by Tim Gaule January 2025
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Supporting the SaddleBrooke Hard of Hearing Community
Join us the 2nd Friday of every month at 10 AM in the Catalina Room. We are no longer meeting in the Sonoran Room
ABOUT
We are SaddleBrooke residents who recognize the need in our community for a caring place of support and education for those experiencing hearing loss as well as those beginning to research this topic for themselves or a loved one.
WHAT WE DO:
Discuss issues we face, learn tips and possible solutions, offer guidance and encouragement. Occasionally an audiology doctoral student from the University of Arizona assists us at our monthly meetings.
Submit articles for the SB newspapers covering hearing loss topics and personal testimonials from members of our community about their hearing loss journey.
Sponsor periodic “Hearing Night Out” community-wide presentations by local hearing professionals.
Advocate for assistive listening support in SB facilities for those living with hearing loss.
WHAT WE DO:
Discuss issues we face, learn tips and possible solutions, offer guidance and encouragement. Occasionally an audiology doctoral student from the University of Arizona assists us at our monthly meetings.
Submit articles for the SB newspapers covering hearing loss topics and personal testimonials from members of our community about their hearing loss journey.
Sponsor periodic “Hearing Night Out” community-wide presentations by local hearing professionals.
Advocate for assistive listening support in SB facilities for those living with hearing loss.
Events
Join our Discussion coordinators Lyle Larson & Jen Jefferis on the 2nd Friday of every month at 10 AM in the Catalina Room
The Saddlebrooke Hearing Discussion Group invites you to join us on Wednesday, April 9th in the Mountain View Ballroom East at 10:00 am to hear a presentation on hearing loss and cochlear implants. The presenter will be Emily Camacho. Emily is a Bilingual Engagement Manager for Cochlear Americas. She graduated with her Doctorate of Audiology from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis after obtaining a B.S in Communication Sciences & Disorders and a B.A. in American Sign Language/Deaf Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Fluent in American Sign Language and a bilateral cochlear implant recipient, Emily is passionate about supporting D/deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals throughout their hearing journey, promoting advocacy and access to better communication, and raising awareness about implantable hearing solutions within the community. Emily’s presentation will provide a general overview of hearing loss and hearing technology, and the steps one would take to learn more about their options. While Emily’s PowerPoint slides contain images of Cochlear implantable hearing solutions, the primary focus is on the cochlear implant evaluation process, the technology, and how a cochlear implant works.
Join our Discussion coordinators Lyle Larson & Jen Jefferis on the 2nd Friday of every month at 10 AM in the Catalina Room
Howard Cohen, Chair of the SaddleBrooke One Recreation, Health and Wellness Committee, is hoping to gather a group of people who wear hearing aids to help test and evaluate a potential new sound system in the SaddleBrooke One Clubhouse. John Reed, Director of Operations, is bringing in a company on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10am. They will be in The Vistas and in The Vermilion Room. Please RSVP to Tim Gaule if you can attend (tgaule@outlook.com).
HLAA HearingU | OTC 101: Ask the Experts – Explore the Options. Learn about top over the counter (OTC) hearing aid brands and get your questions answered by the experts Sign up at this link: https://www.hearingloss.org/event/hlaa-hearingu-otc-explore-the-options/
Join our Discussion coordinators Lyle Larson & Jen Jefferis on the 2nd Friday of every month at 10 AM in the Sonoran Room
Join our Discussion coordinators Lyle Larson & Jen Jefferis on the 2nd Friday of every month at 10 AM in the Sonoran Room
Presentation on promising new wireless assistive listening technologies, including Auracast by Dr Tom Muller University of Arizona Audiology Chair
Articles
Don't miss additional articles on the second page
Members' Stories
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Walt and Tiggy Share Their Hearing Loss Journey
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2 min read
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by Lyle Larson - Lyle's wife, Jen Jefferis, started our support group in Saddlebrooke
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Auracast
The Future of Assistive Listening
Introducing Bluetooth Audio 2nd Edition, Including Auracast
Link added February 13, 2025
Recently, Nick Hunn, chair of the Bluetooth SIG Hearing Aid Working Group, vice chair of the Generic Audio Working Group, and a key contributor to the Bluetooth® LE Audio specifications, published a new edition of his book: Introducing Bluetooth® LE Audio. This updated version provides a detailed exploration of the evolution, design, and implications of Bluetooth® LE Audio and includes new information about features like Auracast™ broadcast audio. Chapter 12 on page 326.
Auracast™ broadcast audio: a major showstopper at CES 2025
For decades, CES (Consumer Electronics Show) has connected innovators, decision makers, media, influencers, visionaries, and customers across the entire tech ecosystem, and 2025 was no exception. This year, attendees of the annual Consumer Electronics Show had many opportunities to experience firsthand the latest in cutting-edge innovations, from TVs and home entertainment solutions to robotics and AI to new wearables and audio devices and more. One of the top discussions that got media buzzing was an in-depth look at new Auracast™ broadcast audio solutions. Link added January 28 2025
The Latest Updates on Auracast™ Adoption in Devices & Public Locations December 2024
Watch Chuck Sabin with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group outline how Auracast™ broadcast audio came to market and showcase current adoption trends and momentum, including updates on Auracast™ device availability as well as progress on the path towards Auracast™ deployments in public spaces. Link added December 6, 2024
Auracast for Assistive Listening
While current assistive listening system (ALS) technologies, such as inductive loops, have been providing great benefit to people with hearing loss, they suffer from a number of challenges that have limited their deployment, including poor quality, high cost, and lack of privacy. The Bluetooth SIG worked closely with the hearing aid industry to define and introduce the next generation of assistive listening system technology, Auracast™ broadcast audio. Click on link for more information.
