Are $20 "Hearing Aids" a Good Bargain?

By Candace Kukino, Au.D., Director of Audiology at Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC) 

There is a new trend we will be seeing more and more of in the stores, newspapers, and advertisements: inexpensive personal sound amplification products being sold at your local drugstore. One of the reasons you'll see more ads and products focused on hearing amplification is because we are entering the retirement age of the huge Baby Boomer population (people born between 1946-1964), many of whom are not adequately prepared financially for retirement and who may be living longer but are less healthy. These health problems are red flags for acquired hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Also, just as vision tends to change with age so can hearing. This is often a gradual change over a period of years, and often the person who is hard of hearing does not realize it.

We know that quality hearing aids have always been and continue to be expensive, ranging from a little less than $1000 to over $4000 each depending on the level of technology, services included in the cost, and location of the clinic. For example, we have a client who feels that the cost of traveling to Seattle from New York is a better value than being fit with hearing aids by an audiologist in Manhattan.  She bases the value on the quality of hearing aid fitting, sound quality, our customer service, and overall satisfaction of care we provide here at HSDC versus her experiences in Manhattan.

So why not just save money and purchase your "hearing aids" at Walmart or Walgreen's? Because these Personal Sound Amplification Products (“PSAPs”) are NOT hearing aids. They are merely amplifiers. Both hearing aids and PSAPs contain a microphone, amplifier and speaker; beyond that, they are very different. The FDA guidelines specifically say that PSAPs are “not intended to compensate for impaired hearing.” These are a few additional points about the difference outlined in a the FDA article “Know the Difference”:
• Only hearing aids are intended to make up for impaired hearing.
• Buy a personal sound amplifier only after ruling out hearing loss as a reason for getting [a PSAP].
• Choosing a PSAP as a substitute for a hearing aid can lead to more damage to your hearing
• PSAPs are not intended to make up for impaired hearing. Instead, they are intended for non-hearing-impaired consumers to amplify sounds in the environment for a number of reasons, such as for recreational activities.

Basically, PSAPs take sound and amplify it, just like turning up the volume on your radio. Period. This is the equivalent of using a magnifying glass to see rather than getting your left and right eyes tested separately with clinical equipment, getting a prescription for eyeglass lenses or contacts by an optometrist, and being fitted with them by a trained optician. Even basic hearing aids are extremely sophisticated computers. They analyze and modify sound with the goal of reducing background or unwanted sounds and improving a person’s ability to understand what people are saying.

Now that you've got the facts, you’ll see why these sound amplifiers are not equivalent to hearing aids. If you know anyone who does have hearing aids and is not satisfied with the way they sound, encourage them to contact their audiologist for programming adjustments and make sure they are getting updated hearing tests at least every two years. This will ensure the hearing aids are programmed to their current hearing status. Everyone hears differently and lives in different sound environments. All hearing aids need to be programmed and re-programmed according to the individual.

2013 Holiday AT Buying Guide

It’s getting close to that time of year! The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program and the Washington Access Fund will present a free webinar on Nov. 21st to learn about adaptive gizmos, gadgets, and practical ideas that make great gifts for people of all ages this holiday season. We will review both low-tech, cost effective devices, to more high-tech and expensive gadgets. The webinar will include a range of mainstream devices (items that may not be specifically designed as AT), and actual AT products. WATAP's AT Specialists will explore devices for people with a range of functional needs and abilities that will make great small gift ideas, to fabulously wrapped presents. Please join WATAP and the Access Fund on November 21st, from 10:00am-11:30am for a gift guide webinar on assistive technology.

Do you have suggestions for AT gifts this holiday season? Visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wa.assistivetech) to post suggestions you would like to see shared in the webinar.

Visit this link to register for this free webinar: https://catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/gabyd/199981, or call 800 214-8731. Once you have registered, we will provide you with a link to attend the webinar, and call-in information.

Are You a New WATAP Advisory Council Member?

We're recruiting new members for our consumer majority Advisory Council! Would you like to be a part of visioning program activities and partnerships for assistive technology service deployment in Washington State? If you use assistive technology or are parent of assistive technology user learn more about the council and how to apply.

We look forward to hearing from you!  

