Professional Associations & Resources   FUNDING OPTIONS HEAR NOW - Starkey Hearing Foundation http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/ Hear Now provides hearing aids to low income U.S. residents without resources for hearing aids. To discuss eligibility for the program, call at 1-800-328-8602 and ask for Hear Now. The Hike Fund http://www.thehikefund.org/ The HIKE Fund, Inc. is a not for profit charity incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska and registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charity. The Fund is the continuing philanthropic project of Job’s Daughters International . Fully staffed by unpaid volunteers from throughout the united States and Canada. Total operating expenses are less then 5%. The purpose of the Fund is to provide hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and twenty years whose parents are unable to meet this special need financially. An estimate of 100 children are provided with hearing devices each year. Children are eligible to receive a grant providing the need is verified by a prescription from an audiologist or physician. Many of the recipients are children of working parents. Community Hearing Aid Program http://www.communityhearingaidprogram.org/ In 1978, CHAP was established by a group of audiologists as a way to match hundreds of refurbished hearing aids to hundreds of individuals who could not afford to purchase new hearing aids. CHAP utilizes both new and used hearing aids for its program and also collects non-operating hearing aids for repair credit from hearing aid manufacturers. Ear Foundation http://earfoundationaz.com/page_010_005.html The EAR Foundation of Arizona is an affiliate chapter of The EAR Foundation in Nashville, TN, a national, not-for-profit (501-c-3) organization that provides services to persons who are deaf, have a hearing loss or a balance impairment. Please enjoy learning more about the programs, services and professionals who are part of the EAR Foundation of Arizona. Funding is available for hearing aids and parts for cochlear implants through Hear for Kids Program. Lions Club http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/index.php We want everyone to see a better tomorrow. That's why we support sight programs and services including vision screenings, eye banks and eyeglass recycling. Provide eye care services to those at risk of losing their sight. And raise donations through campaigns like SightFirst and Campaign SightFirst II. We believe everyone deserves a healthy life. From providing health programs that focus on hearing loss to supporting efforts to control and prevent diabetes, we're working to improve the health of children and adults around the world. NATIONAL American Academy of Audiology 8201 Greensboro Drive Suite 300 McLean, VA 22102 http://www.audiology.org American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 10801 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 Answer Line: 888-321-ASHA Action Center: 800-498-2071 Voice: 301-897-5700 TTD: 301-897-0157 http://www.asha.org Americans With Disabilities Act Voice: 1-800-514-0301 TTD: 1-800-514-0383 http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm Call to obtain answers to general and technical questions about the ADA and to order technical assistance materials: American Tinnitus Association P.O. Box 5 Portland, OR 97207-0005 http://www.ata.org Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA) Inc. http://www.alda.org National Council of Aging Report (NCOA) http://www.ncoa.org/news/archives/hearing_loss.htm Self Help for the Hard of Hearing People New name: Hearing Loss Association of America 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200 Bethesda, MD 20814 http://www.shhh.org RECOMMENDED HEARING AID MANUFACTURERS We have chosen to work primarily with the following manufacturers, based on product and excellent service: Lyric, Oticon, Phonak, Siemens, Starkey, Unitron, and Widex. We service most brands. Oticon http://www.oticonus.com Phonak http://www.phonak.com Check out Sound Recover: Proven to help patients hear better in noise and hear high frequency sounds not normally available through other amplification options. Siemens Hearing http://www.siemens-hearing.com Starkey http://www.starkey.com Unitron http://www.unitron.com Widex http://www.widex.com *Note: We do not list franchises such as Avada (sells Oticon), NuEar (sells Starkey), Audibel (sells Starkey), Miracle Ear (sells Siemens), or Beltone (sells GN Resound) as they dispense relabeled names (see parenthesis) EARMOLDS Sensaphonics http://www.sensaphonics.com Westone Labs, Inc. http://www.earmold.com BATTERIES Rayovac Corporation http://www.rayovac.com LOOP SYSTEMS Looping Options Enhancing your ability to hear your own TV at home, in an office and devices that will allow you to communicate the bank, with the pharmacist or your soft spoken physician or attorney. These devices are safe for people who have pacemakers. TecEar - assistive listening technology consultants http://www.tecear.com TINNITUS TREATMENT Neuromonics http://www.neuromonics.com/ We are trained to fit the Neuromonics Device. This device is rarely covered through insurances. