For those of you having problems hearing in a business meeting, the following link may give you some new things to try.  For more information, you can also go to my 4 part series that deals with the challenges of the work environment when you have hearing loss.

http://www.healthyhearing.com/articles/34871-hearing-loss-and-business

The four part series can be found at:

http://community.livinglakecountry.com/blogs/hears_to_life/archive/2008/07/10/so-how-are-you-doing-on-the-job-with-your-hearing-loss.aspx 

http://community.livinglakecountry.com/blogs/hears_to_life/archive/2008/07/11/communication-in-the-workplace.aspx

http://community.livinglakecountry.com/blogs/hears_to_life/archive/2008/07/13/making-a-list-of-communication-barriers-at-work.aspx

http://community.livinglakecountry.com/blogs/hears_to_life/archive/2008/07/14/interventions-in-the-workplace-to-help-you-hear-better.aspx

Have a great week!

Copyright 2009 Tami Klink

Below is the link to a story of a toddler who recently had a Cochlear Implant.  For those of you not familiar with this technology, there is a misconception that once you 'turn' it on, the patient can hear normally.  The reality is, your auditory nerve has to learn how to process the sounds and your brain has to figure out how to interpret them.  So, it does take a few weeks/months for everything to start working correctly. 

http://www.4hearingloss.com/archives/2009/02/deaf_toddler_ge.html

Imagine the exciting things happening in this household!

Have a great week!

Just wanted to congratulate "D & M" who are members of our hearing loss group here in Wales.

On Dec. 16, 2008, "D's" new Cochlear Implant was turned on.  He received it in November.  According to a note that I received from his wife, "D" can now hear after 40 years of not really being able to.  Imagine that!  You spend 40 years of your life not hearing the spoken word and then thanks to the technology that is now available, you can once again hear!

We wish both of them the very best and look forward to hearing the latest stories from "D" on once again living in the hearing world.  Congratulations!

Have a great week!

Copyright 2009 Tami Klink

I know that this is kind of late notice, but I have just found out via my co-leader for our hearing loss group of the following.  If you are looking at getting a Cochlear Implant, this meeting would be a 'must attend' for you.

Cochlear Implant Support Group Meeting

Date:  Monday, November 17, 2008

Time:  6:00 - 8:00pm

Location:  8700 Watertown Plank Road, Room 2 (Community Conference Center Building)  Across the street from Froedert Hospital

The Froedtert Cochlear Implant Team (yes, the team!) will be giving a presentation on the Cochlear Implant evaluation process (when Hearing Aids are just not enough).  They will also be discussing the benefits of 2 Cochlear Implants vs. a single one.  The Community Conference Center is on the North side of Watertown Plank Road (87th & Watertown Plank)

Jim Savageau will also be there if you have any questions about our Lake Country HLAA Chapter that meets here in Wales the second Thursday of every month. 

A definite place to go for all that you need to know on Cochlear Implants. 

Have a great week!

Copyright 2008 Tami Klink

This is the fourth and final column on Communication in the Workplace.  If you missed the other three just go back to the previous columns to catch up on what we've talked about so far.  You've made the list of all of the problems that you are having when it comes to hearing and being able to do your job.  Now what?  Here are few ideas for you.  If any of you have any other ones, feel free to post them in the comment section.  There are always new things coming out for those of us with hearing loss and we need to get the word out to others!

Here are a few that I know of.  If you need more information you can always type what you are looking for in your search engine and learn more.  I am in no way an expert on any of them.  Some of them I have and use and others I have not yet looked into.

Hearing Aids - I've written a lot of this subject.  If you click on the tag at the bottom of the columns, it will take you to the columns that I've put comments or information in about hearing aids.  Bottom line is, if you have a hearing loss you really do need to go and check these things out.  I know that they are expensive and most insurance won't cover the cost.  But, if this is going to enable you to keep your job as well as your relationships on a positive note, they are well worth the investment.  Once you get them, you are going to have to be patient and take the time to become used to them.  It's going to change the way you hear things and let you hear things that you have not heard in a long time or as in my case, never before.  It's a frustrating as well as humorous thing to go through.  Oh, the stories that my family could tell...

Assistive Listening Devices - Some education and training is going to be needed once you get these.  Employers would be looked upon very favorably if they made this into an all office thing.  John Kinstler and his staff at the UniversaLink store at the Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing now go to workplaces as well as some homes to facilitate this.  It's a great service.  Feel free to contact them and set up an appointment. 