Webinar - AT for Sports and Recreation rescheduled for September!

Please join the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) and the Washington Access Fund for a free webinar on AT for Sports and Recreation on Thursday, September 26th from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

Seattle Adaptive Sports provides sports and recreation for youth and adults with physical disabilities throughout Western Washington. Learn about opportunities available for team and individual sports for individuals with disabilities in your neighborhood, Washington and across the country including where or how to get equipment; earn a college sports scholarships and become an elite Paralympian.

Seattle Adaptive Sports Logo

Visit this link to register for this free webinar: https://catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/gabyd/199981, or call 800 214-8731. Once you have registered, we will provide you with a link to attend the webinar and call-in information. This webinar will be captioned.

Assistive Technology and Low Vision Open House

Assistive Technology for Low Vision

When: Tuesday October 8, 2013 from 11 am – 7 pm

Where: Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)

3411 South Alaska St

Seattle WA 98118

(free parking available on site)

Ever wondered what kind of technology is available for a person who is blind or has low vision? Well here’s your chance to find out! The Dept. of Services for the Blind is opening its doors to their Seattle Assistive Technology and Low Vision labs to provide you with a hands-on experience. Come try out a wide range of tools, devices and technology to see what’s out there. Staff will be on site to answer your questions so you can get the most out of your experience. Representatives from the WA Assistive Technology Act Program (http://watap.org/) and WA Access Fund (http://www.washingtonaccessfund.org/) will also be present to provide information about their services.

Please RSVP to: Nancy Eckert (206) 906-5512 or nancy.eckert@dsb.wa.gov

*refreshments will be served

Webinar - AT for Sports and Recreation

Please join the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) and the Washington Access Fund for a free webinar on AT for Sports and Recreation on Thursday, August 22nd from noon to 1:30pm.

Seattle Adaptive Sports provides sports and recreation for youth and adults with physical disabilities throughout Western Washington. Learn about opportunities available for team and individual sports for individuals with disabilities in your neighborhood, Washington and across the country including where or how to get equipment; earn a college sports scholarships and become an elite Paralympian.

Seattle Adaptive Sports Logo

Visit this link to register for this free webinar: https://catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/gabyd/199981, or call 800 214-8731. Once you have registered, we will provide you with a link to attend the webinar and call-in information. This webinar will be captioned.

Job Accommodation Request Survey

Individuals aged 55 or older and in need of job accommodations are being sought for a study by researchers at the Florida State University.

You are invited to share your perceptions of factors related to accommodation requests by answering a few questions about yourself, your organization (if applicable), and your abilities and emotions in the process. This survey will take about 20-30 minutes.

The first 100 participants completing the survey will have a 1-in-4 chance of winning a $25 gift certificate; the rest of the respondents completing the survey will have a 1-in-4 chance of winning a $10 gift certificate. Moreover, you will be assisting service providers and employers to learn more about how to improve the job accommodation process for older workers, considering the fast trend in the aging workforce. The survey can be accessed through the following link: https://fsu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eCZp9L0mXe40N0h

If you have any questions about the research study or need an alternative survey format, please contact Dr. Shengli Dong by e-mail at workplace_accommodation@fsu.edu.

Seeking AT users with visual impairment

Interested in participating in an activity to help test the accessibility of a financial website?

JPMorgan Chase will be conducting an accessibility study to test the design of our website and how well it serves you. The session will take about 90 minutes and we will give you a gift of $150 cash for your participation and can also arrange transportation to and from our facility.

To participate in the study, we ask that you meet the following requirements:

• Be using some kind of assistive technology related to visual impairment
• Have experience using financial websites (Online Banking) a few times a month
• Be over 18 years of age 

If you are available and would like to be part of this activity, please call at (206) 500-2709 or reply via e-mail to brian.espinosa@jpmchase.com with subject line “Financial website study”.

Please provide:

• Your name
• Age
• Email address
• Indicate the financial website that you have experience with
• Phone number
• Assistive Technology
1. The type of assistive technology that you use and if it is compatible with other systems or not
2. Are you comfortable coming to our facility for the study and setting up your assistive technology using your own computer? 

We will contact you within the next few days if you are an appropriate match.