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) http://www.tinnitus-pjj.com/trta.html Dr. Sadowsky is trained in TRT by Dr. Jastreboff. Although the initial testing is covered by Medicare and most insurances, TRT is not. ALZHEIMER'S, DEMENTIA, AND DIABETES Studies are showing a high correlation between hearing loss, Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Diabetes. Personal Health: Lifelines for People With Hearing Loss HEARING AIDS Are Your Hearing Aid Fittings "On Target?" Very few offices in the Phoenix area validate or verify hearing aid benefits. Asking the patient or client, how do the hearing aids sound, is not the appropriate way to analyze how well the aids are truly working. I can't tell you the number of times I asked my patient that question only to find out they were wearing it turned off or in telecoil mode! Verification is done in our office using both Speech Mapping and Speech in Noise Testing. Aural Rehabilitation Like breaking a hip, you don't have hip replacement surgery and expect to walk again without physical therapy. The same is true for hearing and hearing aids. Many people need some form of aural rehabilitation or hearing training, as well as family members. Different Types of Loss and How a Hearing Aid Works http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthan dConsumer/ConsumerProducts/HearingAids/ucm184675.htm FDA Provides a demonstration of different types of hearing loss and how a hearing aid works. Emergency Readiness http://www.audrehab.org/Emergency_preparedness.pdf Hearing Aid Assistance: What to Expect Realistic expectations for hearing aid performance. Hearing Aid Benefits, Limitations, and Safety Issues http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthan dConsumer/ConsumerProducts/HearingAids/ucm181477.htm Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones Choosing a cell phone that will work with automatic or manually activated telecoils in hearing aids. All cell phone service suppliers must be in compliance and provide phones that are hearing aid compatible. PDAs are not currently hearing aid compatible, but may be connected to hearing aids which have Bluetooth capability. Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplifiers: Know the Difference http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm185459.htm A hearing aid is not just an amplifier and over the counter devices prevent people from getting the appropriate testing and medical help if needed. Hearing aids versus Personal Sound Amplifier Products http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthan dConsumer/ConsumerProducts/HearingAids/default.htm The biggest concern is people purchasing Personal Sound Amplifier Products to be used in lieu of hearing aids and not having appropriate tests. Some of these devices can be played loud enough to cause further damage to the hearing problem, and although they can make sounds louder, they can't make sounds clearer. Hearing Aid Tax Credit http://www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org/ Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act You most likely know someone who has a hearing loss. Whether it affects a relative, child, friend or co-worker, or even yourself, hearing loss is a prevalent and often neglected concern. Hearing loss affects over 30 million Americans or 1 in every 10 people; in fact, it's the second most common birth defect. Despite these staggering numbers and the fact that hearing aids could treat 95% of all hearing loss, Medicare and most insurance policies expressly exclude coverage, making treatment an expensive endeavor. The Hearing Aid Tax Credit is legislation drafted with these real concerns in mind. If enacted, it would provide a $500 tax credit per hearing aid available once every 5 years. Be Proactive! Hearing Aid Types http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthan dConsumer/ConsumerProducts/HearingAids/ucm181470.htm Not all hearing aids are the same. They may look identical or similar, but have very different functions. Improving Your Hearing with Hearing Aids http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2008-12_02.asp We encourage the use of reading out loud, being read to, and listening to music as part of our rehabilitation protocol. This article address the need to read out loud to yourself. The first part of this article discusses measurements needed to fit hearing aids and counseling patients on limitations on hearing aid benefit and speech understanding based on their hearing test. Lyric Hearing Aids and Alzheimer's Disease http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/lifestyles/5169413-423/hearing-aids-help- battle-alzheimers.html Lyric hearing aids can benefit patients with Alzheimer's Disease and arthritis. Mail Order Hearing Aids http://www.fox12idaho.com/Global/story.asp?S=14310896 The dangers of mail order hearing aids. New Online Guide to Hearing Aids Brief guidelines put out by the Food and Drug Administration. Verification of Hearing Aids http://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2009/10000/Verification_ and_what_to_do_until_your_probe_mic.3.aspx Dr. Robyn Cox is one of the experts in hearing aids. It is unfortunate that most people who get hearing aids don't have the hearing aids verified for appropriate fit. It is not appropriate to rely on the patient accepting the way it sounds as a verification method. We have found, and also Dr. Cox, that patients will try to get you to reprogram their hearing aids towards the distorted sounds they are used to hearing. If your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser does not have a Real Ear system, there are other techniques that can be used to do the basic verification. Your Guide to Buying Hearing Aids Distributed by the Better Hearing Institute Your Guide to Hearing Aids This booklet is provided by the Better Hearing Institute. HEARING CONSERVATION Hearing Loss and iPods:What happens when you turn them to 11? Personal Music Players CHILDREN AND HEARING Serving Students with Hearing Loss in the Schools Many audiologists treat the hearing loss, but don't address school issues with the parents. If the school doesn't have a well funded audiology department, your