Hearing Loss Help Available

TYLER — Michael Wilcox is a hearing loss resource specialist for the Tyler-based East Texas Center for Independent Living. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Wilcox said his job has many facets –including working with businesses to create a better environment for hard-of-hearing workers. Wilcox says, “I come into the workplace, and sometimes I evaluate their work conditions and see what changes we need to make to help them out.” Wilcox adds that 31.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from hearing difficulties but lots of help is available, including some new technology to improve hearing. You can help too, by remembering some basics of communicating with hard-of-hearing people. Among other things, Wilcox says raise your voice a bit, but don’t shout; speak clearly and at a moderate rate. “But the biggest thing, I think,” notes Wilcox, “is to be patient, to be positive, and be relaxed.”

You can go to http://www.etcil.org to learn more. You can also reach Wilcox at mwilcox@etcil.org or (903) 581-7542. And you can log on to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to listen to the “Staff Meeting” show online.