Dr Elaine Saunders on Hearing Issues

Posted 
on Feb 11, 2014
 

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Phil Stewart introduced us to the address by Dr Elaine Saunders.  His introduction and description of Elaine’s CV’s hinted at a passionate drive by the speaker sustained over many years even from childhood times to combat hearing deficiencies and help impacted individuals.

This was correct.    Elaine is now a principal at Blamey & Saunders Hearing in Melbourne.  It adapts technology developed for the bionic ear to produce custom-made hearing aids at a fraction of the price offered by competitors. The business aims to provide affordable hearing solutions to Australians and those internationally.  Providing non chargeable internet help it can be reached on info@blameysaunders.com.au

Elaine told of her academic research into paediatric audiology back in the UK (pre 1984).  She is presently a member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne and Chair of its Health Issues Committee.    She freely delivers talks on listening & communication in conjunction with groups such as U3A, COTA, Probus, Rotary, Lions, Better Hearing Australia, and Veterans Affairs.  


 

 

During the course of her straight faced but dryly witty talk the audience picked up some pearls—some doubtless will be conveyed to spouses!

  • Talk face to face; eye contact helps the brain decipher audio messages
  • A hearing aid at an early onset of need better accommodates later needs
  • One can train for better hearing responses-classical music is a good aid
  • Games/exercises in audio recall help
    • Recall backward a series of random numbers (8 gets the prize!)
    • Try to recall/read backwards 3 sentences
    • Communication should focus on key messages
Elaine concluded by telling of a Rotary initiative to collect older now unused hearings aids, recondition them and provide to disadvantaged in need, and of course responding to a spate of personal concerns from members of the audience.