UF speech, hearing clinic offers free hearing loss classes

September 23, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Gainesville chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of Florida will offer “Living with Hearing Loss,” a series of free classes for people with hearing impairment.

Hearing loss affects 36 million Americans, and although the majority of people with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 22 percent of these individuals currently use them, said Patricia B. Kricos, Ph.D., a professor in the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ department of speech, language and hearing sciences.

The education series includes four free classes: “Coping with Hearing Loss,” “A Thousand Ways to Say ‘Huh,’” “Handling Difficult Listening Situations,” and “What Other Help is There?” Classes are held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays at the United Way of North Central Florida office, 6031 NW First Place, Gainesville, on Sept. 30, and Oct. 7, Oct. 14 and Oct. 28. Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends to the classes, but space is limited. Please call 352-294-5151 or email mmccaghren@phhp.ufl.edu to register.