Pennsylvania (PA) Relay is a free public service that provides telecommunication solutions to citizens who are deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, or who have difficulty speaking. With support from PA Relay, these individuals can place and receive calls through assistive services and technology. PA Relay has a team of outreach coordinators who visit various communities throughout the state to bring more awareness to this valuable service. Outreach coordinators connect with potential PA Relay users, their loved ones, and community members and inform them about the available solutions that could help them, or someone they know, communicate more efficiently and effectively.  PA Relays outreach coordinators Jenny Pearson and Thadeus Graham took some time to answer important questions about the free public service and their roles on the outreach team to help people understand how they can benefit from PA Relay services and the educational opportunities available through the outreach program. Keep reading to get to know your outreach coordinators!What are the responsibilities of your role as an outreach coordinator?Jenny: As an outreach coordinator, my main focus is educating Pennsylvania residents and businesses about the services provided by PA Relay and how those services work. Its my pleasure to travel throughout the state educating people about PA Relays services and how businesses and organizations can benefit from using PA Relay to connect with potential clients who use accessible telecommunications to conduct business. To do this, the outreach team exhibits at community events, gives educational presentations to local organizations, and provides training to businesses and organizations.   Thadeus: I educate people about PA Relay as well as assist people in gaining access to the free public service. As an outreach coordinator my role is to both assist our relay users as well as introduce people who could benefit from the service to PA Relay. I answer questions, help with equipment installations, provide a point of contact for our users, host presentations, or attend expos and health fairs to make sure everyone is aware of the services that are available to them.  How can PA Relays services help people stay connected, and how do you help people learn more about these specific services?Jenny: In presenting this information at public and private events, the outreach team can inform people on how these services work and why they are important for accessibility and facilitation of communication for people of all abilities.   Thadeus: PA Relays services help people stay connected by returning independence and autonomy to our users. It empowers people who are deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, or who have speech differences to connect to standard telephone users directly through their adaptive equipment. I help people learn about these services through a variety of methods.  What kind of events do you attend as an outreach coordinator?Jenny: Some types of events the outreach team attends could be health fairs, senior expos, state and local fairs, church groups, chamber of commerce events, conferences, and virtual presentations.   Thadeus: I will attend any event that will have me and that will have a meaningful impact for my fellow Pennsylvania residents. I attend health fairs, senior expos, and host presentations at local organizations. I also work with community leaders to schedule town hall events or even host awareness nights at local sporting events. Ive met with PA Relay users in their homes to help them with their adaptive equipment on a more personal level.  What has been one of your favorite events that youve attended as an outreach coordinator? What made it so memorable?Jenny: I have been an outreach coordinator for six years and have experienced so many amazing events and interactions. Some of my favorite events involve educating seniors and their caregivers about PA Relay and how we can help maintain connections between those who use traditional telephone services and those who use relay services. Hearing loss is a common experience among those who are aging, and to be able to provide these folks with a solution like Voice Carry-Over or Captioned Telephone is incredibly rewarding, especially when they share their experiences with me. Thadeus: My first ever presentation will always be etched into my mind. It was a cold December morning just north of Philadelphia. I had just presented to a group of seniors about PA Relay. After the presentation I helped a few of them download and set up the Hamilton Mobile CapTel App on their phones. The joy they had calling each other and using their new adaptive technology made me realize how much of a difference this can truly make for people. I was hooked on wanting to help as many people as possible after that day.Do you offer educational presentations about PA Relay to local organizations?Jenny: Yes, we do! We provide presentations throughout the state, both in person and virtually. Some of the types of organizations we educate are service providers, health professionals, retirement communities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing support groups and organizations, local businesses and agencies, sporting groups, and church gatherings. All of our presentations are always no cost and can be scheduled at the organizations convenience.   Topics discussed during our presentations are general information about PA Relay, types of services provided and how they work, and how to use the service. The topics can certainly be customized based on the organization. For example, a group may be interested in services for those who are living with hearing loss, so we can tailor our presentation to address those specific services.Thadeus: PA Relay offers a variety of training as well as educational preparations to any interested organization across the Commonwealth. We can also provide training to organizations on how to properly handle relay calls. The Relay Friendly Business Training helps organizations identify relay calls and trains staff on how to properly handle these types of calls.During these presentations we discuss everything from the history of relay services to the different types of services. We discuss PA Captioned Telephone Relay Service and how to acquire adaptive equipment either through the states equipment distribution program, TechOWL, or other means. The topics and timeframe can be customized to meet the needs of the organization.  Is there anything else about your role as an outreach coordinator that youd like people to know?Jenny: As an outreach coordinator, the most important thing I do is connect people to resources they can use to make life a bit easier. Often, I present information to people who do not need PA Relays services, but they know someone who does. When this happens, its so rewarding to hear how they will share what theyve learned from me with those who really need assistance making and receiving calls. This ensures that connections remain strong, and people are able to live life as independently as possible.   Thadeus: The biggest thing I would like people to know is just how life-changing these services are. Even if youre not someone who could use PA Relay, its likely that someone you know could greatly benefit from the service.  How can an interested individual or organization reach you?Jenny: To learn more about PA Relay, feel free to email me at Jenny.Pearson@HamiltonRelay.com or call 610-737-7205! Thadeus: The best way to get in touch would be by emailing Thadeus.Graham@HamiltonRelay.com, or I am available by phone at 412-944-7424.  FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. Advanced speech recognition software is used to process calls, and, in certain circumstances, a live communications assistant may be included on the call. