Communication App

There are a whole range of communication apps available.  Many people with hearing loss also have some speech problems.  Pen and paper are often used to assist with communication. However this can be time consuming and sometimes people may have difficulty writing due to physical impairment (i.e. tremors, stroke).  Understanding others people's writing can also pose problems.

The app "Verbally" (free) allows the person to enter words and phrases as well as typing in their own words.  Simple sentences can be constructed by touching the relevant words on the screen.  The entries can either be read on the screen or the 'Speak' option can say it out loud.  Therefore it can be used by people with both hearing and speech problems.

Sign Language App

RIDBC Auslan Tutor: Key Signs (free)

The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children has created and app for Auslan (Australian Sign Language).  It contains 150 common Auslan signs.  There is a photo of each handshape and some video clips which demonstrate how to form the sign.  It also includes the Auslan alphabet for use in finger spelling.  I have used the alphabet for finger spelling with a person with a hearing impairment and managed to make myself quite well understood.  More of a surprise to me then the person I was speaking with!

For more information go to the Auslan Signbar website;

www.auslan.org.au

An app that turns your music library into a game!

"guess your song" (free-in app purchases available) is an app which uses your own music library to create a song game.  Each round, a short sound bite of a song is played.  You are given three choices to pick which song you think it is.  You can repeat the sound bite as many times as you like.  After you have made your choice, the app lets you know whether you are right or not, and will play the full song.  Alternatively you can just go to the next round if you prefer.  By using your own music library, you can include songs that are familiar to the people playing the game.  This increases the fun and level of success.  This can be enjoyable to play as a group (of like minded music lovers).  Some people also enjoy playing with friends via Facebook.

App for Piano

"Tiny Piano" (free) is probably one of the most enjoyable and easy to use musical apps.  There are more than 100 free songs to choose from, ranging from 'Amazing Grace' (1779), to 'Do Re Mi' (1959), to One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful' (2011).

There is in-built success, because when you start playing the screen keyboard, the tune starts playing irrespective of which part of the screen is touched.   In fact you can play it with your eyes closed!  However the user is in charge of the tempo so can play faster or slower, depending on their preference.

Last year I was with a delightful lady Lily, who was feeling quite flat and a little teary.  She wore hearing aids in both ears, but found extended conversations hard to understand and exhausting.  I suggested music to cheer her up.  She looked at the music list and selected Fur Elise.  (Another benefit - choice!). When she started playing a look of amazement came over her face.  She said,
" I never knew I could play the piano!!"  You couldn't wipe the smile off both our faces!

More App Pictures

You might have noticed, if you look back on some of my older posts, that I have added some extra pictures and videos to give more information about the apps I am discussing.  Keep an eye out for more to come!

An App to Create the Sounds of Nature

"Nature Sound" (free) is an app that can create a delightful ambience.  It includes a whole range of sounds from nature such as, the forest, jungle, beach, animal calls and spa music.  It can be used as soothing background sound, or perhaps to create atmosphere for a group activity.

If you swipe "Mixer" on the bottom tool bar, there are a whole range of extra sounds you can add.  Just remember to touch the stop button when your finished, otherwise it keeps playing!

Management Strategies for Age Related Hearing Loss

Lets look at some strategies to assist with hearing to help maximise enjoyment of technology;

Wear your hearing aids
Use the volume control.  Remember loudest is not always better.  Judge the volume which best suits you.
Use caption/subtitles to help follow screen activity i.e.  DVD's, TV's, online videos
Minimise external noise.  Headphones can help cut out background noise.  There are Blue tooth and Wireless versions, which are sometimes easier to use, as there are no cords attached.  Often older people find earbuds uncomfortable and obviously they cannot be used with hearing aids.

Avoid areas with echo and reverberation (i.e. a room with carpet and soft furnishings is better)
When listening to music on a tablet or iPad, select YouTube or iTube to include the lyrics
If you are having difficulty with phones try an amplified telephone
Alternatively try FaceTime or Skype to help with facial expression cues, speech and lip reading.
Email and messaging are another useful alternative

For a wonderful example of the power of hearing music and its effect on an older person, go to YouTube and meet Henry.  I dare you not to shed a tear!

