Hearing Education for Aural Rehabilitation (HEAR)

The ability to cope with hearing loss does not come naturally; it must be learned. This applies not only to the hearing-impaired themselves but also to the able-hearing who wish to communicate effectively with them.

Fortunately, effective coping is possible, and the skills are easily learned. The HEAR program is designed so that you and your family or a friend can participate, learning together to communicate better.

The HEAR program consists of six 2-hour sessions, one per week.

Session 1 How We hear – The Dr. Maury Schwartz Memorial Workshop
Presented by a doctor, this session deals with anatomy of hearing and some of the most common reasons for hearing loss.

Session 2 Communication
Presented by an audiologist, this session explores strategies – for us, the hearing-impaired – and also the able-hearing who wish to communicate with us.

Session 3 Technology
An acoustician (hearing aid dealer) will tell you all you need to know about hearing aids. Which one is the best for you, maintenance, insurance and more.

Session 4 Assistive Listening Devices – The Stan Allard Memorial Workshop
An ALD technician will demonstrate a range of devices that are available to help us gain independence, and explain how these devices are paid for (government, insurance, and personal).

Session 5 Stress & Loss - The Carol Segal Memorial Workshop
A psychologist will explore some of the ways of dealing with the stress caused by hearing loss.

Session 6 The Real World
Now that you have heard from professionals, you can hear from the hearing-impaired – CHIP members themselves – who will relate their own experiences, coping strategies, what works and what doesn’t. We’ve been there and can help you find your way.

Who can take this class?

• Hearing-impaired persons;
• Their spouses or friends;
• Caregivers;
• Social workers; and
• Those who wish to better understand hearing loss

See the Calendar of Events for dates.

Registration forms are available in the Download Section to print & mail.