We learned about fire safety for people with hearing loss. This critical information was presented by the Clifton Park volunteer fire department and Saratoga County emergency services.
In addition, NYS Cochlear representatives Allison Leasure and Brittany Dunn conducted a question and answer presentation. They discussed the newest technology and assistive devices.
Meniere’s Disease, a relatively uncommon syndrome, is a chronic inner ear disorder. Dr. DeMaria described typical symptoms, differential diagnosis, medical management options, psychosocial implications and its effects on everyday life activities. Onset and symptoms can vary among individuals, generally showing episodic severe vertigo, feelings of internal ear pressure, progressive hearing loss, vomiting and tinnitus. Meniere’s can affect one ear or both. Its unpredictability and impact on mobility and general functioning can lead to feelings of depression and isolation, so the importance of medical management and support systems was stressed. Dietary management is one key factor, particularly a very low sodium intake accompanied by adequate hydration and physical activity. Dr. DeMaria and others shared personal experiences in managing and coping with Meniere’s. Inner ear surgery and cochlear implants are sometimes performed. She discussed some of the medication options including the promising new medication, Ebselem, now under development and trials.
A few resources for further information:
National Institutes of Health – https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/menieres-disease
VEDA: The Vestibular Disorders Association – https://vestibular.org/
A Detailed Explanation of Meniere’s Disease – https://www.menieres-disease.ca/menieres-disease-in-detail/
Use the search link to find their low sodium soup base options (tasty and long-lasting under refrigeration) – https://soupbase.com/
American Heart Association cookbook – https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/aha-cookbooks/aha-low-salt-cookbook-4th-edition
HLAA – Capital Area Chapter held its Holiday Gathering (postponed from December due to inclement weather) on the evening of January 21 at the Robert A. Fahr Watervliet Public Library. The conference room welcomed with a cheerful holiday theme set up by Kerry Meehan. All in attendance brought “pot luck” contributions, making for a wonderful meal while engaging in lively conversation. Barbara Carlson presented the raffle American Girl Doll, Joss Kendrick, that is fitted with a hearing aid, having the story of being born with one-sided deafness. The winning ticket awarded the doll to Carol Dobbins. With such generous food items, there was enough to share with the Albany City Mission after the event.
A variety of topics were discussed. In particular, there was a great panel discussion on cochlear implants. This discussion resulted in lots of questions and answers and sharing regarding personal experiences with cochlear implants, recovery, expectations, how to improve hearing and what to expect. Several members are in the process of getting implants. We thank Kerry M. for her many contributions to the evening’s success. See the attached meeting minutes for additional details.
Our wide-ranging discussion encompassed topics such as the recent HLAA Walk4 Hearing Boston Chapter, enthusiastically attended by Kerry; placing our chapter pamphlets in audiology waiting rooms to be seen and picked up by those who don’t know about us; medical facilities, schools, etc. accommodating people with hearing loss; attendees sharing helpful technologies/apps/tips with each other, such as iPhone’s Live Captions (voice to text); brainstorming program ideas to plan and execute over the next six months or so. A pleasant and productive meeting in a comfortable room.
On a beautiful late summer September 7 afternoon, about 30 people gathered at the spacious and airy Halfmoon-Waterford firehouse pavilion for the annual potluck picnic. Dr. Donna Wayner was our guest of honor, recognizing her decades of dedication to our group, after originating it many years ago and fostering its growth and purpose over time. New attendees were warmly welcomed as we all chatted, well aware of accommodations that needed to be made for our individual hearing losses. Of course, the food offerings were plentiful and outstanding. Thanks go to Kerry and Tom Meehan for organizing the event and providing the perfect venue.
Plans were made for a September 24 organizational meeting to map out a calendar for the coming year.
A new venue for our group, the quiet, welcoming community room allowed for set up of our Chapter’s electronic hearing loop system, which along with use of the library’s PA system assured hearing access for all throughout the meeting.
A schedule was tentatively outlined for the remainder of 2025 with a Summer picnic, a September planning meeting, a Fall public program to be presented by area hearing professionals, an outdoor walk event or lunch gathering, and a Holiday gathering.
Attendees took Chapter brochures and informative tips sheets to share with others in the community in a thrust to share information and invite new members.
Additional initiatives include updating the website list of area venues with Hearing Assistance technology. Working with Proctors Collaborative to highlight their systems is a goal as well.
Technology items discussed: Microsoft Windows 11 built-in captioning capability (works even without internet access). https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/learning-center/choose-best-caption-settings
Other phone apps were discussed briefly.
The advantages of Telecoil inclusion in hearing aids was discussed vs anticipation of Auracast hearing access, likely not to be readily available in our area for several years in the future. The many area FM and Infrared systems and “looped” venues can be accessed via T-coil using neck loop or other streaming devices (Mini Mic).
Use of technology related to hearing access is a vital service provided by these gatherings and always elicits much interest.
Eighteen HLAA Albany members discussed group reorganization, yearly dues for members and planning for future meetings, topics, speakers, and social gatherings. Personal stories related to hearing loss were also shared by the group.
A dozen attendees, a third of them newcomers, shared their personal histories of hearing loss, their ongoing challenges, and advocacy issues they would like to pursue. The discussion underscored the importance of getting the word out about the Albany chapter to Capital Region residents.
Ellen Rupert of the HLAA Albany chapter led an informative talk and discussion about surviving the holidays with hearing loss.
