Currently viewing Vol. 8 • Issue 3 • 2021

May is Speech and Hearing Month in Canada

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It may be common knowledge among hearing health professionals in Canada that the month of May is Speech and Hearing month.  However, I am quite certain that this is not top of mind for the general public.  So, I challenge each of you to take time this month to reflect and ask yourself ‘What am I doing to raise awareness for Hearing Health in Canada?’

Fortunately, the CAA has already done a lot of the hard work for you.  We have developed numerous tools and marketing resources that can assist those with hearing loss and which contribute to raising the awareness of all Canadians of the importance of hearing health for themselves and their loved ones. Not surprisingly, this year we have had more requests for help with managing communication by those with hearing loss using phones and video communications.  With the leadership of Janine Verge and her team (Eli Lubell, Lauren Peters, and Melanie Santhikumar) we have created a 3-piece campaign we are sharing with any person, family or health professional who can benefit. 

Please take time to review all of the links below.  You will find the resources to be extremely informative and practical. I am confident that you will want to use and share them this May month and throughout the year ahead.

CAMPAIGN ONE:  ACCESSIBILITY

Part 1: The Poster – 12 phone and video calling solutions for people with hearing loss

Click on the poster to go to the CAA website for the downloadable file you can print and post in your clinic, workplace or wherever you know people will benefit.  The poster has a QR code and link for people to easily find the downloadable booklet with large collection of in-depth solutions.

Part 2: The animated video-graphic of 12 phone and video calling solutions for those with hearing loss

The link will take you to a video-graphic which gives animation to the concepts in the poster.  You can share it on your social media, in your clinics or other public places.  Links are embedded to take the viewer to the website for all downloadable parts of the campaign. 

Part 3:  The phone and video calling solutions BOOKLET

Those who have or know someone who has difficulty hearing with a phone and video call will relate to the challenges outlined in the preamble.  The long list of solutions provides advice and links to resources on a broad range of challenges that might be supported for those with hearing loss.  This wonderful guide was researched by experienced Audiologists with special interest in enhancing accessibility.  Thanks to Janine Verge for leading the author team.

PLEASE SHARE ALL OF THE PARTS OF THIS CAMPAIGN with anyone who cares about supporting accessibility for those with hearing loss. 


CAMPAIGN TWO: INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE IMPACT OF HEARING LOSS AT MANY STAGES OF LIFE

This campaign consists of 4 sets of 2 public awareness ad frames. WXYZ.  These ads are downloadable for any member of the Canadian Academy of Audiology for educating across many possible sites. Click on the photos below to go to the website to download and use the communication ads. 

Adult Animated GIF

CAA members please click on this link for similar animated ads for Infants, Teens and Seniors

More resources on the CAA website:

As usual we continue to provide high level education and marketing support tools. Our April webinar and upcoming June webinars are valuable resources. Please follow the links to view our library of recorded webinars and marketing tools. 

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About the author

Margaret Young

Margaret Young has her Masters of Science in Audiology from the University of Western Ontario. Margaret started her career in private practice with a focus on pediatrics. She worked at several clinics in southern Ontario and then opened her own practice in Walkerton Ontario in the late 90’s. In addition to her private practice venture, Margaret consulted in Educational Audiology with the Auditory Management Services team providing Educational Audiology to school boards in South and Midwestern Ontario, and later in the Ottawa region. Margaret then transitioned to the manufacturing sector by joining Oticon first as a Technical Support Audiologist and later as their Senior Trainer. In 2009 Margaret accepted a unique opportunity with Costco Wholesale and is currently Director of Hearing Aids for Costco Canada. Margaret has a particular interest in patient centred care and the setting of clinical care standards for dispensing of hearing aids in Canada.