Nov. 4, 1998
Contact: Robert Novak (804) 982-2323

NEW PROGRAM HELPS INDIVIDUALS -- AND FAMILIES -- COPE WITH HEARING LOSS

	A new University of Virginia program addresses the anxiety of
those experiencing hearing loss -- and eases the adjustment of family
members living with someone who does not hear well.
	Individuals and families can now gain the support of a four-week
aural rehabilitation program through U.Va.'s Speech-Language-Hearing
Center, located in suite 202 at 2205 Fontaine Avenue.  The program
addresses what few consider: the psychological and social ramifications
of not being able to hear well. Hearing aids can also be obtained there.  
	Called ReACT (for rehabilitating auditory communication
techniques), the program provides weekly professional support to smooth
the adjustment of wearing a hearing aid and increase the likelihood of
the aid being used properly.  Hearing-aid users and an accompanying
family member or friend participate in a support group with other
hard-of-hearing individuals and also engage in one-on-one counseling.
	Audiologists in ReACT adjust hearing aids and teach people how
to use and clean them.  They also offer strategies to help people learn
how to communicate better in difficult hearing situations, such as in
crowds, and offer suggestions on other assistive-device technology that
could complement the hearing aids.  
	"Dispensing hearing aids with the support of a rehabilitation
program such as ReACT is unique in central Virginia," said program
director Robert Novak.  "The program's goal is to help people view their
hearing loss as an inconvenience under their control, rather than as a
handicap."
	More and more people are experiencing hearing loss as the
population ages, Novak notes. "Aging baby-boomers are experiencing
permanent hearing loss brought about by numerous factors, including
traffic, office, home and recreational noise; alcohol consumption;
smoking; illness; and medications," said Novak.  He notes that loud
music can also contribute to the development of permanent hearing loss.  
	During the ReACT program audiologists help participants better
understand the effect of hearing loss on their lives.  By leading group
discussions and engaging in role-playing they offer 
						MORE
						
2

effective communication strategies and remedies for repairing
communication breakdowns.  They also conduct on-going evaluations of
hearing ability gained from aids.
	"ReACT is a family-centered approach that enhances skills and
builds strategies for better communication," Novak said.  "We hope to
eliminate the 'dresser-drawer phenomenon' -- the practice people have of
burying their hearing aids away in drawers out of frustration and
anxiety."
	Hearing aids, which come in numerous styles and ranges of
sophistication, vary in prices. For individuals obtaining their hearing
aids through the Speech-Language-Hearing Center, there is no additional
charge for the ReACT program.  For those who only want to attend ReACT,
the cost is $85.  Discounts on professional service fees are offered to
U.Va. faculty, students and staff.
	For more information, contact the center at (804) 924-6354.
						###
Television reporters should contact the TV New Office at (804) 924-7550.