Webinar - Financing Assistive Technology

Please join the Washington Access Fund in welcoming Mike Smith, an Attorney from Disability Rights Washington for a free webinar on financing assistive technology on Wednesday, June 26th at 12:00pm-1:00pm.

Ask almost any person with a disability who uses assistive technology, and they are likely to tell you that these are their most important assets. They also are likely to tell you that there are times when they have been unable to pay for such assets – either because they are on limited incomes or the devices they need are just “too expensive” or both.

Although it is often assumed that assistive technologies for people with disabilities are paid for by public and private health insurance and/or various government programs, that is simply not the case. Join this webinar to learn about alternative financing options and ways to pay for assistive technology!

Register now for this free webinar that will be taking place on Wednesday, June 26th at 12:00pm by emailing: leann@washingtonaccessfund.org, or by calling: (206) 328-5116. Once you have registered, we will provide you with a link to attend the webinar and call-in information.

Disability Rights Washington Logo

Adaptive Cycling for All this Summer

At WATAP, we get the importance of having access to assistive device and the opportunity to try them out. So if you're looking to rent adaptive sporting equipment or want an opportunity to learn about adaptive sports there are resources here in our outdoorsy State for you. As many know, the Outdoors for All Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 as the Ski for All Foundation. Today, over 2,000 children and adults with disabilities exercise their abilities while skiing, cycling, hiking, kayaking and more through the organization's programs. Their goal is to transform lives through outdoor recreation and the following story illustrates how they're succeeding.

"My daughter has been battling brain cancer for over 2 years and has not been on a bike since. She continually watches from the side line, as her brother and the neighbor kids ride their bikes, wanting to join them so badly. When we heard of Outdoors for All we were so excited to give her some of her childhood back. She was just thrilled to get on your bike and ride. It was as huge a moment for her as her Make-a-wish!! ”

Outdoors for All is committed to providing more opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families so that they may get outdoors and recreate together. This summer, they'll be expanding the drop-in adaptive cycle rental program. Beginning June 28^th, individuals with disabilities and their families may come to the Magnuson Park office in Seattle on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 5 pm to enjoy the fun of adaptive cycling! Staff and volunteers will be available to help individuals with disabilities explore a variety of adaptive cycles and find the best match. Magnuson Park has miles of trails to enjoy and the park is just across the street from the Burke-Gilman Trail if you’re interested in a longer ride on a protected bike path.

Symposium on Disability, Technology, and Rehabilitation in Low and Middle Income Countries

Keynote Speaker: Chapal Khasnabis,
World Health Organization

The symposium will bring together leading researchers and practitioners who focus on improving and increasing access to appropriate technology and rehabilitation products and services in low and middle income countries. Participate in person or through a live webcast.
Symposium Themes:
• Assistive technology and accessible information and
communication technology
• Service delivery models
• Human resource development
• Policy, regulatory and funding mechanisms for supporting
provision of technology and rehabilitation
• Research and evidence-based practice

June 27th & 28th, 2013 at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Register now. $50 per day, $25 per day student rate.

Article in Seattle Times on Deaf Review

The Seattle Times features an article about client of the Washington Access Fund, Melissa “Echo” Greenlee, who participated in the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program, and used her savings to set up the deafREVIEW website.

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2021013935_deafreviewxml.html.

Link to deafREVIEW: http://deafreview.com/

Windows 8 Ease of Access

Earlier this month, WATAP’s Assistive Technology Specialists, Maria Kelley and Gaby de Jongh, were busy presenting on the built-in accessibility features of Windows 8 on the Surface tablet. The trainings included how to locate and initiate the Ease of Access programs and address situations where using the built-in features would be appropriate for consumers with disabilities. Two back-to-back presentations were held at the SW Washington Special Education conference with 30 parents and educators from the south west part of the state.  At the NW Washington Assistive Technology Interest Group meeting thirty two K-12 and higher education professionals from the northern part of the state learned how accessibility of Widows 8 could benefit their students.

For a number of the participants, learning that these free options were available in the operating system they already used was great news. Our AT Specialists answered questions from educators and parents on how to utilize the magnification and high contrast features in conjunction with other software programs for individuals with low vision. One educator wanted specific information on how Narrator, Windows built-in screen reader, could be beneficial for an individual with a learning disability. Our AT Specialists were able to provide her with information about how she could use speech output as an alternative method for accessing printed material.

