mhapinewsletter.audiologywebsitebuilders.com Open in urlscan Pro
104.196.60.137  Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

GET https://mhapinewsletter.audiologywebsitebuilders.com/

<form role="search" method="get" class="et-search-form" action="https://mhapinewsletter.audiologywebsitebuilders.com/">
  <input type="search" class="et-search-field" placeholder="Search …" value="" name="s" title="Search for:">
</form>

Text Content

 * Fun Activities
 * Travel Tips
 * Our New Extern
 * White Chicken Chili


Select Page
 * Fun Activities
 * Travel Tips
 * Our New Extern
 * White Chicken Chili




FALL 2023 EDITION


NEWSLETTER


MINNESOTA HEARING AID PROFESSIONALS, INC.

Celebrating 40 years of hearing healthcare in the Twin Cities!





10 FUN ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS WITH HEARING LOSS

article from ncoa.org

Approximately one in three people between age 65 and 74 suffers from some type
of hearing loss. While it’s a common complaint, trouble with hearing can have a
serious and far-reaching effect on an older person’s quality of life.


HOW HEARING LOSS AFFECTS OLDER ADULTS

Trying to converse with others in loud social settings can be frustrating for
seniors with hearing loss, causing them to avoid gatherings and events and spend
more time alone. It’s no wonder, then, that hearing loss has been linked with
depression in 47% of adults who experience it. People with trouble hearing may
also find it difficult to take part in the activities that used to bring them
joy.

Giving up socializing and hobbies, however, can have a negative long-term
impact. In addition to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety,
social isolation can lead to cognitive decline—including a 50% increased risk of
dementia. It may also contribute to reduced physical activity, which carries
its own risks: muscle and bone loss, falls, obesity, heart disease, high blood
pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

The good news? Life doesn’t have to grind to a halt just because you can’t hear
clearly. There are plenty of ways to stay engaged and active and keep your brain
sharp.

These activities for seniors with hearing loss can support a healthy mind and
body and support overall well-being:

