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Help for people with hearing problems

March 9, 2005

KALAMAZOO--Hearing loss is stressful and uncomfortable and can pose more serious problems, but help is available for Southwest Michigan residents dealing with the issue.

Treatment and support for people suffering from loss of hearing and their family members are available at Western Michigan University. Openings are currently available to members of the public through the University's clinical programs.

The Van Riper Language, Speech and Hearing Clinic in the WMU Unified Clinics is helping people with hearing loss learn to deal with and overcome their impairment and increase awareness of their needs. Services offered are tailored to meet individual needs and to develop strategies to improve communication in a variety of situations.

Areas of discussion typically include: understanding hearing and hearing loss and its impact; how a hearing aid or cochlear implant works and what it can or cannot do; how to fully use a hearing device; identifying and dealing with difficult situations; improving communication strategies; other assistive technology; and networking with others with hearing problems.

Daytime and evening sessions are available September through December and January through April each year and are offered to the community at large. A fee for services may apply, but donations also may be accepted in lieu of fee payment.

The hearing clinic serves people of all ages, but its clients typically are older people who need help adjusting to the use of hearing devices.

For more information, contact Mary Peterson-Combs, faculty specialist in audiology, at (269) 387-8062; <mary.peterson-combs@wmich.edu> or Mary Peterson-Combs, Van Riper Language, Speech and Hearing Clinic, WMU Unified Clinics, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49008-5361.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
269 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news