Olivia BillsHearing Loss Resource SpecialistsCSD of TexasFunded by : The Office of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) of the Texas Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Hearing Loss Resource Specialists Assists:Federal, State, and Local GovernmentsOrganizationsPrivate BusinessesEducational Institutions

Hearing Loss Resource SpecialistSpeaking EngagementsOn the Job & Home Technical AssistanceInformation and Referral Services

Office for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services – Specialist ProjectsRegions of our contracted specialistsAustin and surrounding counties: Region 7

TopicsDHHS Programs and ServicesSTAPTuition WaiverCARTTelephone Equipment and Assistive DevicesHearing Loss and Communication

STAP The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) offers assistance to Texans with a disability that interferes with their ability to use a standard telephone. Eligible individuals receive a voucher that can be used to purchase a specialized assistive telecommunication device.

(STAP) offers assistance to Texans with a disability that interferes with their ability to use a standard telephone. Eligible individuals receive a voucher that can be used to purchase a specialized assistive telecommunication device.

Qualifying & ApplyingMust have proof of Texas residencyMust have a disability that interferes with the ability to use a standard telephone.To get an application you can call DARS-DHHS at 800.628.5115 (toll free) or visit the website:www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs and click on “Telephone Access (STAP)”

To get an application you can call DARS-DHHS at 800.628.5115 (toll free) or visit the website:www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs and click on “Telephone Access (STAP)”

STAP Equipment

Tuition WaiverCertificate of Deafness & Hearing Loss Requirements:State supported post-Secondary schoolProof of 55 db loss or greater, in better unaided ear Application at DARS website: http://www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/forms/cod.shtml

CART Communication Access Realtime TranslationCART is performed by a specially trained certified court reporter using a realtime translation system. CART provides a full screen of text on a notebook computer for viewing by one or two people. CART can also be provided from a remote access point through the internet when the CART provider is not located in the same area as the consumer or presenter.

TechnologyFM Systems (for the phone/meetings/one on one/shopping/in the car)Amplified Phones/In-line Amplifiers (work or home)Alerting Devices (ring signaler/doorbell flasher/baby-alert/alarm)

Hearing LossHearing loss can affect anybodyAbout 1 in 10 have some degree of hearing loss.The majority of hard of hearing hide it.By statistics, it can take up to 7 years before they will come to terms that they need hearing aids.

Causes of Hearing LossLoss due to:Excessive exposure to noiseThe natural aging processMedication that is toxic to the auditory systemHead injuries

Excessive exposure to noise

The natural aging process

Medication that is toxic to the auditory system

Head injuries

This is your Cochlear – the sound comes in the opening seen on the right and travels up the Cochlear into the spiral where the hair cells pick up the sound.

Normal Healthy Hair CellsLocated in the cochlea, in the inner earDo not regenerateOnce damaged, never return to normal

Located in the cochlea, in the inner ear

Do not regenerate

Once damaged, never return to normal

Damaged Hair CellsOnce damaged, never return to normal functionMedication and/or surgery will not “fix” thisSensorineural HL (nerve loss)

Once damaged, never return to normal function

Medication and/or surgery will not “fix” this

Signs of Hearing LossDifficulty following & Participating in conversation, especially when there is background noise.Poor attention; is easily distractedIndifference, social withdrawal, signs of insecurityAbility to hear a man’s voice easier than the voice of a woman or child. (or vice versa depending on type of loss)

A person's hearing is tested by an audiologist and then plotted onto a chart which has the loudness of the sound, measured in decibels (dB), shown vertically on the left side and the frequency or pitch of the sound across the top, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Hearing Loss CommunicationGet their attention politelyNo obstacles in front of your faceNo objects in your mouth - gum, cigarettes, foodSpeak clearly with moderate paceUse facial expressions and gesturesGive clues when changing the subject

Hearing Loss Communication (cont’d)Rephrase when not understoodDon’t shoutAvoid noisy background situationsBe patient, positive, and relaxedFace a hard of hearing person do not turn your back do not walk away while still speaking.When in doubt, ask the hard of hearing person for suggestions to improve communication

Thank you! Thank you for your time and attention today! Olivia Bills Hearing Loss Resource Specialist CSD of Texas and DARS 1524 S IH 35, Suite 225 Austin, Texas 78704-2603 Email: obills@c-s-d.org Phone: 512.428.1813 Fax: 512.837.1444 D-Link VP: obills.csd.tv

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