Hearing Assistance Fund

Asbury~Solomons Island resident Dolores Cloyes presented to the Resident Council the idea of a fund to meet the need in the Health Care Center  and Assisted Living for personal amplification devices* for residents with profound hearing loss. Hearing loss can affect the ability to enjoy “one to one” communication with family, friends, staff and peers in group activities. It can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, exclusion and frustration. The Resident Council, with support of the administration, moved forward with a plan.

Contributions to this program were used to purchase a limited number of devices for use in the Health Care Center. The idea was then expanded to include the possibility of a “Tour Group System” that can be used during small group presentations.

The results have surpassed initial expectations. Residents with hearing loss are beginning to feel a sense of inclusion, empowerment and acceptance. There are improved relationships with peers, staff and family through both one to one communication and increased group participation.

Use of personal and group hearing assistive devices will certainly help improve the quality of life for residents with profound hearing loss.

* Relatively inexpensive personal amplification devices, many of which look like cell phone earpieces or stereo headphones, amplify sounds to improve communication in difficult listening situations. They can be useful to individuals with or without hearing aids.