Hearing Aids

This blog is about older people and helping them use digital technology.  Modern hearing aids are actually high tech digital devices that can provide good quality sound and other features that can significantly improve quality of life.  If a person has hearing difficulties encourage them to have a hearing assessment.  If hearing aids are suitable get them and use them!  Some people do not like wearing them, so perhaps compromise and wear them for certain activities, such as social outings, listening to music or games on a tablet or iPad.  Losing hearing aids is often an expensive problem.  I can't tell you the number of clients that have popped their hearing aids in their shirt pocket and them had them go through the wash when they forgot to take them out!  I suggest having a special container clearly marked "Hearing Aids".  This can even be attached to a lanyard around their neck.

For advice on hearing loss and different types of hearing aids contact;

Better Hearing Australia
www.betterhearing.org.au

The 5 Senses - Hearing

Your ears are involved in two roles, hearing and balance.  We will discuss balance at another time.  Hearing loss is a common problem as we age, yet the majority of people with hearing loss do not use any specific strategies to manage it.  Lets look at some of the issues and how it is possible to minimise and manage them, including the use of technology.

 Age Related Hearing Loss

With ageing, structures and their functions in the ear can gradually deteriorate.  Age related hearing loss usually affects both ears.  Often the ability to hear high frequency sound declines.  The older person can find background noise can affect understanding of speech and ability to communicate. Quality of life and enjoyment of everyday activities can be seriously compromised.

Factors that may contribute to age related hearing loss include;

Smoking
Some medicines
Medical conditions such as diabetes
Impacted ear wax

Minimise age related hearing loss by;

Cut back or even better, quit smoking
Review medications that may affect ear structures
Manage medical conditions such as diabetes 
Impacted ear wax can be diagnosed and removed by your health care provider.  Do not encourage a person to put anything in their ears to clean them (such as cotton tip applicators).  Visit your health care provider every 6-12 months for an ear health check up and cleaning if required.

How to use iPads for the Older Person

This blog reflects on the physical effects of ageing and how we might accommodate and manage these when using digital technology.  However there are various resources that can teach you how to  use digital devices.  A useful book I came across recently is targeted specifically at the older person.  It minimises complicated technical jargon and works its way step by step through lots of different aspects of the iPads such as; choice of device attributes, communication, iTunes,  adding and managing apps.

"iPad for the Older and Wiser" 4th Edition.
Author: Sean Mc Manus
(Make sure it's the 4th edition as this has been updated to include iPad with iOS7, iPad Air and iPad Mini)
It is available in hard copy and as an e book.

Information on his book and blog are available at
www.sean.co.uk

Top 5 Visual Apps for the Older Person

1.  PhotoFunia (free) - have fun with photos.  Over 300 options.
2.  Ant Smasher (free) - not to everyone's taste.  Squash ants and hear the squish as well!
3.  Art of Glow (free) - create moving artwork in shapes and colours.  New version generates music as well.
4.  Fluidity (free) - colourful flowing liquid.  Relax to the max.
5.  Iquarium (free) - care for your own pet fish, without the hassles

Top Ten Vision Tips for Older People Using Digital Technology

1.  Have regular eye checks
2.  Always ask to have your macular checked too
3.  If you need to use glasses, wear them!
4.  Ensure eye glasses and technology screens are cleaned regularly
5.  Use clear screen covers with anti-glare properties
6.  Avoid sitting where lights or sunlight can reflect off the screen
7.  Larger screens such as iPads or tablets may be easier to use
8.  Use the zoom in/out feature on touch screens to enlarge objects and text
9.  Use phones with large type keys
10.  Be aware of individuals with visual hallucinations. Start with low stimulus apps and progress slowly

Macular Disease

Macular degeneration (MD) describes a group of diseases of the retina of the eye.  These conditions cause painless, progressive loss of central vision.  It can affect a persons ability to perform everyday tasks including driving, recognising faces, reading and also the ability to use digital technology such as following activities on a screen.  A few indiviuals can also suffer from visual hallucinations due to damage from MD.

The main risk factors for MD are increasing age, family history and smoking.  There are treatments that can help slow down the disease process.  When having regular eye checks make sure to ask to have your macula assessed.

If you notice difficulty reading, distortion where straight lines appear bent, or problems following what is happening on a screen, seek an immediate eye assessment.

For further information on Macular Disease go to;

Macular Disease Foundation
www.mdfoundation.com.au