Because of the success and feedback, Open Chat Night will continue on Wednesday of each week at 8pm EST.  But for those who can’t make it on Wednesdays, I am considering the possibility of adding a second Open Chat Night.  This is where I need your help.

Please take a moment to answer my poll (top left column on my blog).  I would like to know what night works best for you.  I also welcome any feedback or suggestions on this idea.

Once again, this week’s Open Chat Night (June 30th) will be for all regulars to get caught up (newcomers are also welcome).  All past topics will be open for discussion.  Click here for all past topics.

Thank you all for being a part of this wonderful group!

www.OpenChatNight.com

Opening Topic for Open Chat Night:  How to take care of your hearing aids

Hearing aids are very expensive.  The digital hearing aids I have been wearing for the past 10 years (BTE and ITC) have cost thousands of dollars.  When paying so much, taking good care of the aids is a must.

Last weekend I was at the HLAA convention’s exhibit hall and stopped by a booth for Dry & Store.  I became interested in this product after a leader of the HLAA chapter group recommended it.  I learned that lots of moisture and germs can enter the aids while wearing them, which can cause damage to the aids and potentially create ear infections and itching in the ears.  Dry & Store Conditioning System is an electrical appliance that helps to reduce the risks.  You simply place your hearing aids in an enclosed box for 8 hours to sanitize them.  I have purchased one for myself.

Share products you use to ensure that your hearing aids will last longer.  For all of you wearing hearing aids, how long did they last before you had to buy new ones?

www.OpenChatNight.com

Opening topic for Open Chat Night:  Finding your identity

I went to the HLAA chapter meeting on Thursday, and one of the topics discussed was about identity.  I would like to learn more about deaf culture and identity.  For instance, some deaf people refuse to get cochlear implant even though it will help them hear.  They have their own set of ideals on what they strongly believe.  I’m not very familiar and would like to hear other people’s views on this subject.

While growing up, I wasn’t surrounded by people with hearing loss to help me understand the deaf culture.  I pretty much accepted myself as being a part of the hearing world.  It was only because I had mild to moderate hearing loss.  The hearing aids helped me hear almost normal but I faced many challenges and obstacles down the road.

Describe how you develop your identity and where you consider yourself in this world.

www.OpenChatNight.com

Opening Topic for Open Chat Night: Adapting to new technologies

A member of our Wednesday’s chat described his experience with getting new hearing aids, and I thought it would be good for members to discuss their own experiences with new technologies. 

As we all try something new in our lives, it takes some time to adjust.  It will soon be five years since I got my first in-the-canal digital hearing aids.  I was overwhelmed by the new sounds for the first month, and I remember being surprised at the clarity and depth of sounds.  I had to make several trips to the audiologist to have my hearing aids’ settings adjusted to more comfortable levels.

Share your own experience with new hearing aid or Cochlear Implant technology, or any other technology that has had an impact on your life.

www.OpenChatNight.com