Visual displays - For some meetings the use of CART (Computer Assisted Real-Time Captioning will be a big help to those with hearing loss.  Margo Lucas is our CART person for our Southern Wisconsin Lake Country HLAA meetings here in Wales.  She would be happy to answer any questions you may have on obtaining this service for your company.  She can be reached at SeeingtheWord@wi.rr.com or by cell at 262-442-6676.  CART enables those in meeting situations to read what the conversation is as it is being spoken on a screen.  It is the same technology that is used by Court Reporters.  In our case, Margo provides the equipment.  This is good for training programs, video conferences, televised education programs and videotapes.  It's interesting to see how many normal hearing people also like this service since some of us 'learn' better by reading instead of listening.

Alerting Devices - I'll never forget the first time we drove up our driveway at night after installing the alerting devices for the telephone, doorbell and smoke alarm to see lights flashing all over the house.  Kind of looked like a 70's disco!  But seriously, these alerting devices are just another way for a hard of hearing person to 'see' if the phone, doorbell or smoke alarm is ringing.  I can be in room where there is no phone and be alerted by the flashing light if it is ringing.  And, if there's someone at the door, they no longer think that I'm ignoring them.  For those of you that need a little extra help from an alarm clock, those are also available with flashing lights or a 'bed shaker'.  Believe me, you will wake up!  And, no more worries about being late for work or having to rely on someone else to get you up in time.  In an office setting, it takes the stress out of having to work hard to hear the phones or even the fire alarm.

Education about Hearing Loss - Most people who are hard of hearing know very little about hearing loss.  Why would normal hearing people be any different?  Education via your computer searches, audiologist, Hearing Loss magazine (a part of your membership in the Hearing Loss Association of America), and even your friends with hearing loss is an ongoing process for all of us.  Take the time to try and educate those around you so that they are on the same playing field as you when it comes to positive communication strategies.

Coping Strategies Training/Education - You need to be able to tell people what to do in order to communicate with them better.  You need the opportunities to practice doing it.  And, you need feedback on how well you are doing with it.  Where do you get all of this?  From my own personal experience, I've taken the speechreading/lipreading classes at the Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in West Allis through Pam Bergum.  You can contact her at 414-604-7209 or by email at pbergum@cdhh.org  They have many classes available based on your particular needs.  She can come to your workplace and get all of the employees involved or meet with you one on one or in small groups.  You will need to be able to identify the causes of your communication problems, solicit behavior changes from those that you communicate with, remind them when they inevitably forget and model the communication behavior you desire from others.  Believe it or not, these classes have been both humorous and very informative and even after thinking that I knew all that there was to know when it came to lipreading, found that there were a lot of bad habits that I had developed over the years that in hindsight caused me to have negative communication experiences.

Manual Communication Training - People with profound hearing loss as well as those that will most likely become deaf can certainly benefit from sign language classes.  These are also available at the Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and can also be found on DVD at some libraries.  I used to know American Sign Language, but over the years have 'lost' it since I was not using it everyday.  In the work place setting, if the people that you are working with are willing to learn some of the signs, it would be a great help to you.  For those of you in the normal hearing world, there is a big misconception out there that if you are talking with someone that is hard of hearing that means that we know sign language.  Most hard of hearing do not use sign language.  The Ddeaf and Hard of Hearing cultures are two very different things.  So, don't make assumptions!

Counseling/Therapy - Let's face it, if you are just starting to experience a hearing loss after having had normal hearing most of your life, this is a very devastating thing to adjust to.  I'm lucky in that I've had it all of my life and don't know what it's like to live as a normal hearing person.  So, I've never had a problem accepting it.  But there are those out there that truly feel that this is the end of their world as they know it.  In these cases, employers would be very wise to offer some counseling and/or therapy.  Most company insurance plans cover the costs and it's a win/win situation for both sides considering that this will enable your valued employee to continue doing the great job that he had done for you over the years.  It's very frustrating to see how some employers gradually 'get rid' of the hard of hearing employee.  It doesn't have to end this way for either of you if you are both willing to take the time and figure out what needs to be done to keep the relationship positive in the workplace.  Try and put yourself in their shoes or better yet think about what you would do if it happened to one of your family members.

