Unlock Insights: Hearing Loss Resource Fair At St. Cloud Library

HEARING LOSS RESOURCE FAIR THIS WEEK

Judy Leach, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist serving central Minnesota from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Judy joined me in the studio last week to tell me about the Hearing Loss Resource Fair that will be happening at the St. Cloud branch of the Great River Regional Library this Thursday, November 7th, from noon to 4 pm and Friday, November 8th from 10 am to 3 pm.

The event will be taking place in the three large glass rooms off to the right. It is a NO PRESSURE event. Nothing is being sold at this fair, it is solely to provide incredible information and resources with 30 exhibitors. People can come and go as they please. There will also be free hearing screenings on the second floor.

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DR. ZOOK FROM 5:30 TO 7:30 PM

From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Dr. Zook will be coming to talk about the connection between hearing loss and falls and increased risk for Dementia. Dr. Zook will be answering questions to learn what we can do to decrease our risk of Dementia.

The event is free and open to the public, its available to reach for those riding a bus route. I asked Judy a few questions.

JUDY, WHO SHOULD COME TO THIS EVENT?

Everyone and anyone. It's open to people new on the hearing loss journey whether it be for themselves or a loved one. Learn that there is so much more out there besides just hearing aids.

The event is also for people who are deaf, or deaf and blind. There are resources for everyone and all ages, from birth to death. They want to make sure that families, caregivers, and everyone who might need information for anyone who might be interacting with someone with hearing loss, this event is for you.

WHAT INFORMATION WILL BE ON HAND?

Grant programs
Technology Services that address hard-of-hearing, deaf, and deaf-blind for all ages
Several State Agencies on hand
Minnesota Hands and Voices
The Deaf Mentor Program
Phone Program
MN State Academy For The Deaf
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Hearing Loss Association of America's St. Cloud Chapter
Central Minnesota Council on Aging & The Senior Linkage Line
Can-Do Canines
Advocates For Health

WHAT ABOUT THE CPR AND AED INFORMATION?

For people who want to learn more about CPR and AED Machines and why they are being set up by the Lions Club throughout our communities and how you use them. Sometimes taking a class can be a bit overwhelming for those with hearing loss, so this will give people an opportunity to explore that information, with no pressure, and with accessibility.

HAVE YOU HAD RESOURCE FAIRS LIKE THIS BEFORE?

No. This is our first resource fair. We do have two more slated for 2025 in the metro and in Duluth. What makes this fair different is that it's not about trying to sell you something. We wanted to pull all the resources we could about hearing loss, all together in one space, especially for people who lack transportation.

WILL THERE BE PEOPLE ON HAND TO HELP GUIDE THEM IN FINDING THE INFORMATION THEY ARE LOOKING FOR?

Myself and several other staff members will be at the door to welcome them in and help answer any questions they may have as they come in, and we can connect them with the right resources if they are looking for something specific.

WHAT KIND OF TECHNOLOGY CAN BENEFIT THOSE WITH HEARING AND SIGHT DEFICITS?
There is definitely artificial intelligence and technological advances that can help people, so we hope everyone comes out and takes advantage of this free event.