Living with someone who is always increasing the volume of the television set? Missing out on parts of conversation on the phone?

The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Seniors Office hosts another Seniors Showcase, this one focussing on hearing health.

Gwen Burton, a hearing instrument consultant specialist with Island Hearing, said she will be discussing hearing loss in general, like how to recognize it and the percentage of the population with hearing loss due to aging.

Burton said in the 65 and older group, close to half of those people have some kind of hearing loss.

“We are going to be looking at ways people can help themselves if they have a hearing loss,” Burton said.

She will also be talking about assistive listening devices, amplified telephones and items like flashing door bell ringers.

“I’m going to be outlining the types of hearing aids that are available,” she said. “The hearing aids are so automatic now. They don’t squeal and carry on. The technology has really improved in the last few years.”

Burton also plans to talk about how people can access funds for hearing aids.

Not everyone immediately address their hearing loss.

“Some people leave it for a decade and everybody yells at them,” Burton said. “Sometimes it’s a little more difficult to help those people because they don’t show up.”

She said other people come in for help as soon as they start missing things.

Either way, Burton said Island Hearing can do a hearing test and show people the results.

Also speaking at the showcase is Roxanne Beatty, a hearing loss resource assistant with Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre. She will be speaking about improving quality of life through better hearing. See www.idhhc.ca for more information about the centre.

The Seniors Showcase is Oct. 8, 1 to 3:30 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church (3rd and Buller). Call 250-245-3079 or email seniors@lrca.bc.ca by Oct. 6 (today) to reserve a space.