 1.  Movies and live music and theater: Who doesn’t love getting lost in a good
     film? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that movie
     theaters and cinemas provide no-cost adaptive equipment for deaf patrons.
     One example is a closed-captioning device, which allows you to read what’s
     being said in the movie in real time. While once cumbersome, these devices
     have come a long way in recent years—and some are even small enough to fit
     into the cup holder of your chair. Even live theatre is finding ways to
     make performances more accessible for those who are hard of hearing. For
     instance, some theaters provide infrared headsets that link directly to
     your hearing aid. Others offer open captioning, in which captions appear in
     real time on a screen next to the stage. Accommodations will vary by
     theatre, so be sure to call in advance to ask what’s available.
 2.  Art: Creative tasks like painting, drawing, and sculpting have therapeutic
     advantages such as stress and anxiety relief. Art has been shown to benefit
     older adults by reigniting creativity, improving memory, and even reducing
     aches and pains through relaxation and light physical exercise. Group-based
     art classes have the added benefit of fostering social connection.
 3.  Crafts: Simple arts-and-crafts activities can help seniors with hearing
     loss strengthen their cognitive skills and engage their auditory processing
     system. Some ideas include knitting and crocheting as well as general
     crafts like mason jar cookies, tin-can lanterns, painted rocks, paper
     snowflakes, and soap making. Pinterest is an excellent resource for DIY
     arts-and-crafts inspiration.
 4.  Reading: Whether you prefer romance novels or a good thriller, reading has
     been linked with better memory retention, reduced stress, improved sleep,
     and better decision-making skills. Have trouble with conventional books?
     Look for large-print books and magnifiers to lessen the strain on your
     eyes. If you’re comfortable with technology, e-reading devices (e.g.,
     Kindle) can provide a more senior-friendly experience through features like
     adjustable font sizes and backlit screens.
 5.  Swimming: Water aerobics and other forms of swimming are great activities
     for seniors with hearing loss, providing low-impact exercise that can help
     ease joint pain. When you’re swimming in the company of others (e.g. in a
     class), it also offers cognitive benefits. If you wear a hearing aid, keep
     in mind that even those labeled “water-resistant” should not be worn while
     you’re submerged in water. Also, it’s a good idea to wear waterproof
     earplugs in order to avoid swimmer’s ear.
 6.  Gardening: Got a green thumb—or at least a love for sunshine and the
     outdoors? A 2020 study showed that for older adults, gardening has
     positive-aging benefits. Being among plants, soil, and sun creates feelings
     of well-being and encourages physical activity that promotes good health.
     If you’re learning about new plants, planning gardening projects, or
     gardening with a group of friends, this pastime can also provide mental
     stimulation and cognitive enhancement.
 7.  Museums and other attractions: Visiting that new art exhibit or checking
     out the lions at your local zoo can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with
     a friend or family member. While it may be hard to hear a tour guide
     speaking, most places have placards that allow you to read about the
     exhibit you’re viewing. As public venues go, these types of places are
     usually not too noisy. This makes conversation easier and less stressful if
     you’re hard of hearing. Many museums now offer a variety of assistive
     listening devices and/or audio about the exhibits provided through
     SmartPhones, as well as sign language during tours.
 8.  Home improvement or object restoration: Whether you’re into classic cars or
     antique furniture, making something old new again can give your brain a
     boost! Engaging in focused, detailed work and problem-solving supports
     healthy cognition—not to mention the sense of reward when you’re finished.
     If you’re using loud tools, be sure to protect your ears from further
     hearing loss or damage by wearing noise-blocking earmuffs or earplugs.
 9.  Games: Games encourage social interaction and provide great exercise for
     your brain. Plus, they’re just plain fun! There are countless games that
     can be enjoyed by adults who are hard of hearing, including most card games
     and board games. If you love bingo, ask your local bingo hall about options
     for the hearing impaired (e.g., large calling cards to announce the number
     that was drawn). If you’re mobile, games such as pool, shuffleboard, and
     pickle ball are all excellent activities for seniors with hearing loss.
 10. Meditation: A recent study showed that meditation offers major benefits for
     the aging brain. This soundless activity reduces anxiety, improves sleep,
     lowers blood pressure, and enhances overall emotional health. There’s no
     need to meditate for hours each day, either. Just 15 minutes daily is
     enough for most people to reap the rewards. Even better, meditation can be
     done anytime, anywhere.



10 FUN ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS WITH HEARING LOSS

Get the most out of your time with others with these enjoyable activities for
those with hearing loss.

Read More



TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH HEARING LOSS

The holidays and family travel are right around the corner. Make sure you’re
ready.

Read More



MEET OUR NEWEST EXTERN

We’ve added a new extern to our practice!

Read More



WHITE CHICKEN CHILI RECIPE

Fall is coming and it’s time for some warm comfort food.

Read More


TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH HEARING LOSS


FROM HOTELS TO PUBLIC TRANSIT, HERE’S HOW TO TRAVEL SMARTER WITH HEARING LOSS
AND HEARING AIDS

from healthyhearing.com

Regardless of whether you’re taking a quick business trip or an extended
vacation, if you’ve got hearing loss, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.
Doing so will reduce the time and effort you spend on your hearing loss. Here
are a few of the essentials to help you get ready when traveling with hearing
loss.




WHEN YOU MAKE A RESERVATION

Don’t let hearing loss get in the way of a great vacation. Hotels in the US are
legally required to set aside a certain number of rooms for people who are deaf
or who have hearing loss. When you make your reservation, make sure to ask for a
hearing-accessible room. If none are available on the dates you’re traveling,
you may want to look for a different hotel.

What makes a hotel room hearing accessible? It varies, but generally ADA law
requires that these types of rooms have:

 * A telephone that allows guests to communicate via text or typing, such as a
   TTY phone and/or a phone with added amplification
 * Sensors that shake the bed and/or flash a light to alert guests that someone
   has rung the doorbell, or is calling on the phone. These types of alerts are
   also required for emergencies. Alarm clocks also must provide some sort of
   non-auditory signal, as well.
 * A TV with closed captioning
 * Signage indicating assistive listening devices are available
 * Travel kits for the hearing impaired that include these items also are
   available online.


