Hearing
Simulation No. 1 - Hearing - CHARLOTTE'S CREATIVE CARTOONS
In this simulation, you will hear a form of tinnitus. Tinnitus is a common age-related hearing problem. A person with tinnitus may hear a constant: ringing, buzzing, whistling, or roaring. Often, only the person with tinnitus can hear the sound.(6) Thirty-seven percent of Canadian adults have experienced tinnitus in the past year.(7) Unfortunately, tinnitus does not have a cure, making people diagnosed with it feel hopeless.(6)
In this simulation, you will hear the voice of your granddaughter Charlotte. She will tell you how to draw a cartoon, and while you draw, you will listen to a ringing sound. The ringing sound simulates tinnitus.
Introduction Video
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- • A quiet space
- • A piece of paper to draw the cartoon on
- • Something to draw with (pen, pencil, or marker) to draw the cartoon
- • An electronic device (computer, phone, or tablet) to listen to the activity audio
- • A table or flat surface to put the paper on
- • Headphones to listen to the activity audio
Procedure
- Complete the precursor simulations if you have not already done so.
- Go to a quiet space
- Place your paper, something to draw with, and an electronic device on the table.
- Put on your headphones
- Connect your headphones to your electronic device.
- Turn the volume of your electronic device to between 50-60 percent. This will simulate normal hearing and protect your ears.
- Click ‘play’ on the simulation activity audio below
- Follow the audio to draw the cartoon
- Do not pause or rewind the audio during the activity
- Do not change the audio volume during the activity
Tinnitus Simulation Audio
Duration of simulation - 4 minutes.
In this video, you will only hear the audio of the simulation. The volume of the embedded video should be at 100%. Ensure that the volume of your device is set to 50-60%. Please do not change the audio volume while listening.
Reflection Questions
- How would you feel if you had to listen to this ringing noise every day?
- What would you do to handle hearing this sound all the time?
- How would you describe your tinnitus to someone so that they would take your condition seriously?
Testimonials
Simulation No. 2 - Hearing - WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?
In this simulation, you will hear different degrees of presbycusis, an age-related hearing loss. Presbycusis is the most common cause of hearing loss in older adults around the world.(11) Different types of presbycusis affect separate parts of the ear.(1) Persons with hearing loss can find it hard to follow along and participate in a conversation. Assistive devices, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, can be used to help.(12) In this simulation, you will be making a sandwich for your granddaughter Haley. First, Haley will tell you what she wants in her sandwich. Then, you will write down what she asks for. During this conversation, you will move through the stages of presbycusis. You will also experience how much assistive devices help correct or bring back hearing that was lost. In the end, you will find out if you heard Haley correctly, by checking if you made her sandwich with the right items.
Introduction Video
Presbycusis Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 5 minutes.
The volume level on this embedded video player should be at 100%. Ensure that the volume of your device is set to 50-60%. Please do not change the audio volume while watching.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- • A quiet space
- • A piece of paper to draw the cartoon on
- • Something to draw with (pen, pencil, or marker) to draw the cartoon
- • An electronic device (computer, phone, or tablet) to listen to the activity audio
- • A table or flat surface to put the paper on
- • Headphones to listen to the activity audio
Procedure
- Complete the precursor simulations if you have not already done so.
- Go to a quiet space
- Place your paper, something to draw with, and an electronic device on the table.
- Put on your headphones
- Connect your headphones to your electronic device.
- Turn the volume of your electronic device to between 50-60 percent. This will simulate normal hearing and protect your ears.
- Click ‘play’ on the simulation activity audio below
- Follow the audio to draw the cartoon
- Do not pause or rewind the audio during the activity
- Do not change the audio volume during the activity
Reflection Questions
- If you started to lose your hearing, what day-to-day activities would be hard to do?
- You are starting to feel like your friends and family are leaving you out of plans because of your hearing loss. What would you do about this?
- How can you help an older adult in your life feel supported if they start to lose their hearing?
