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Your Presenter: Russell Misheloff

Russ is the past president of the Hearing Loss Association of America – DC area chapter (HLAA-DC), and currently serves on the chapter’s Executive Board. The chapter provides support to members, and information on communication strategies and hearing assistive technology as well as outreach and advocacy services for those living with hearing loss. For that purpose Russ tries to keep current on new technology; the social, professional, health, and psychological implications of hearing loss; and personal strategies that enable the hard of hearing to live full and rewarding lives. Russ’ hearing loss dates from the 90’s, and is of unknown origin (although doctors have speculated that it may be related to his treatment for childhood ear infections with x-ray and radium). Like many others, he ignored/denied his hearing loss for years until it became severe enough that it threatened his ability to continue functioning
professionally and socially. At that point, he was evaluated and received hearing aids. Subsequently, and with further deterioration in his hearing, especially in his right ear, he received a cochlear implant.
He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in international relations, respectively from the University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania, and for many years was employed by the U.S. Agency for International Development and by private firms planning and implementing international development work.

LIVING WITH HEARING LOSS - What you will learn:

1. Demographics – who has hearing loss?
2. Some misconceptions about hearing loss
3. Denial and Avoidance – common, but not a good idea. Why?
4. Visiting a hearing professional
- What to expect?
- Can you skip this step? And should you?
5. Hearing Aids – what they do (and don’t do)
6. Hearing Assistive Technology and Communication Strategies – dealing with situations that
people with hearing loss find especially difficult (e.g. telephone, TV, groups, public venues
7. New Over-the-counter hearing aids – Are they different? Are they for you?