Auracast Could Change the Game For Hearing Aid Wearers August 2024
Written by Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A Dr. Amy Sarow is a practicing clinical audiologist and serves as Audiology Lead for Soundly.
Auracast is Here - What You Need to Know July 2024
Question and Answer session with Andrew Bellavia, founder of AuraFuturity, a consultancy in the hearing, hearables, and broader communications spaces.
New FCC Requirement November 2024
Last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new rules establishing that 100 percent of all mobile handsets sold in the US — such as smartphones — must be compatible with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Link added November 23, 2024
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio Astounds Industry Enthusiasts at IFA 2024 September 2024
New Auracast™ Devices Validate the Potential of This Latest Bluetooth Audio Innovation October 2024
Industry analysts predict that 2.5 million locations will deploy Auracast™ broadcast audio by 2030
Auracast Retrofit Solutions
Auracast™ enabled transmitters and receivers are on their way. In the meantime, we all will be able to experience Auracast™ broadcast audio sooner than later thanks to a complete suite of Auracast™ retrofit transmitter solutions.
Assistive Listening Systems: Where We Are Today and What’s on the Horizon July 2024
In this session, you’ll learn that even when people wear hearing aids, they still need assistive listening systems to hear clearly in public and private entities. The session will cover which systems fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA standards, the practicality of the different ALS, and best practices for managers so that users have a positive experience, whether they wear hearing devices or not. Also, the session will cover how Auracast may be used as an assistive listening system with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards to be released in 2027. For years to come, all assistive listening systems will coexist for users to access clear speech anywhere they go.
Helpful Links
HearingU OTC 101: Ask the Experts
HearingU OTC 101: Ask the Experts – Explore the Options webinar on January 29, presented by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). If you attended, we hope you learned more about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids from our expert panelists representing hearing aid companies Sony and Sonova, and independent hearing aid evaluator HearAdvisor. If you weren't able to attend live, you may view the captioned recording on YouTube through the link on our OTC web page, along with additional OTC hearing aid resources and access to previous recordings. Link added February 7 2025
Are Audiologists BETTER than Hearing Instrument Specialists?
Dr. Cliff discusses the differences between audiologists and hearing instrument specialists. I would encourage you to watch it as the video does a good job of explaining the education and training of both specialties. Dr. Cliff also stresses the importance of going to a provider who follows best practices. Added on November 11 2024
ALOHA
Arizona Loss of Hearing Association
ALOHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, advocacy & support to adults living with hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Association of America
Founded in 1979 by Howard E. “Rocky” Stone, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s leading organization representing consumers with hearing loss. The programs and events offered are designed to focus on the person. HLAA strives to give people the tools they need to live more successfully with hearing loss and to show them they do not have to face hearing loss alone.
Dr. Cliff YouTube Channel
Doctor Cliff Olson is an Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona. He is internationally recognized as Dr. Cliff AuD, due to his popular YouTube channel where he has over 1,000 videos about hearing loss and hearing treatment. Dr. Olson's goal is to ensure that everyone with hearing loss has access to high-quality information so they can make better informed decisions about their hearing healthcare.
UA Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic
The Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic is located on the UA campus. A team of certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists, along with graduate student clinicians, work with children and adults across the life span who are experiencing difficulty with hearing, communication, and swallowing. Often during the school term, a student audiologist joins our monthly meeting
Ear Gear
Protect your hearing devices from sweat, moisture, dirt & wind. Ear Gear is available in multiple colors and for both hearing aids and implants. While you can buy from their site, you can also purchase through Amazon
Hearing Tracker.Com
HearingTracker® is the leading platform for all things hearing. Their lab-based product reviews help you find the best hearing aids for you. Added November 2024
Cochlear Implant Help
Cochlear Implant HELP is a helpful source wherever you are in your cochlear implant journey. Whether you are just starting to research about a cochlear implant online or are a seasoned user looking for ways to connect to your favorite piece of electronic equipment, Cochlear Implant HELP has what you need. It also has a comparison chart for the three major brands.
Chad Ruffin MD Webpage
Chad is a Cochlear implant surgeon who also has cochlear implants. His website is a good source of information about cochlear implants. He is located in Seattle and has a live webinar the first Thursday of every month.
AARP Hearing Resource Center
Learn how to maintain optimal hearing health and get advice for living well with hearing loss. Find information, tools and solutions, plus members can take an independent and scientifically validated hearing test by phone for free once a year.
Quiet Restaurants
Finding a Quiet Restaurant
Restaurant environments can be a challenge for Hard of Hearing individuals. My wife and I like to go out for a late lunch or early dinner (we call it Linner). A good time is 3 PM. We typically request a booth and make the staff aware of my hearing disability. At MVBG we like to sit in the dining area. At the Preserve the hostess tries her best to accommodate us and typically seats us in a quit location. The new Road Runner grill is too noisy unless the weather is nice enough to sit outside. If making reservations upstairs in HOA1 we request to be seated in a quiet location. If you have a quiet restaurant suggestion for this page, please contact Tim Gaule (tgaule@outlook.com)
Quiet Restaurants Identified by ALOHA
This is list of quiet Tucson restaurants identified on the ALOHA (Arizona Loss of Hearing Association) site
Soundprint
Sound levels measured by users using SoundPrint's in-app decibel meter. Be aware that quiet, moderate and loud restaurants are listed. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is listed as "moderate". I have found this restaurant to be loud. Nevertheless, this site is a helpful guide. If you click on the restaurant listing, you will see information on when and how many sound measures were taken. You can also get the Soundprint app to browse restaurants near you and contribute measurements through the iOS App Store or Google Play
Contact
- Saddlebrooke, Arizona, United States