"Reaching Out" hearing program available to older adults

The Frontier Pioneers in collaboration with the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center (RHS), the Monroe County Office for the Aging (MCOFA) and the Self Help for Hard of Hearing (SHHH)/Rochester Chapter will offer their "Reaching Out" hearing programs to the community.

"Reaching Out" is an annual hearing program that provides free educational presentations and information to older adults at designated senior center programs. Over the past 21 years, more than 6,500 seniors have participated in the program. Registration is required.

"Over the age of 55, about 15 percent of people have a hearing loss and that number increases to 40-50 percent when people reach 75 years old," said Dr. Larry Medwetsky, vice president of audiology at the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center. "Through this program, we hope to educate and motivate older adults to take care of themselves and their hearing and ultimately improve the quality of their lives."

Those interested can contact the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center at 585-271-0680 for more information or they can contact one of the designated senior centers to register.

Dates and locations are as follows:

October 7, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Perinton Senior Center, 585-223-5050.

October 14, 10 a.m. - noon, Sweden Senior Center, 585-637-8161.

October 28, 10 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Hilton-Parma Senior Center, 585-392-9030.

At each session, Dr. Medwetsky will talk about the signs of hearing loss and various ways to help lessen the impact of hearing loss including communication strategies, hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Assistive hearing devices, including amplified phones, flashing doorbells and more will also be on display.

Frontier Pioneers will guide participants through a questionnaire designed to indicate a possible hearing problem and whether an appointment for a complete hearing evaluation is needed. The Pioneers also provide funding for the program.

"Through this program, people can learn about hearing loss and find out about the variety of help and assistance available," said Sheri McKenna, Frontier Community Relations manager. "Frontier is proud to help bring this program to the community."

The Frontier Pioneers is a volunteer group comprised of hundreds of current and retired Frontier employees. These volunteers join together to make our community a better place to live and work. Their motto is "answering the call of those in need." The "Reaching Out" program is one of many Pioneer community initiatives