One individual shared their own experience with built-in Speech Recognition, and how they were able to use dictation for composing emails and editing documents as they were unable to use a keyboard effectively due to suffering a sprained wrist. When one of our AT Specialists asked if they used Speech Recognition to launch programs and navigate around the screen using their voice instead of a mouse, the individual didn’t realize the program had that capability but was excited to try it out.

The built-in accessibility features of the Windows Operating system have successively improved with each iteration. And while many third party software programs offer accessibility where there may not have been before, the built-in features make it more cost effective and available for everyone to use.

Free Webinar: Strategies for Selecting Assitive Technology

Please join the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) and the Washington Access Fund for a free webinar on Selecting Assistive Technology on Thursday, May 16^th at 10:00am.

Image of assistive technology clustered on a desk

Selecting the appropriate assistive technology can be a daunting and intimidating task  in a world where devices and  disability software programs are changing quickly.  Assistive technology can make a significant difference in a person’s level of functional independence but choosing the wrong AT can lead to abandonment and loss of financial investments.   This webinar will provide information on the process of selecting  assistive technology to improve functional outcomes.

Visit this link to register for this free webinar: https://catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/gabyd/199981 Once you have registered, we will provide you with a link to attend the webinar and call-in information. This webinar will be captioned.

Assistive Technology Open House for Families at DSB

Ever wonder what kind of technology is out there for a child who is blind or has low vision? Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is opening its doors to their Assistive Technology (AT) and Low Vision (LV) Labs to provide you and your family with a hands-on experience! Come try out a wide range of tools, devices and technology to see what’s out there! Staff will be on site to answer your questions. We'll be there with the Washington Access Fund to provide information about our services. Light refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP by April 19 to Janet George at (206) 906-5530 or janet.george@dsb.wa.gov
Event: Thursday, April 25, 2013 3:00-7:00 pm Where: Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) 3411 South Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98118

Hearing Aids and Assistive Listening Devices – Webinar series from WATAP and the Access Fund

Please join WATAP, the Access Fund, and Steve Hillson, Manager of the Hearing Speech and Deafness Center, as he discusses assistive listening devices and hearing aids.

Assistive listening devices and hearing aids are often thought of separately. However, as hearing aid technology advances, the trend is for assistive listening devices to merge with hearing aids. The goal of this presentation is to show how significantly ALDs can enhance hearing aid success.

Register now for a free webinar on Thursday, March 21^st at 10 o’clock by emailing: watap@uw.edu, or by phone at: 800 214-8731. Once you have registered, we will provide you with a link to attend the webinar and call-in information. This webinar will be captioned.

AAC Serving Non-speakers in Medical Settings: Quick Strategies with and without technology - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED!!!

Early Bird Registration has been extended one week! Register by Friday, March 8^th to receive this discount!

The University of Washington

Speech & Hearing Sciences
Center for Technology & Disability Studies
Are co-sponsoring a Workshop

Friday March 22, 2013
7273 Linderson Way SW
Labor & Industries Auditorium
Tumwater, WA 98501
Full day course offering 0.6 CEUs from ASHA

Register: https://www.regonline.com/AACworkshop03-2013
Student scholarships and discounts for SLPs in their CF year will be available during early bird registration

AAC Serving Non-speakers in Medical Settings: Quick Strategies with and without technology

This one-day workshop will focus on serving non-speaking adults, teens and youth in medical settings, ranging from intensive care to rehabilitation and long-term care. Particular emphasis will be given to serving individuals who have lost communication abilities due to traumatic brain injury, stroke, cancer, or degenerative disease. Addressing the Joint Commission Standard RI.2.100 which requires that the organization "respects the patient's right to and need for effective communication," this course begins with oral strategies but quickly moves to aided communication with and without technology.

Learning Objectives

• Describe three broad categories of AAC referrals in a medical setting.
• Design an AAC Toolkit of materials that will provide the basic tools for serving most patients.
• Convert an ordinary laptop computer into a Speech Generating Device (SGD) that will suffice for some patients with good hand control.
• Describe several low-tech and no-tech strategies that can be set up quickly for some patients with severe motor impairments.
• Use Features-based approach to describe and recommend either traditional AAC devices or new mobile devices with apps.
• Explain the SLPs changing role in AAC with new technology.