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. To learn more, visit fcc.gov. Third-party charges may apply: the Hamilton CapTel phone requires high-speed internet access (Wi-Fi capable) and in some cases, may require telephone service. When using Hamilton CapTel on a smartphone or tablet and not on Wi-Fi, a data plan is required. Hamilton CapTel may be used to make 911 calls but may not function the same as traditional 911 services. For more information about the benefits and limitations of Hamilton CapTel and Emergency 911 calling, visit HamiltonCapTel.com/911. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Listen Up! Better Hearing Leads to Better HealthTAKE THIS AT-HOME HEARING TESTThink about the last time you were in a social or group setting. Maybe dinner with friends, your weekly card night, or a pickleball playoff. Now, think about this morning at home. Did you catch the local news on TV or take a surprise phone call from your grandkids? Now, ask yourself, in any of those instances did you: Have trouble hearing over the phone Find it hard to follow conversations Ask people to repeat themselves Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complained Think that others seem to mumble Have a problem understanding when women and children spoke to you In the United States, its estimated that one in eight people over the age of 12 has hearing loss in both ears. Despite the prevalence of hearing loss, studies show that only around 20% of those who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Its been shown that hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline.  Some people have a hearing problem and dont realize it, and the National Institutes of Health recommends seeing your doctor if you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms. Regular hearing tests are recommended for individuals of all ages, but especially if youre at a higher risk for hearing loss, this includes if youre older,you have a family history of hearing loss, and if you have a history of noise exposure. TEST YOUR HEARING AT HOMEIf youre not really sure if youre hearing has gotten worse lately, even before you make that appointment with your doctor, a hearing test is an easy first step. And you can even get the ball rolling by taking a simple one over the phone from the comfort of your own home. The National Hearing Test is easy and convenient, and your results are confidential. The test is $8 or AARP members can take a free test. The National Hearing Test is a screening test you can take over the telephone. Youll listen to three-digit sequences presented in a background of white noise and then enter the digits using your phone keypad. The first of its kind in the US, the test was developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health with the goal of giving you information to help you decide if you should seek a full-scale evaluation. MEDICARE MAY COVER YOUR HEARING EVALUATIONIf youre covered by Medicare, its important to note that Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Medicare may cover hearing aids in some cases, but coverage can be limited. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage for hearing aids and related services. Its important to review the specific details of your Medicare coverage to understand what is and isnt covered. Regardless of insurance coverage, its important for individuals to prioritize their hearing health and get regular hearing tests. By catching hearing loss early on, individuals can take steps to manage and treat it, reducing the impact it has on their daily lives. 

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. If you've noticed changes in your hearing and are considering options for improving your auditory experience, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids may be a viable solution. In this article, we will explore the concept of OTC hearing aids, discuss their benefits and considerations, and highlight RxHearing as a trusted provider for obtaining quality OTC hearing aids.Understanding Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids1-      Accessibility and Convenience: OTC hearing aids are designed to provide individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss with affordable and accessible options. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which require a prescription and fitting from a hearing healthcare professional, OTC hearing aids can be purchased directly without the need for a medical evaluation or professional consultation. This convenience allows individuals to take charge of their hearing health and obtain aids at their own discretion.2-      FDA Regulations and Standards: In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced a new category of hearing aids known as OTC hearing aids. The FDA's regulations ensure that OTC hearing aids meet specific safety and performance standards. While they may not offer the same level of customization and advanced features as prescription hearing aids, OTC options can still provide significant benefits for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.Considerations for Choosing OTC Hearing Aids         Self-Assessment of Hearing Loss: Before considering OTC hearing aids, it's important to assess the nature and severity of your hearing loss. OTC options are generally suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you suspect you have severe or profound hearing loss, it is recommended to consult with a hearing healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate recommendations.         Familiarity with Hearing Aid Technology: OTC hearing aids require users to be comfortable with the technology and be able to adjust settings according to their preferences. While many OTC devices come with user-friendly controls and instructions, it is essential to consider your comfort level with technology and your ability to navigate the features and settings of the device.         Realistic Expectations: OTC hearing aids may not provide the same level of customization and tailored fit as prescription hearing aids. It's important to set realistic expectations regarding the performance and capabilities of OTC devices. However, for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who are looking for affordable and accessible options, OTC hearing aids can still offer significant benefits.Why Choose RxHearing for Over-the-Counter Hearing AidsRxHearing stands out as a reputable provider of OTC hearing aids, offering a range of quality options to suit various hearing needs. Here are some reasons to consider RxHearing:         Extensive Selection: RxHearing offers a diverse range of OTC hearing aids, allowing individuals to find the best fit for their specific hearing requirements. Their wide selection ensures that you can choose a device that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.         Professional Support: While RxHearing provides OTC hearing aids, they also understand the importance of professional guidance. Their team of experienced audiologists is available to provide virtual consultations and expert advice, ensuring that you make an informed decision based on your unique hearing needs.         Convenience and Confidence: With RxHearing, you can conveniently order OTC hearing aids online and have them delivered to your doorstep. This eliminates the need for in-person visits and provides a hassle-free shopping experience. Plus, knowing that RxHearing adheres to FDA regulations and standards gives you confidence in the quality and safety of their products.In closing, over-the-counter hearing aids present a convenient and accessible solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. For more information on our trusted partner of choice, please visit Rxhearing.com.