WHAT TO PACK IF YOU HAVE HEARING LOSS

Don’t forget your hearing aids or the charging dock.
Some brands sell portable chargers.
A day or two ahead of time, make a packing list so you don’t forget any of your
hearing device essentials. A checklist of the basics include:

 * Hearing aid storage case/drying container
 * Small hearing aid dehumidifier
 * Hearing aid splash protectors or wind sleeves, if your plans include active
   outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking
 * Adapter for your charger if you’re traveling abroad
 * Extra batteries or your charger
 * Cleaning kit
 * Assistive listening devices
 * Hearing aid accessories


GET A HEARING AID TUNE UP, IF NEEDED

Before you leave town, you may want to check in with your hearing healthcare
professional. These sorts of visits are often free or require a small office
visit fee. Ask them to check your hearing devices to make sure they are clean
and working properly. Tell them where you are going and what types of listening
environments you anticipate. Together you can determine what adjustments, if
any, need to be made to your devices so you can hear effectively while you’re
away from home.


GETTING THERE

TRAVELING BY CAR

If you’re planning to fill up the tank and hit the highway, buckle up, of
course! You won’t have to pass through security or worry about hearing
last-minute gate changes, but you may have other challenges. Here are some
suggestions:

 * Ask your hearing healthcare professional about purchasing an assistive
   listening device that will improve your ability to hear conversations with
   fellow travelers while in the car.
 * Consider purchasing an extra wide rear-view mirror so you can see more of
   your surroundings. Because you may not hear cars approach or honk, this is an
   added layer of safety.
 * If you frequently take road trips with passengers, look into having an
   induction loop installed. This electronic device will allow you to better
   hear and understand your radio, cell phone and conversation from other
   passengers. (Induction loops are also found in some airports and travel hubs
   like train stations.)
 * If you rely on texting or emailing for conversations, don’t compromise
   safety. Pull to the side of the road to send or receive these messages or ask
   one of your passengers to act as your reader and scribe.
 * To avoid dangerous communication mishaps with emergency personnel, you may
   want to have a seat belt sash or plaquard to show others you have hearing
   loss, or a medical ID bracelet.

TRAVELING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR AIRPLANE

Taking a plane, train or bus? Regardless of which mode of transportation you
choose, you will likely find yourself in some pretty noisy, even chaotic,
environments. Be sure to keep the following in mind:

 * You do not have to remove your hearing aids when going through airport
   security.
 * For any transportation, check relevant websites or call ahead to ask about
   services for those with hearing loss. Many facilities require at least two
   weeks’ advance notice for sign language interpretation, so be sure to give
   yourself plenty of time if this is a service you require.
 * Some travel hubs have induction loop systems to allow people with hearing
   loss to hear announcements more clearly.
 * Pack necessary travel documents in an easy-to-reach place.
 * Avoid “airplane ear” by knowing how to clear the pressure in your ears
 * Sign up for travel alerts via text messaging, which can be useful if
   announcements are garbled.
 * You can learn more by reading our air travel tips for people with hearing
   loss.


DURING YOUR TRIP

HEARING AID PROBLEMS

If your hearing aids start giving you trouble while you’re traveling, our
troubleshooting guide can help you problem-solve on the fly. Need immediate help
with hearing aids? Our directory has thousands of hearing aid clinics.

DINING

When searching for a spot for lunch, seek out food stands and cafes with outdoor
seating and quiet corners. Excess noise and loud interior spaces make it
difficult to hear and focus on the conversation with the ones you love. Having
an eye for ear-friendly locales can cut back on the stress and mental exhaustion
it takes to decipher multiple sounds at once.


