MC SHHH News

Montgomery County Maryland
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People
McSHHH News
November 1997

Chapter Meeting
Topic: Facilitators: When: Where:	Hearing Loss and Family Gatherings -- Discussion Anne Garnett and Chris Bean, McSHHH Officers Tuesday November 11th at 7:30 p.m. Wheaton Regional Library, corner of Arcola and Georgia Aves. Large Meeting Room (#2)

**President's Column**
by JoAnn Amann
Although we had a small group at the October meeting, it was nice to see those of you who did stop in. The weather was nice that evening, so maybe it was the baseball game that kept everyone home. I didn’t realize we had so many O’s fans in this chapter. Too bad they didn’t make to the World Series; better luck next year. Anyway, we hope to see the rest of you folks in November! The topic for the next meeting will be Hearing Loss and Family Gatherings. Board members Anne Garnett and Chris Bean will facilitate the meeting / rap session and they hope to encourage the rest of us to share our strategies for coping at family gatherings. Anne and Chris are both relatively new to our chapter and board, having joined within the last year.	The holiday season is drawing near and by now you have received your invitation to the chapter fund raiser / holiday luncheon on Saturday, December 13th. Instead of having the annual holiday party this year, the board decided to try combining a luncheon to raise money for Founder’s Day with a holiday get-together. If it is a success, we plan to make it an annual event. By the way, the ballroom will be equipped with an audio loop and CART will be provided. Please feel free to invite your friends and family members - everyone is welcome to attend. Just a reminder, the cut-off date for reservations is December 6th so be sure to get yours in early!

**Interpersonal Relations and Hearing Loss**
by Joanne Gilmore -- excerpt from an *SHHH Journal* reprint
What are the optimal conditions within the family that pave the way for successful rehabilitation? The following are based on my own positive experiences and values and do not reflect any empirically based study that I am aware of. The reader may have more to add and is invited to do so. There is a high level of commitment within the family, an active search for knowledge about the nature, causes and possible remedies for hearing loss. Members share their learning with others in an effort to facilitate empathy and acceptance of the hearing impaired relative. The hearing impaired person assumes as much responsibility as possible (given age and situation) for his or her rehabilitation as well as for the education of others regarding the problems emanating from his particular condition. Family members trust and feel comfortable with one another. They feel free to express their feelings or problems without fear of rejection and are sensitive to the feelings or problems of others. In other words, empathy is reciprocal. Family members have realistic expectations about themselves, each other and their relationship. The dignity and positive qualities of each individual are valued and limitations are accepted as part of the human condition. Independence of spirit is prized, accompanied by an awareness of the interdependence of all. Family members possess a philosophical sense of humor. Hearing impaired or not, they feel secure enough to laugh at their own foibles. Hearing impairment, as the article suggests, need not be a barrier to achieving the interpersonal depth. It is but one of many exogenous forces that can challenge a family and remind them that success in interpersonal relations is a process, not a product, a voyage, not a harbor. It’s an adventure that requires constantly renewed commitment and sometimes hard work -- but it’s worth it.

A Mystery Solved?
Members' Column -- by Alice Walton

During the first twenty years of my life I had excellent hearing. From that time on, however, there was gradual change.

In the fall of 1951 I was a junior in college. Early in December I was hospitalized for a severe respiratory infection. Following treatment with an antibiotic, I was able to return to the classroom and complete the make-up work before classes recessed for the holidays.

The remainder of the year passed without further incident, but there was a nagging question in my mind - was my hearing as sharp as it had always been? I noticed a difference only at the theater. At times something funny was said on stage, and a titter would pass through the audience. I wouldn't catch the point.

The next summer, I had my hearing tested at a local clinic by an internist who told me I had a very slight hearing loss. He said it was not a cause for concern, adding that he had a similar loss due to shelling in World War II. I thought no more about it and had no problems in the classroom, whether studying or teaching.

Fifteen years later, my husband commented that he thought I should have my hearing tested again. About the same time, I noticed that my six-year old son Robbie was repeating for me when I didn't hear something during a conversation.

Shortly after that our internist said he believed I had a hearing loss that could be surgically corrected. He referred me to an otologist, who told me that it was an auditory nerve loss, to see an audiologist to be fitted with a hearing aid. I received an aid for my left ear, which made a dramatic difference in my ability to understand speech. Seven years later, I began wearing an aid in the right ear also.

