LEWISTON — One in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss, which can lead to social isolation and an increase in the likelyhood of dementia.
Chances are most people know someone with hearing loss, or may even be challenged by it themself, including avoiding using the telephone.
LA USM Senior College will hold a virtual Food For Thought at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 featuring Debra Bare-Rogers, Lisa Penney and Scott Murray, who will share information about distance communication technology. The program is free and open to the public.
Bare-Rogers will talk about Maine Relay, a free service that assists people with various disabilities in using landline and internet-based relay services to enhance their access to telephone communication. Penney will talk about DRM’s Telecommunications Equipment Program, which provides adaptive equipment (including hearing aids) to low-income Mainers with any disability that impedes their ability to use a landline phone. Miller will talk about the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, which provides phones, computers/tablets and other equipment for people with significant combined vision and hearing loss.
In addition to program information, presenters will share general information about hearing loss, its prevalence, and some basic strategies for effective communication.
To join email laseniorcollege@gmail.com and we’ll send you a link. Leave your name and the event title. The deadline for registering is noon, Sunday, Oct. 18, and the link will be sent on the morning of the event.
