoils will also be produced. The video will be completed in time for the SHHH National Convention in Orlando, Florida, June 21-24, 1996.

SHHH and John Hopkins will be assisted in this project by professional organizations in the field of hearing care. The American Academy of Audiology, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc., the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the International Hearing Society have all designated representatives to serve on an advisory committee, to provide input on the video content, and to assist with promoting use of the video by hearing care professionals. The Hearing Industries Association, representing the major manufacturers of hearing aids, will also advise on the project. SHHH will mobilize its extensive network of chapters and groups across the United States to disseminate the video to local hearing aid dispensers.

For more info call 301-657-2248 (V) 2249 (TT).