The Hearing Loss Rehab Institute will conduct a one-day seminar for the hard of hearing, families and friends this Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 2800 McCallie Avenue in Chattanooga.
The institute will teach coping skills for the hard of hearing as well as those who love them, and introduce new strategies of communication, including a session on the secret of lip reading.
David Harrison, founder of the Institute, was born hard of hearing. He developed the program in 2009 as a way to help others conquer the life-long difficulties he has endured. According to Harrison, hearing loss is one the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the U.S. Fifty million Americans have some form of hearing loss, yet only 20% receive the technology and specialized training they need to communicate.
“The hard of hearing are the largest special needs population with serious quality-of-life and accessibility issues according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is called the runaway handicap because very little is being done to help people cope with hearing loss,” Harrison said.
In the state of Tennessee there are 450,000 hard of hearing people; in Hamilton County there are 41,000 who suffer hearing loss and need help.
The Hearing Loss Rehab Institute is intended for all hard of hearing individuals who desire help with their hearing loss and any hearing friend, co-worker or family member. Harrison recommends that a family member attend with the hard of hearing because it helps all to understand the challenges the hard of hearing face daily, and offers ways for all to communicate and understand each other better.
Registration is $79.00 per person in advance and checks may be mailed to to Let My People Hear, P.O. Box 3021, Chattanooga, TN 37404. For additional information, call 624-1669.