Relaxation Training - Stress, muscle tension and fatigue go hand-in-hand with hearing loss.  This can lead to a decline in job performance.  Check and see if there are yoga classes, relaxation classes, ect. offered through your employer.  These can be a great help in helping you to see the signs of when you've had too much for one day and what to do about it.

Cochlear Implants - Froedert Hospital has a really great Cochlear Implant program.  Our co-leader Jim Savageau had his first one at age 50 and is now checking into getting his other ear done.  I'm not good on this subject since it doesn't apply in my case.  But, if you have questions on this subject, Jim has volunteered to answer them by email.  He can be reached by phone at 262-367-9057 or email at jsavageau@wi.rr.com  Jim also attends a support group at Froedert if you are interested in learning more about that.  Cochlear Implants have enabled those that were classified as being deaf the ability to join the hearing world.  John Kinstler down at the UniversaLink store is another cochlear implant expert.  It is really amazing to see what both of these gentlemen have been able to do to enhance not only their lives, but also those around them.  It was a big step for both of them to take and I've really enjoyed watching their progress. 

Hopefully, these last 4 columns have helped you on having a more positive experience in the workplace.  As I learn more I will pass it on.  Let me know if there's a particular topic that you are needing more information on and I'll try my best to get a column up on it.  Who knows, we might all finally get the hearing world to the point where having a hearing loss isn't such a big deal anymore....

Have a great week!

Copyright 2008 Tami Klink

As promised, here are Jim's thoughts on our first Lake Country HLAA Chapter meeting last Thursday.  He sent this email out to all of our new members today and with his permission I am posting it on here for all of you. 

Have a great week!

 4/13/08

Hello!

It was nice to meet all of you last Thursday at the FIRST EVER meeting of the HLAA Lake Country Chapter.  I want to thank you for giving up your evening and coming out in the rain to make the meeting a success.

Each of us who came to the meeting came because we are affected in some way by hearing loss, or someone we know and love has a hearing loss, we came to be with each other, share something, learn something about hearing loss as well as learn about what we can do to help ourselves and each other to live our lives to the fullest.

I am rather new to the HLAA, but as one of our new group members mentioned at the meeting, it was formerly known as SHHH - Self Help for the Hard of Hearing.  That is EXACTLY what our group is all about - helping ourselves and helping each other!

It was especially encouraging for me to listen as each of us shared a little about ourselves.  I know that it is NOT easy to do something like that with a room full of people whom you have just met, but I think that each of us learned a little about each other, as well as some of the things that we deal with each day as we deal with our own or a loved one's hearing loss.  I hope that this meant as much to all of you as it did to me, because it is this sense of belonging, this sense of community, this sense of a shared goal that brings us all together in forming our group.

When I first started exploring a cochlear implant for myself about 3 years ago, one of the first things that I did was talk to other CI users, by email and in person.  It was the FIRST time in my life that I had actually reached out to meet other HOH or deaf folks and the impact on my life was wonderful. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was truly a member of a group, sharing a common bond with other people.  What I found out was that there are MANY  MANY people out there just like us who deal with the struggles of hearing loss each day.  I found out that I was not alone and these people were always willing to share their stories, their successes, their failures and offer me support in my own life.

At the meeting in Wales last week, we came up with several ideas for discussions at future meetings, and we will put those ideas to good use as we plan for upcoming meetings and other events.  Each of you will have a chance to help out as much as you would like and each of you are encouraged to spread the news to others who could benefit from our meetings.

Our next meeting is in Wales on Thursday, May 8th starting at 6:30pm.  I hope to see you and even more new friends at the meeting.  In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Tami or I with any questions, concerns or suggestions.

With warm regards,

Jim Savageau

One of the people affected by hearing loss in our area has graciously agreed to share his story with all of you.  If you would like to meet him, he will actually be helping me to get the Southern Wisconsin Lake Country HLAA Chapter going.  Our first meeting is on April 10th at 6:30pm.  It will be at the Wales Community Center located at 216 W. South St. in Wales, WI.  Meetings will be held the 2nd Thursday of the month.  If you have any questions about HLAA or the new group, please feel free to contact me. 

 The following story is one persons' experience with a cochlear implant.  Your experience may be very different.  Success with a cochlear implant is influenced by many factors including how long a person has had hearing loss, the age a person receives an implant, medical and anatomical factors and more.  Please consult your cochlear implant professional and/or the Bionic Ear Association with questions. 

Have a great week!

