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A new generation facing hearing loss also has new options. According to a new survey by the Better Hearing Institute, as many as one in two Americans over the age of 50 has a hearing loss. A six-year study by the House Ear Institute found that Baby Boomers in particular may be contributing to an increase in early hearing loss due to their excessive exposure to loud rock music.

HSDC recently sent an audiologist to join leading hearing care professionals from across the United States at a conference on Baby Boomers and hearing loss in Copenhagen, Denmark. The conference explored attitudes and issues surrounding hearing loss among this new generation, and looked at the latest high tech hearing solutions designed with tech-savvy, style conscious Baby Boomers in mind.

Many people in the 40-plus generation resist addressing hearing loss, often waiting until the hearing loss is seriously affecting their quality of life. For Baby Boomers who expect to continue working or plan to stay socially active, untreated hearing loss negatively impacts work situations and relationships and can drastically affect future employment prospects. But now, new hearing devices are changing the perception of what it means to have a hearing loss. HSDC's audiology staff are among the first hearing care professionals to learn about the new Oticon Delta, a revolutionary design in hearing devices that looks more like a high tech fashion accessory than a hearing instrument.

"This is definitely a refreshing change in hearing aid options, combining cosmetics, comfort and performance" explained one audiologist. "Oticon Delta doesn't look at all like a traditional hearing aid. It has a fashionable, high tech appearance and a streamlined shape, make it comfortable and discreet. Best of all, this trendy hearing device houses a state-of-the art computer sound processing technology, so it can give a significant improvement in speech comprehension even in noisy listening situations."

"Our goal is for people to stay active and in touch with their families and their surroundings - and the right hearing aid helps many realize that goal."

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Donna Platt, M.S., advocate for disaster preparedness in Washington State, received national recognition when she was awarded the James C. Marsters Promotion Award by Telecommunications for the Deaf. This prestigious award was given in recognition of her outstanding efforts to promote access to and involvement in emergency preparedness activities by Deaf and hard of hearing people in the state of Washington. Donna developed guidelines for service providers working with Deaf, Deaf-Blind, hard of hearing, and speech challenged clients on 9-1-1 services and compiled a workbook for a telecommunications cultural training program offered for credit by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. She also developed a "TTY User's Guide to 9-1-1" booklet which was also translated to large print, Braille, and Spanish.

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