Hearing & Communication Loss Information Session: Silence Isn’t Always Golden! By Hazel Rosetta Smith

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Hearing & Communication Loss Information Session: Silence Isn’t Always Golden!

By Hazel Rosetta Smith

Silence may be golden to those seeking quiet, but it is hardly comforting for those who are discovering their loss of hearing. The Abyssinian Baptist Church opened its doors for an information session on March 30, 2023, with the Greater New York Links, Inc., Health and Human Services Community Partnership, and The Center for Hearing and Communication.
The theme of the day was, Can You Hear Me Now? By the end of the session, the question turned to, Can I Hear You Now?
Dr. Marcella Maxwell, leader and senior advocate of Abyssinian’s Golden Life Ministry and platinum member of the Greater New York Links, Inc., is back at it, bringing vital information to older adults through sessions that have garnered a formidable following for years.
Deborah Whitfield, of Health & Human Services Elder Community Partnership served as the Moderator. Visiting Deaconess Gwendolyn Russell of Berkely Mt. Zion Church, Berkeley, California, opened with a welcoming prayer.
Carolyn Ginsburg Stern, Director of the Center for Hearing and Communication described the Center as a resource providing education to individuals, organizations, healthcare providers, and families about the importance of treating hearing loss in older adults.
She explained how hearing aids are not as they once were, bulky and obvious. Today, there are numerous devices, hardly noticeable and highly technically programmable. Whether it is ringing in the ears or an overflow of compounded ear wax, being in denial about a loss of hearing is a matter of personal safety, quality of life, and brain health.
CHC Director Stern introduced Audiologist, Lauren Capua, who spoke about the inner workings of the ear, the stigma of hearing loss, and the importance of having your ears properly examined.
Over-the-counter hearing aids have become legally available yet may not be suitable for every individual’s level of hearing loss. First being tested by an ENT (ear, nose, throat) Specialist, the next step is to see an Audiologist for advice on the most suitable hearing aids and get training in wearing the device.
She reaffirmed the most important act we can take is to not be reluctant to get a hearing aid. They can be expensive and may not be totally covered by your insurance, but the need is great, and the result is phenomenal.
Latoya Banks, a volunteer at the Center for Hearing and Communication, began losing her hearing at the early age of four. She spoke of how the loss increased through the years, leading to several hearing aids, including the Cochlear Implant.She also talked about depression and isolation as aspects of the change in lifestyle that she experienced and ultimately how to live successfully under circumstances that are different in each case.
Carolyn Ginsburg Stern returned to the podium with examples of companies that specialize in products referred to as assistive listening systems, which help improve communication for a person with hearing loss or a speech or language disorder.
Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sounds, assistive listening devices separate sounds like voices or television dialogue from background noise. Several devices were available for examination.
As always, a succulent chew and chat time concluded the session. Special thanks to the other Links helpers on hand: Michele Stent and Gail Monroe Perry and Dr. Maxwell’s Pied Piper, Carolyn McBain, who escorts her Esplanade Gardens neighbors in droves to every workshop.
Community speakers included: William Hamer, Dept. of Aging; James O’Neal, AARP; Paula Rice, Alzheimer’s Disease Study; and Nancy Houghton, Executive Director of Health Advocates, NYC.
The Health & Human Services Elder Community Partnership of the Greater New York Links, Inc. works closely with numerous senior groups and organizations in Harlem, East Harlem, and Washington Heights. The facet is chaired by Dr. Marcella Maxwell, Michelle D. Stent, Esq., & Rhonda Joy McLean, Esq. Touché, for time well spent, and valuable information well delivered.
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for HSTM-Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries Contact: misshazel@twc.com and online www.hazelrosettasmith.com]

Photos by Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor

Maxwell pic #1 –
(L-r) Linda Thompson, Abyssinian Health Ministry; Nancy Houghton, Paula Rice, Michelle Stent, Gail Monroe Perry, Deborah Whitfield, Carolyn Ginsburg Stern, and Karmesha Peake, Abyssinian Ministerial Administrative Assistant. (Seated: Dr. Marcella Maxwell)
Maxwell pic #2 –
(L-r) James O’Neal, Michelle Stent, Gail Monroe Perry, Carolyn McBain, Deborah Whitfield, Paula Rice (Seated: Dr. Marcella Maxwell)
Maxwell pic #3 –
(L-r) Lauren Capua, Carolyn Ginsburg Stern, LaToya Banks of the Center for Hearing and Communication with Dr. Maxwell



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