Our internist retired, and his replacement became obsessed with learning the cause of my hearing loss. In 1992 I was hospitalized with a respiratory infection. Afterwards, I commented that once, long ago, I had a similar experience, and was treated with Streptomycin.

Suddenly, he bounced in his chair and excitedly shouted "That's it! That's it!". Observing the puzzled look on my face he said: "Your hearing! Your hearing! Some of the early antibiotics had that side effect!"

Did he have the answer? Will I ever know?

Editor's note: We would like to see your story here next month. Sharing our experiences in coping with our hearing loss is a big part of what SHHH is all about. As a member you can choose your own story, short or long, funny or sad. Please send it to the Editor, Mary Ann Foohey, in care of SHHH.

**A Mystery Solved?**
Members' Column -- by Alice Walton
During the first twenty years of my life I had excellent hearing. From that time on, however, there was gradual change. In the fall of 1951 I was a junior in college. Early in December I was hospitalized for a severe respiratory infection. Following treatment with an antibiotic, I was able to return to the classroom and complete the make-up work before classes recessed for the holidays. The remainder of the year passed without further incident, but there was a nagging question in my mind - was my hearing as sharp as it had always been? I noticed a difference only at the theater. At times something funny was said on stage, and a titter would pass through the audience. I wouldn't catch the point. The next summer, I had my hearing tested at a local clinic by an internist who told me I had a very slight hearing loss. He said it was not a cause for concern, adding that he had a similar loss due to shelling in World War II. I thought no more about it and had no problems in the classroom, whether studying or teaching.	Fifteen years later, my husband commented that he thought I should have my hearing tested again. About the same time, I noticed that my six-year old son Robbie was repeating for me when I didn't hear something during a conversation. Shortly after that our internist said he believed I had a hearing loss that could be surgically corrected. He referred me to an otologist, who told me that it was an auditory nerve loss, to see an audiologist to be fitted with a hearing aid. I received an aid for my left ear, which made a dramatic difference in my ability to understand speech. Seven years later, I began wearing an aid in the right ear also. Our internist retired, and his replacement became obsessed with learning the cause of my hearing loss. In 1992 I was hospitalized with a respiratory infection. Afterwards, I commented that once, long ago, I had a similar experience, and was treated with Streptomycin. Suddenly, he bounced in his chair and excitedly shouted "That's it! That's it!". Observing the puzzled look on my face he said: "Your hearing! Your hearing! Some of the early antibiotics had that side effect!" Did he have the answer? Will I ever know?
Editor's note: We would like to see your* story here next month. Sharing our experiences in coping with our hearing loss is a big part of what SHHH is all about. As a member you can choose your own story, short or long, funny or sad. Please send it to the Editor, Mary Ann Foohey, in care of SHHH.*

**Voicing Our Frustrations**
by Diane Fong - excerpted from the "beyond-hearing" email discussion list
At 06:59 AM 10/9/97 -0700, you wrote: >>My attitude: EVERYbody's disabled, in one fashion or another, though most people don't know it. I live with mine just fine, and wish others would also.<<	Dave wrote: >Fine. Please have a care for those of us who still and occasionally have trouble with our disabilities and don't be so judgmental of me. It's more complicated than you think.<
I agree with Dave, here. I used to talk to hearing people about my hearing loss in that way, "Hey, everyone has problems, mine is just my hearing" But now I feel that statement doesn't reflect the truth for me. (maybe because I have more problems now... : ) It is like adding up problems or comparing yourself to others, my problems are equal yours so it's no big deal. Or you have problems worse than mine so I shouldn't let mine bother me. That doesn't work for me. Because my hearing loss at times is a very big deal to me and a very big problem. I am all for having a positive attitude and coping with my hearing loss in a positive way. That is so important. And I understand that I am my own communication advocate to the hearing. I am learning to accept that. I'm not happy about it. BH is a place where we can let it all hang out among people who know our struggles. Sometimes we need to give voice to the frustrations and then we can let go and be more positive.

FREE** Hearing Aid Tune-ups **FREE

Licensed audiologist will be available at Holiday Park Senior Center, Wheaton, MD on Thursday, November 6, 9:30 - 11:00 am. Hearing aids will be cleaned and adjustments made to them to help them work their best. Call 301/946-2434 for more information or just show up!