child may not be taught some of the skills need to communicate or receive the communication message. OTOTOXICITY Hearing Loss Linked to Over the Counter Pain Medications Newsletters September 2011 HEARING Auditory Deprivation What happens when you wait too long to get hearing aids or when you where only one hearing aid when two are needed. Hear for the Holidays Online meeting to help you and your loved ones communicate better this holiday season. Begins November 16, 2011 at 7 P.M. Hearing Helper People don't realize that when they repeat what they say or talk louder to people with hearing loss, they are actually enabling them to do nothing about the problem. Why should they when you are more than willing to do all the work for them. Hearing Loss Simulator http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss/hearing_loss_simulator/index.cfm Hear what hearing loss sounds like. Hearing Screening http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss/online_hearing_test/index.cfm This is an online hearing screening you can take through the Better Hearing Institute. Scores are quickly tabulated. How Do You Rate Your Hearing http://www.isu.edu/csed/profile/flashsac/FlashSac.html This is an excellent tool for assessing if you have a problem and should have an evaluation by an audiologist. There is usually a difference between how people with hearing loss perceive their hearing ability versus how others perceive the hearing loss and problems it may cause. Compare this to The Significant Other Assessment of Communication (http://www.isu.edu/csed/profile/flashsoac/flashSOAC.html). This may help open up family discussions about the impact of hearing loss. How Do Your Loved Ones Rate Your Hearing http://www.isu.edu/csed/profile/flashsoac/flashSOAC.html There is usually a difference between how people with hearing loss perceive their hearing ability versus how others perceive the hearing loss and problems it may cause. Compare this to The Self Assessment of Communication (http://www.isu.edu/csed/profile/flashsac/FlashSac.html). This may help open up family discussions about the impact of hearing loss. LISTEN UP! 1 IN 6 BOOMERS HAS HEARING LOSS http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2008/10/21/ 20081021hearing1021.html A new artcle was released on 9/16/11, but has not been posted to azcentral.com as of yet Why Don't People Who Need Them Get Hearing Aids? HELPING THE COMMUNITY Community Hearing Aid Program Donations http://www.communityhearingaidprogram.org/donors.html Dr. Sadowsky is on the board of The Community Hearing Aid Program. Financial donations are appreciated so we can keep the program running. We also collect hearing aids, which can be refurbished or sold for salvage. Hearing aids can be sent to CHAP directly or dropped off at DESERT SOUNDS. All donations are considered a charitable donation on your taxes. A letter will be provided for your records. LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS Vocational Rehabilitation 1789 W. Jefferson 2NW Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-1799 602-364-2107 TTY 602-542-6049 TTY https://www.azdes.gov/rehabilitation_services/ We strive to support the DES mission of promoting the safety, well-being, and self sufficiency of children, adults, and families by working with individuals with disabilities to achieve increased independence and/or gainful employment through the provision of comprehensive rehabilitative and employment support services in a partnership with all stakeholders. Vocational Rehabilitation not only assists with Job Training, but also may provide clients with dental services, vision services, and hearing aid services. Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing http://acdhh.org/ Mission Statement: The purpose of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) is to ensure, in partnership with the public and private sector, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing to improve their quality of life. Vision Statement: An energetic and innovative team, ACDHH aspires to be a national leader in the provision of communication access, support services, and community empowerment throughout the Grand Canyon State. This website is loaded with community resources for the deaf and hard of hearing. Check it out! Scottsdale, AZ Tinnitus Support Group Denny's Restaurant 3315 North Scottsdale Road (& East Osborn Road) When: First Monday of the Month Time: 7:00 p.m Hearing Loss Association of America - Phoenix Chapter Disability Empowerment Building (DEC) 5025 East Washington GinnyHLA_AZ@msn.com Learn what's happening in your community and advocacy opportunities. Membership into Hearing Loss Association of America qualifies you for membership to this meeting. Meeting Date: Second Saturday of the Month Meeting Time: 1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. Meeting Room: Classroom A Contact: Ginny Wright Clark Future Programs: FUTURE PROGRAMS: April 9th - DEC Health and Wellness Fair; May 14th - Dr. Robb (Tentatively) East Valley Sertoma Golf Tournament East Valley Sertoma Golf Tournament When: Saturday, May 7th, 2011 Check-In: 6:30 to 7:00 A.M. Shotgun: 7:30 A.M Where: Superstition Springs Golf Club 6542 E Baseline Rd Mesa, Arizona 85206 www.superstitionspringsgc.com For more information on course Fee: $100 / person Fee includes lunch and door prizes. DESERT SOUNDS on You Tube Weckeman-Tinnitus Interview http://www.youtube.com/user/desertsoundsaudiolog#p/u/0/dmhqijvdohQ Interview with Dr. Sadowsky and Wayne Weckeman regarding tinnitus and his experience. GO TO MEETING On line seminars. Why People Resist Hearing Help - What You Can Do www.gotomeeting.com/join/162751286   ...life never sounded so good!™