UF speech, hearing clinic offers free 'Living With Hearing Loss' classes

October 11, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Gainesville chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of Florida will offer “Living with Hearing Loss,” a series of free classes for people with hearing impairment.

Hearing loss affects 36 million Americans and although the majority of people with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 22 percent of these individuals currently use them, said Patricia B. Kricos, a professor in the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ department of speech, language and hearing sciences.

The education series includes four free classes: “Coping with Hearing Loss,” “A Thousand Ways to Say ‘Huh,’” “Handling Difficult Listening Situations,” and “What Other Help is There?” The series begins in October with multiple dates available for each class. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the United Way of North Central Florida office, 6031 N.W. 1st Place, Gainesville. Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends to the classes, but space is limited. Call 352-294-5151 or e-mail mmccaghren@phhp.ufl.edu to register.

For a complete list of “Living with Hearing Loss” class dates, please visit slhs.phhp.ufl.edu/news.