Hearing
Hearing Simulation #1 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). Tinnitus often does not have a cure, making people with tinnitus feel hopeless (6).
In this station, you will hear the voice of Charlotte. She will tell you how to draw a cartoon. You will draw while a ringing sound plays. The ringing sound simulates tinnitus.
Introduction Video
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 stations 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%. 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 medical condition seriously?
Hearing Simulation #2 WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?
In this simulation, you will hear the degrees of presbycusis. Presbycusis is 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 add to a conversation. Assistive devices can be used to help. These devices can include hearing aids or cochlear implants (12).
In this station, you will be listening to Haley. Haley will tell you what she wants in her sandwich. You will write down what she asks for. During this conversation, you will move through the stages of presbycusis. You will also see how much assistive devices help bring back hearing that was lost before. At the end, you will see if you heard Haley correctly. You will be able to tell this by seeing if you made the sandwich with the right items.
Introduction Video
Materials
- A quiet space.
- A piece of paper — to write on.
- Something to write with (pen, pencil, or marker) — to write the ingredients.
- 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 stations if you have not already done so.
- Go to a quiet space.
- Place your paper, something to write with, and 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%. This will simulate normal hearing and protect your ears.
- Click ‘play’ on the simulation activity video below.
- Write down your answers while the video plays.
- Do not pause or rewind the video during the simulation.
- Do not change the audio volume during the simulation.
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.
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?
