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DHS Commissioner Marks Better Hearing and Speech Month
EWING TOWNSHIP 鈥� Recognizing May as Better Hearing and Speech Month, Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez today visited the campus of the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf to highlight the broad range of equipment and technology available to deaf and hard of hearing residents to support their work and home lives.聽 The Ewing Township site is just one of the Department鈥檚聽聽demonstration centers.鈥淭here have been incredible advances in technology that allow people with hearing loss to live safely and independently,鈥� said Velez. 鈥淭his equipment ensures that work and community living are achievable and sustainable, even for individuals who are profoundly Deaf. Last year, more than 700 residents received equipment through the Department鈥檚 Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH).鈥�
Among the聽, the Commissioner tested home safety mechanisms such as fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and baby cry alerts with built in strobe lights and visual flashers. Telecommunication instruments such as video phones, captioned phones and other assistive listening tools also were also on display.
In 樱花视频, it is estimated that more than 850,000 children and adults have some type of hearing loss. These statistics keep the Department, together with its national and community partner organizations, working hard to promote hearing loss awareness, treatment and interventions. Ranging from slight to profound, hearing loss can change a person鈥檚 quality of life.聽 A diagnosis during the early years of life might affect speech and language development, school performance and social interaction.聽 Later in life, a loss of hearing could manifest in personal and professional obstacles. In some cases, it may place a person at risk for social isolation and depression.
鈥溣；ㄊ悠德犅燽ecause the detection of significant hearing loss would not be immediately obvious, otherwise,鈥� said DDHH鈥檚 Director, David Alexander, who uses a cochlear implant and other hearing assistance technology at home and at work. 鈥淩egular screenings are essential to maintain hearing health. If, or when, any degree of hearing loss is determined, the Division can provide extensive information, training and technical assistance to individuals and their families, schools and employers.鈥�
Once considered a byproduct of aging, hearing loss is affecting many more people. Among the generations that grew up with Walkmans or digital music players, doctors are seeing an increased number of patients in their twenties with hearing damage.
Hearing loss can occur slowly over time and the onset may be difficult to detect. The聽聽can be used to generally assess hearing loss symptoms:
鈥⒙燜requently asking people to repeat themselves.
鈥⒙燭urning your ear toward a sound to hear it better.
鈥⒙燞aving pain or ringing in your ears.
鈥⒙燢eeping the volume of your music or TV at a level that others say is too loud.
These warning signs indicate the need for a hearing test by a licensed audiologist. The assessment procedures for hearing loss are simple and painless.聽 For people of all ages, the sooner hearing loss is detected, the more effectively it can be treated and intervention provided. Screenings should be done annually for children and periodically throughout adulthood.聽
For more information about hearing health and hearing loss, visit聽聽or call 800-792-8339 V/TTY toll free in 樱花视频.
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