Irene Kaufman welcomed 20 people to the Merry Makers meeting on March 6 at Jamesway Manor in Clifford and turned the meeting over to Barb Harris and Ruth Anne Cummings.
The guest speaker, audiologist Mandy Rhody from Auditory Health Care of Walkerton, showed slides and videos on hearing health. She specializes in hearing loss prevention, assessments, and non medical treatment of hearing disorders. She explained the function of the ear, the three types and degrees of hearing loss, the assessment, and candidacy for a hearing aid.
Rhody explained there are noticeable signs of hearing loss, such as mumbling or problems hearing the television, or phone conversations.
Anyone who notices they are shying away from social activities, should arrange for a hearing assessment. The hour-long test is painless and may uncover a serious problem or merely a waxy build up in the ear canal. The fee is minimal and well worth the peace of mind, Rhody said.
Assistive listening devices may be all that is needed, she pointed out.
Happy Birthday was sung for Ethel Whitehead, Edie Henry and Florence Dickert.
Dorothy Domm read from The Voice, highlighting the origins of St. Patrick’s Day, Irish wisdoms and changes in the senior’s driving renewal program.
Cummings rhymed off a number of humourous limericks and Harris read a few poems about slippers, sipping tea, being happy, being content, and enjoying a wonderful day.
The next meeting will be held on April 3 at Jamesway with hosts Kaufman and Shirley Murray.