This service will be provided the first Tuesday of every month by Hearing HealthCare, Inc., with either S. Jane Kirksey or Suzanne Noonan-de Biij (audiologists) present to help with the hearing aids.

**DC Relay Has It!**
By: Theresa A. King; Washington, DC; AT&T From the Electronic Telecommunications Relay Services Forum - eTRSf 0309 (10/24/97)
California doesn't have it, Maryland doesn't have it and South Dakota doesn't have it either, but *you've* got it, at DC Relay. Beginning November 1, 1997 the DC Relay Service will provide Turbo Code to all Relay Choice profile members who select this feature. Come learn more about Turbo Code and other relay issues at the DC Relay Consumer Forum and Advocate Recognition Awards Celebration:	Friday, November 14,1997, 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. Bell Atlantic Washington DC Inc. 1st. Floor Conference Room 1710 H Street, NW Washington DC 20006 Please RSVP: Theresa A. King, Account Manager - DC Relay 202 637 0382 TTY. To nominate a community advocate, please contact the DC Relay center. Deadline for entries is October 31, 1997.
The DC Relay Advisory Board members will be present to meet with the community. We look forward to seeing you there. Refreshments will be served.

**National Awareness**
Articles from the *SHHH News*, Summer/Fall, 1997
SHHH Initiates Leadership Training With great appreciation to the AT&T Foundation for a generous grant, SHHH National will conduct a Leadership Training Program the weekend of January 30 - February 1, 1998. The training will be for approximately 50 potential and current group and chapter leaders to be selected by application process. Participants will be reimbursed for the cost of the most economical travel mode to Bethesda. Shared hotel accomodations and meals will be provided. The topics will include developing and refining skills such as member participation, nurturing potential leaders, working wiht hearing health care professionals, publicity and newsletters, planning meetings, gaining new members, and more. There will be sessions on the SHHH structure, philosophy and priorities, National programs and activities, and sharing ideas and sucesses. Applicants must meet four criteria: 1. Have a hearing loss or be the parent of a hard of hearing child. 2. Be a current SHHH National member. 3. Be a current leader or have a desire to be one. 4. Be willing to sign a Cooperative Agreement promising to attend the full training session, agree to the budgetary constraints relating to travel and lodging for the weekend, and use the acquired skills and information to develop a new group(s) or benefit existing affiliate(s). In late August, all current SHHH leaders and contacts were mailed a letter about the training and how to apply. They were asked to encourage applications from members who they feel would benefit, and provide copies of the application instructions to be returned to the SHHH National office by October 15, 1997. Anyone who is interested in attending but has not received information about the program should call or write SHHH National for an application as soon as possible.	Bill Cutler Scholarship During the [National] board of trustees meeting in June, parameters were approved for the initiation of the Bill Cutler Convention Scholarship Fund. To date, the funds will allow SHHH to award three scholarships per year for three years beginning with the 1998 SHHH National Convention in Boston. Watch for the procedure and criteria for selection in the January 1998 issue of Hearing Loss: The Journal of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People. Bill Cutler a long-time member from Palo Alto, California, and past president of the board, died July 25, 1996. SHHH is Busy in the Legislative Arena Hard of hearing children: With input from the SHHH Governmental Affairs Committee, SHHH has submitted comments to the Department of Education on regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The submittal emphasizes the specific needs of hard of hearing children in the classroom (i.e. technology, acoustics captioning) and the fact that hard of hearing children are often overlooked. Anyone who would like a copy of the specific comments should contact SHHH National. Hard of hearing students in higher education: SHHH has developed the first in a series of articles on access for hard of hearing students in higher education institutions as part of a new grant with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. The article will appear in a publication being distributed to college administrators around the country. Revisions in ADA guidelines and the Telecommunications Act: Donna Sorkin, executive director, participated in Access Board rule-making meetings relating to revisions in the ADA guidelines and the development of the final rule for the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which will appear this fall in the Federal Register.

Friday, November 14,1997, 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. Bell Atlantic Washington DC Inc. 1st. Floor Conference Room 1710 H Street, NW Washington DC 20006

Friday, November 14,1997, 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. Bell Atlantic Washington DC Inc.
1st. Floor Conference Room
1710 H Street, NW Washington DC 20006