Patricia Dowden, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Speech & Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington. She has been teaching, researching and providing clinical services to children and adults with complex needs for over 30 years.

This course is offered for 0.6 CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area)

WA Assistive Technology Workshop - Bringing Technology and Users Together

This exciting workshop will focus on Assistive and Information Technology and the emerging best practices on using technology to promote independence, communication, productivity and inclusion.

In addition to presentations by regional experts, there will be small group demonstrations and hands-on experiences, as well as panel discussions about the next steps to incorporate AT and IT. Please feel free to bring your own electronic devices.

The workshop is intended for residential and vocational providers, VR and transition specialists in Washington State. Participants will learn:

• How is technology being used by people with developmental disabilities?
• How can employment & residential agencies promote the use of AT and IT?
• What equipment, devices and apps are people finding helpful?

Clock hours for teachers and CEUs for VR staff are available

Registration is FREE!

March 25, 2013, 9 am to 4 pm
Spokane Community College, Spokane, WA
Register for Spokane

April 17, 2013, 9 am to 4 pm
Pierce Co. Environmental Sciences Building, Tacoma, WA
Register for Tacoma

If you need registration assistance, contact: conference@sa-ti.org

Presenters Include:
John Lemus - Skils’Kin
Veronica Cook - Shoreline School District
Marsha Threlkeld - WiSe
Francisco Felan - DVR AT Coordinator (Spokane only)
Bill Youngman - DVR AT Coordinator (Tacoma only)
Maria Kelley - WA Assistive Technology Act Program
WA Access Fund

AAC Serving Non-speakers in Medical Settings: Quick Strategies with and without technology

The University of Washington

Speech & Hearing Sciences
Center for Technology & Disability Studies
Are co-sponsoring a Workshop

Friday March 22, 2013
7273 Linderson Way SW
Labor & Industries Auditorium
Tumwater, WA 98501
Full day course offering 0.6 CEUs from ASHA

Register: https://www.regonline.com/AACworkshop03-2013
Student scholarships and discounts for SLPs in their CF year will be available during early bird registration

AAC Serving Non-speakers in Medical Settings: Quick Strategies with and without technology

This one-day workshop will focus on serving non-speaking adults, teens and youth in medical settings, ranging from intensive care to rehabilitation and long-term care. Particular emphasis will be given to serving individuals who have lost communication abilities due to traumatic brain injury, stroke, cancer, or degenerative disease. Addressing the Joint Commission Standard RI.2.100 which requires that the organization "respects the patient's right to and need for effective communication," this course begins with oral strategies but quickly moves to aided communication with and without technology.

Learning Objectives

• Describe three broad categories of AAC referrals in a medical setting.
• Design an AAC Toolkit of materials that will provide the basic tools for serving most patients.
• Convert an ordinary laptop computer into a Speech Generating Device (SGD) that will suffice for some patients with good hand control.
• Describe several low-tech and no-tech strategies that can be set up quickly for some patients with severe motor impairments.
• Use Features-based approach to describe and recommend either traditional AAC devices or new mobile devices with apps.
• Explain the SLPs changing role in AAC with new technology.

Patricia Dowden, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Speech & Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington. She has been teaching, researching and providing clinical services to children and adults with complex needs for over 30 years.

This course is offered for 0.6 CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area)

OT Students Seeking AT Users to Interview

The second year Occupational Therapy students at the University of Washington are learning about Assistive Technology this quarter. As part of their learning experience they have been asked to speak with people who use Assistive Technology to get their perspective. This will involve an up to one hour interview with one or up to a couple of students. The questions will be about how you received your AT, how helpful it is, and any thing else about your AT experience. If you are willing to participate please contact Sue Doyle Teaching Associate at University of Washington at doyles3@uw.edu. Thank you so much for helping the students understand more about living with Assistive Technology.

Thanks Sue
Sue Doyle PhC MS OT/L
Teaching Associate
Division of Occupational Therapy
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356490
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 598 5412