 Jim's Story

My hearing loss surfaced as a young boy.  Because my older brother had experienced a hearing loss at an early age, my parents were closely monitoring my hearing situation.  I was fitted with a hearing aid in my right ear at age 10, thus beginning my lifelong association with audiologists and other hearing specialists.  I was never given a firm diagnosis as to the cause of my hearing loss - only that it was probably due to a hereditary nerve loss.

From the age of 10 until age 30, I managed to hear very well with one hearing aid.  I went to college, got married and started a family.  At age 30, I experienced a sudden drop in hearing in my right ear and also in my left ear.  I was fit with a more powerful aid in my right ear as well as an aid in my left ear.  Once again, the specialists offered no reason for the sudden loss of hearing.  It was then (1985) when I first learned of a device called a cochlear implant that offered some crude "hearing sensations" to deaf persons.  I prayed that I would never lose enough hearing to ever have to consider that device.

At age 40 (in 1995), I was devastated when I lost all remaining hearing in my right ear and suffered a further loss in my left.  By this time, my left ear (my good ear) had profound hearing loss, yet I still could not accept that I was deaf.  I was terrified that I would no longer work as a Project Manager with an electrical engineering company and wondered how I would support my family if I could not hear.

Somehow I managed to follow conversations by relying heavily on speech reading and other people.  But as time went on, the physical and mental effort required to do this became too much and I withdrew from social settings.  I no longer enjoyed concerts or plays and stopped attending parties and family functions.  Business meetings were particularly stressful and I dreaded those the most.

In the meantime (in late 2002), my brother received a cochlear implant, which was a huge benefit to him.  I thought, but he has always had worse hearing than I have so it is no wonder he got a CI.  I was still not ready to seek out a CI for myself and I still thought I was doing fine.  Little did I know or even consider that the CI would be beneficial to me.

Finally in late 2005, at the age of 50, I came to realize that I was NOT happy with my life.  And unless I wanted to start a new career, as well as learn sign language to communicate, I had better see whether a CI would work for me.  Looking back at that decision, it is now ironic that it was not until I accepted that I was deaf that I could begin my journey back to hearing.

During my evaluation for the CI, I was amazed to learn how much I depended upon speech reading to understand conversation.  Seeing the very poor results of my hearing tests (which were done with my hearing aid in my good ear) made me anxious to receive my CI and get started on the journey back to hearing.

We decided to implant my deaf right ear and continue wearing a powerful hearing aid in my left.  It was up to me to decide on the CI device and after researching all three devices, I chose the Advanced Bionics HiRes 90k Implant and the Auria BTE processor.  As an engineer, I wanted an implant that not only had the latest in technology, but also had the potential for future upgrades without requiring additional surgery or re implantation.  I quickly recognized the design superiority of the Bionics' device with its 16 individual current sources for electrode excitation.  This innovative design allowed sound processing strategies that none of the other manufacturers' devices could offer me.

My cochlear implant outpatient surgery was done in March 2006 and I was home for the dinner the same day.  I returned to work after about a week at home and the CI was activated a month after surgery.

While I could indeed hear sounds immediately upon activation, those sounds were not understandable and were accompanied by a constant high pitched squealing.  I could not imagine ever being able to understand anything I was hearing with the CI.  However, after a few weeks, the squealing went away and my brain truly did begin to adapt to the sounds.  And, I was HEARING with my right ear again!

The first few months brought rapidly improved hearing, speech understanding and music appreciation.  When I went to several sessions with my audiologist and she refined the sound processing programs, my understanding of sounds improved.

By four weeks, my implanted ear could already understand speech about four times better than my other ear (with the hearing aid).  At three months, the difference was about six times!  In addition, I rediscovered the joys of attending concerts as well as connecting with family and friends.  Before I received my CI my wife was stuck by my side, acting as my interpreter/assistive listening device at social events.  Now, she happily complains that she has to hunt for me as I wander everywhere making conversation with anyone and everyone!  We have listened to bands and gone to the movies again.  For our anniversary we are looking forward to attending a play for the first time in 20 years or more.

As someone who has struggled for years with a profound hearing loss, I did not think that I would ever be able to enjoy the many things that hearing folks enjoy like concerts, plays and movies.  But as much as I missed these things, I missed being connected with my family and friends even more.  My cochlear implant has given me back my life by connecting me with my family, friends and the whole world!