Joan's Corner - March 2025 Newsletter
Joan Koczor's March ..keeping you informed newsletter is now available for your enjoyment! The entire contents of Joan's monthly newsletter have been replicate...

Joan Koczor
Hearing loss or related to hearing loss.
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Key Takeaways -
For more information click on the following link:
Hearing Loss Association of America resource information.
Prescription hearing aids can run thousands of dollars and may not be covered by insurance. The following site can provide information on some places you might get help.
Check the following link.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Last updated: February 28, 2020
The Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II (State and local government services) and title III (public accommodations and commercial facilities) on September 15, 2010, in the Federal Register. These requirements, or rules, clarify and refine issues that have arisen over the past 20 years and contain new, and updated, requirements, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards).
People who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities (“communication disabilities”) use different ways to communicate. For example, people who are blind may give and receive information audibly rather than in writing and people who are deaf may give and receive information through writing or sign language rather than through speech.
The ADA requires that title II entities (State and local governments) and title III entities (businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public) communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. The goal is to ensure that communication with people with these disabilities is equally effective as communication with people without disabilities.
Use the following link for more information regarding ADA requirements for effective communication.
The National Hearing Test offers an independent hearing
screening you can take from the comfort of your home. This
test was developed and validated with funding from the
National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Check the following link for more information.
Over the past decade, research has shown that compared to those with normal hearing, people with hearing loss have a much higher risk of developing dementia.
Increasingly, researchers are beginning to understand why. Here are three of the main theories that could explain the risk.
The NAD values deaf and hard of hearing Americans with diverse perspectives, experiences, and abilities. We embrace diversity and inclusiveness as core values in achieving our mission. It is the philosophy of the NAD that diversity encompasses a wide range of human abilities and perspectives. The NAD is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive environment where differences of opinions, beliefs, and values are sought, respected, and valued.
The NAD recognizes that American Sign Language (ASL) is the backbone of the American Deaf Culture. The NAD values the acquisition, usage and preservation of ASL and is a recognized leader in promoting the acquisition, learning, teaching, and interpreting of ASL. The NAD was created in part to promote and preserve ASL as a legitimate language and an optimal educational tool for deaf children and adults.
Developments in the field of linguistics and an emerging body of research in education have validated the historical views of the NAD on ASL and its value in the education of deaf and hard of hearing children. The inherent capability of children to acquire ASL should be recognized and used to enhance their cognitive, academic, social, and emotional development. Accordingly, the NAD supports the bilingual approach for deaf and hard of hearing children. Deaf and hard of hearing children must have the right to receive early and full exposure to ASL as a primary language, along with English. Studies have shown that when deaf and hard of hearing children are exposed to ASL at an early age, they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
For these children to truly benefit, we encourage people to become fluent and skilled users, teachers, and interpreters of ASL. Moreover, we welcome everyone to experience learning and using ASL. We believe that ASL is beneficial to all people, of all ages.
For more information check the following link.
Useful advice for those who are hard of hearing, struggle with tinnitus or suffer from hearing loss.
See the link below to access some excellent information regarding hearing problems and solutions.
The first signs can be a ringing, whooshing, clicking or buzzing noise. It can be whisper soft or piercing. It can be intermittent or constant. The condition can be maddening, as often there is no main cause.
Causes, symptoms and diagnoses, plus new treatments on the horizon that may help you get relief.
Check the following AARP site for more information.
"We selected the best hearing aids based on criteria including features, price, and fit. The Jabra Enhance is our top recommendation as a result of the company's powerful devices, high quality, and commitment to ongoing customer support (including support from an audiology team, if you purchase the premium package). Our expert Reviews Team has spent more than 5,000 hours researching hearing aids to provide you with the most accurate reviews to support your decision."
"Whether you’re having dinner with friends or watching television at home, hearing loss can get in the way of your quality time, disrupt your ability to communicate and gather information effectively, and lessen your confidence in social settings. But the right hearing aid can enhance your hearing and even protect your brain from cognitive decline, so you feel more comfortable and confident in all areas of your life. Our Reviews Team compared the best hearing aids for 2024 based on features, pricing, and customer care to help you make the right decision for your needs."
For more information, see the following link to NCOA.
HLAA is your voice. We are a nationwide community of support bringing education, advocacy, hope and empowerment to the growing number of people with, and at risk of, hearing loss.
For more information available on this comprehensive site, check the link below.
This site is owned and managed by Ron Smith