Posted by Sarah Frech pulled from the SREC Council Memeber Memo September 2007

Whether it's genetic or stems from military training or listening to the Rolling Stones or 1940s jazz bands, scores of Boomers and Seniors are facing hearing loss. Those who live alone may not realize that their hearing isnt quite up to snuff. When talking to, do some Boomers and Seniors ask you to repeat what you say or give responses to questions that seem a bit off?

Hearing loss could be the culprit, and you could be the person who helps them by suggesting they get their hearing checked. Let them know they're not alone. A host of high-profile Boomers, including Bill Clinton, wear hearing aids. Some hearing devices are getting downright hip, such as the ones by a Swiss company that aims to remove the stigma associated with hearing aids. Phonak's small new Audéo Personal Communication Assistant [2]comes in multiple colors and features names like Pinot Noir, Green with Envy, and Lunar Eclipse. You can also direct clients to the consumer guides section of the American Academy of Audiology's website,

http://www.audiology.org/aboutaudiology/consumered/guides/[3], for information on hearing testing and choosing hearing aids. The site also offers tips[4] you can use to better communicate with clients experiencing hearing loss.