Knowledgeable Aging

Resources for the Aging Population

Internet Protocol Caption Telephone Service and the effects of hearing loss

Talking Points:

People with hearing loss are at a distinct disadvantage compared to people with normal hearing when communicating on the telephone. This webinar gives an informative view of the FCC-regulated Internet Protocol Captioning Telephone Service, eligibility requirements and the difference clear communication makes on an individual’s well-being. How social isolation due to un-corrected hearing loss can lead to a lower quality of life and health co-morbidities.

Listen to the Podcast

  • 1:50 – Hearing loss in America/Global
  • 3:32 – Symptoms of hearing loss
  • 4:52 – Untreated hearing loss can lead to
  • 7:49 – Typical hearing loss treatments
  • 11:15 – Auditory pathway
  • 13:09 – How Covid may be influencing hearing
  • 14:24 – Masks’ effect on hearing and communication
  • 19:27 – How IPCTS came to be
  • 22:00 – History of closed captioning
  • 23:08 – Phone captioning process
  • 25:57 – Why people use captioned phone service
  • 30:09 – Questions
Stephen DeMari

With more than 30 years in the audiology and hearing aid industry, Steve DeMari brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his position as Director of Business Development and Education. He is responsible for maintaining and growing the customer base and cultivating new relationships as well as mentoring outreach peers and account managers.

Steve’s passion for the industry began during his early years in Syracuse, New York, with his hard-of-hearing sister. He helped trouble shoot her hearing aids and teletypewriter, became involved with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in Central New York, and volunteered with the audiology mobile unit at Rochester Hearing and Speech Center. Steve earned a master’s degree in audiology from Syracuse University, then completed a clinical and research audiologist fellowship at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, California.

Steve has served in a variety of leadership roles. Most recently, he was Vice President of Sales and Account Management and Director of Audiology for United Healthcare Hearing. Previously, he was Director of Government Services and Business Development for Phonak, Starkey, and Sivantos as well as audiologist and manager for a wide demographic of medical and private practice clinics in Los Angeles and Chicago. Under his leadership, these companies and channels enjoyed market-share rise and team growth. Steve was instrumental in launching the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Illinois.

Steve is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Illinois AA. He stays highly involved in the industry through several social networks and professional blogs and continuing education within the field of Audiology.

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