IF YOU’RE TRAVELING TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY

If you’re traveling internationally where the people speak an unfamiliar
language, communication is difficult enough without factoring in your hearing
loss. There are a number of things you can do to facilitate communication,
including:

 * Downloading a translator app on your smartphone or keeping a translation
   dictionary in your bag, or a caption app
 * Alerting the travel personnel ahead of time about your hearing loss, so they
   can help point you in the right direction when you arrive
 * Seeking out translator and hearing loss services ahead of time online


PLANNING IS KEY

Being your own advocate can make a huge difference in the quality of your
vacation. If you take a little time to research your trip before you go, you’ll
save time, feel more confident and be better equipped to enjoy the adventure.


MEET OUR NEWEST EXTERN

KIERSTEN STEINKE

 1. What is an extern? As an audiology extern, I am in my last year of graduate
    school gaining clinical experience before graduating with my doctorate of
    audiology degree.
 2. Where are you earning your degree? University of Wisconsin-Madison
 3. How long have you been with MHAPI and in what capacity? I have been with
    MHAPI since May and have primarily covered ENT clinic and have seen some of
    my own patients for hearing aid assessments, fittings, and issues. As well,
    I have been gaining experience with VNGs.
 4. What are your professional interests/focus?  Has that changed since you’ve
    become an extern? I really enjoy diagnostics, counseling, and hearing
    conservation! I did not have much vestibular experience before starting my
    externship and have really enjoyed learning more about testing and
    interpreting VNG results.
 5. What has surprised you the most about your experience so far? How much I
    enjoy a fast-paced clinic!
 6. What are your interests outside of the clinic? I enjoy spending time with
    family and friends, traveling, baking, and reading!
 7. What is your favorite sound? Music! I always have background music on at
    home




WHITE CHICKEN CHILI RECIPE

from cookingclassy.com

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ready in: 50 minutes

Equipment
Food processor (I use and recommend Cuisinart’s food processors).

Ingredients
1 small yellow onion , diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic , finely minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
1 1/4 cup frozen or fresh corn
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or left-over chicken*
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
Tortilla chips or strips, monterrey jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving
(optional)

Instructions:



 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 4
    minutes minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer.
 2. Add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander,
    cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture just
    to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes.
 3. Drain and rinse beans in a fine mesh strainer or colander then measure out 1
    cup. Set whole beans aside, transfer 1 cup beans to a food processor along
    with 1/4 cup broth from soup, puree until nearly smooth**.
 4. Add Neufchatel cheese to soup along with corn, whole beans and pureed beans
    and stir well. Simmer 5 – 10 minutes longer.
 5. Stir in chicken, fresh lime juice and cilantro. Serve with Monterrey Jack
    cheese, more cilantro, avocado slices and tortilla chips if desired.

Notes
*Recipe updated to use pre-cooked shredded chicken (previously used 1 lb raw
chicken in this recipe and cooked at the beginning). I like the flavor of
rotisserie chicken better plus this way you don’t end with over-cooked chicken
breasts.
**If you don’t own a food processor you can skip the pureeing step, soup just
won’t be quite as creamy.


CONTACT US

We have 7 convenient office locations around Minnesota.
We have a new phone numbers!
To schedule a hearing appointment, please call: 612-871-1144 or email us at
scheduling@entsc.com.
For all other hearing aid-related questions, please call: 612-871-2445.



ST. LOUIS PARK

The Xchange Medical Building
6099 Wayzata Blvd. Ste. 200
St. Louis Park, MN 55416



EDINA

325 Southdale Medical Building
6525 France Avenue South
Edina, MN 55435



BURNSVILLE

340 Fairview Ridges Specialty Care Center
14101 Fairview Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337



SHAKOPEE

South Valley Medical Office Building
1601 St Francis Avenue, 2nd Floor
Shakopee, MN 55379



FRIDLEY

350 Unity Professional Building
500 Osborne Road Northeast
Fridley, MN 55432



MAPLE GROVE

200 Grove Health Building
9550 Upland Lane North
Maple Grove, MN 55369



COON RAPIDS

Mercy Health Care Center, Suite 104
3960 Coon Rapids Boulevard NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433

Designed By: Audiology Website Builders