Below is a detailed schedule of the upcoming conference: “Hearing- Handle With Care: When is Loud Too Loud?” It is a Hybrid Conference happening simultaneously in-person (at the Minneapolis Marriott West in St. Louis Park, MN) and on Zoom. Sponsored by the Hearing Loss Association of America, Twin Cities Chapter (HLAA-TC) in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division, and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Register to attend either in person or via Zoom by October 12th by filling out the form found here: https://www.hlaatc.org/register2022/ and find out more about the conference on the conference webpage.

9:00 am         ​​​Doors open

9:15 – 9:25 am​​​    Welcome/Opening Remarks/Housekeeping

9:30 – 10:15 am    ​​First Session: Introduction to Noise and Hearing Conservation (Dr. Kerry Witherell, Au.D, CCC-A) During this talk you will receive a brief refresher about ear anatomy, types and degrees of hearing loss. You will learn about the differences between different noise exposure (impulse versus steady). You will be able to help identify what are safe and dangerous levels of noise and what environmental modifications can be made to reduce the danger of noise exposure.

10:15 – 10:30 am    ​​Break

10:30 – 11:15 am​​    Second Session: Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the Loud Workplace (Monique Hammond, RPh) Prevent hearing loss and do not let existing losses get worse! This presentation introduces the attendees to the safety risks of loud sound and hearing loss in the workplace. It will briefly review OSHA safety regulations regarding sound exposures, hearing conservation and special employer guidance for workers who already have hearing loss. Hearing protection and practical tips for people with hearing loss will also be discussed.

11:30 am – 12:15 pm​​    Third Session: What Is a HPD and Why Do I Still Need to Wear Them When I Have a Hearing Loss (Dr. Peggy Nelson, Ph.D., CCC-A) During this talk you will learn about and be shown different types of the hearing protection devices (HPDs), when to wear them, and HOW to wear them.  You will learn about the effects of noise exposure that do not include your hearing.  Lastly, you will learn about the importance of protecting your hearing despite already having a hearing loss and/or wearing current hearing devices(s).

12:15 – 12:30 pm    ​​Break

12:30 – 1:15 pm    ​​Fourth Session: The Grief and Emotional ‘Backdraft’ of Acquired Hearing Loss (Kristen Swan, MA, LP) This discussion will explore and hopefully normalize the myriad layers of grief, loss and emotional upheaval in one’s life when learning to live with an acquired hearing loss.  The session will attempt to address the process of redefining and adjusting expectations of oneself and one’s significant relationships.  Some suggestions will be offered as to how one moves forward mindfully towards acceptance to find meaning, purpose, and joy in one’s life once again.

1:15 – 1:30 pm​​​    Wrap-up and closing remarks

Speakers:

Monique Hammond, RPh: Monique is a registered pharmacist and has worked in health care in Europe, the United States, and Australia.  She is an industrial consultant on work-related hearing issues and continues to work with community and support groups. A loud sound exposure contributed to her own hearing loss. Monique speaks regularly to employees and the members of the public about hearing loss and the dangers of loud noise. Her mission is “to keep people hearing better, longer.”

Dr. Peggy Nelson, Ph.D., CCC-A: Peggy is a professor of audiology in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota, where she has taught and conducted NIH-funded research since 2000.  She is the founding director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied and Translational Sensory Science (CATSS) where she oversees interdisciplinary research in vision, hearing, balance, and tinnitus.

Kristen Swan, MA, LP: Kristen has been  a licensed psychologist with the Regions Hospital Health and Wellness Program Serving Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing for 32 years. She has provided services for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals, couples and families during this time and more recently has been working with the Audiology and ENT departments providing

Dr. Kerry Witherell, Au.D, CCC-A: Kerry has been a clinical audiologist since 2007. Her current role is the Director of Clinical Programs in Audiology for the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota. She is also the Audiology Clinical Supervisor for the Julia M. Davis Speech-Language-Hearing Center at the University of Minnesota as well as the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic.  Kerry is an active member in professional audiology associations both the state and national levels.