Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 5, 2014

Mountain Views News Saturday, April 5, 2014 
13THE GOOD LIFE Mountain Views News Saturday, April 5, 2014 
13THE GOOD LIFE 
HOW TO SHOP FOR A HEARING AID 

Dear Savvy Senior: What tips can you offer 
people who are shopping for hearing aids? 
Overwhelmed Senior 

Dear Overwhelmed: 
With so many choices and options available today, 
shopping for a hearing aid that meets your 
needs, lifestyle and budget can be challenging. 
Here are some tips that can help you locate a good hearing aid provider and choose an appropriate 
aid. 



Choose a Provider 
The first step in buying a hearing aid is to choose a good provider. The best option – as recommended 
by Consumer Reports – is an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat doctor) who employs an audiologist 
that fits and dispenses hearing aids. 

An otolaryngologist will first examine your ears and rule out any medical conditions such as a tumor, 
bacterial infection or ear wax that can affect your hearing. Medicare will cover the medical exam and 
an audiologist’s test if ordered by a physician. 

If you can’t find a conveniently located doctor’s office that dispenses aids, an independent audiologist 
or hearing instrument specialist is a good alternative. To search for these professionals in your 
area, see howsyourhearing.org and ihsinfo.org. Big box retailers like Wal-Mart and Costco also sell 
hearing aids. 

Or, if you’re a veteran, be sure to check with your nearest VA health facility. Eligible veterans may be 
able to get hearing aids for free. 

During Your VisitAfter you locate a provider, when you go in for your first visit you need to be prepared to discuss your 
lifestyle and hearing needs. For example: Do you just want to hear the TV, or other people speaking? 
Do you talk on the phone a lot? Do you need to hear in a lot of noisy places, like restaurants? Knowing 
your priorities will help your provider determine what style and hearing aid technology is best 
for you. 

You’ll also be given a hearing test in a soundproof booth to determine what type of hearing loss you 
have. After the test, your provider should give you a choice of hearing aid brands, features and styles 
to consider. 

To help you decide, ask for a demonstration. Many providers are able to put a disposable plug on the 
tip of a behind-the-ear hearing aid and program the device to your hearing loss so you can experience 
how it works. 

Also ask about popular add-on features like “telecoils” that helps with phone conversations, “directional 
microphones” that can help you hear in noisy places, and “feedback cancellation” that prevents 
the aid from squealing when you get too close to other audio equipment. But, keep in mind that the 
extra features will drive up the price. 

At the FittingAfter you buy your hearing aid, don’t leave the office without making sure it physically fits your ear 
and that it does what you want it to do. To help with this, ask to have a “real-ear” test which measures 
the match between your hearing loss and the response of your hearing aid. 

Also get a signed copy of a contract that outlines the hearing aid you’re buying, along with the price, 
trial period, any nonrefundable fees and the warranty. Most manufacturers allow a 30 to 60-day trial 
period to be sure you’re satisfied, and provide follow-up visits to help you with needed adjustments 
or questions. 

Resources 
You also need to know that digital hearing aids are expensive, typically costing between $1,000 and 
$3,500 per ear, and they’re not covered by traditional Medicare or most private insurance companies. 
To look for help, call the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at 800241-
1044 and ask them to mail you their list of financial resources for hearing aids. 

For more hearing aid information, get a copy of the “Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids” for $5.50 
plus shipping at hearingloss.org, or call 301-657-2248. 

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. 


CRUEL IRONY

 Things are rough all over, but you already knew that. It used to be lucky to have 
a lawyer or a doctor in your family. Now graduating law students are lucky if they 
find a job! One of my co-workers was telling me about her son’s recent experiences 
in his quest to secure his place in the world of law.

 After a long, diligent search and numerous interviews, Ryan finally found a job 
at a law firm in Merced. Nothing against Merced, but compared to Chino Hills, where Ryan grew up, 
it’s no exciting metropolis. However, Merced does have some benefits, from a legal point of view, in 
that it maintains a steady rate of blue-collar crime. While far from the glamorous courtroom dramas, 
such as “Damages,” Ryan was ecstatic to have a job! At last his first “real” case landed on his desk. 
He was to be the prosecutor for the DA’s office against some individual who had been caught with an 
ounce or two of an illegal substance. The usual punishment for such crimes is a hefty fine and several 
months in prison.

 Being the supportive parents they are, Ryan’s mom and dad made a special trip to witness their son’s 
first case. For them, traveling is no small feat. His father battles 
chronic lung infections, often resulting in hospitalizations. At 
the time of the trial, he was wheeling an oxygen tank with 
tubes running into his nostrils. Ryan’s mother also suffers from 
health problems. A cancer survivor, she wears a medical sleeve 
to keep the circulation in her arm moving.

 On the day of the trial, the defendant was clean-shaven and 
dressed in a crisp suit that hid his tattoos. He had also removed 
about a brick’s weight of metal from his many piercings. 
Ryan presented a sound, rational argument for the suspect’s 
incarceration. The defending attorney rebutted with some 
unimaginative statements about his client’s sad background 
that sought to rationalize his descent into a life of crime.

 The judge adjourned to his chamber for consideration and 
then, to Ryan’s dismay, pronounced the defendant innocent! 
The ruling was a blow to Ryan’s confidence, and his parents 
did their best to assure him that the judge must’ve had some 
partiality toward the defendant. The next week back at the 
office, Ryan asked one of his bosses what had been wrong with 
his performance in the courtroom.

 
“Don’t worry about it,” his boss said nonchalantly. “The cards were stacked against you from the 
moment the kid’s folks walked in the room.”

 “What are you talking about?” Ryan asked.

 His boss patted him on the shoulder. “Didn’t you see the guy’s mom and dad sitting behind him? 
That man with his oxygen tank almost had me in tears!”

 Moral of the story: If you bring visitors to court, make sure they know which side belongs to the 
prosecutor and which to the defendant. 

We’d like to hear from you! 
What’s on YOUR Mind? 
Contact us at: editor@mtnviewsnews.com or www.facebook. 
com/mountainviewsnews ANDTwitter: @mtnviewsnews
SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


By Pat Birdsall (reprint) 

FYI - According to AARP, if each American cut their salt intake by 1 teaspoon (3g) a day, 
there would be 120,000 fewer strokes, 99,000 fewer heart attacks and 92,000 fewer deaths this year. 
And from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)…The vast majority of sodium consumed is from 
processed and restaurant foods: only a small portion is used in cooking or added at the table. If you 
are in the following population groups, you should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium 
per day: 1) You are 51 years of age or older. 2) You are African American. 3) You have high blood 
pressure. 4) You have diabetes. 5) You have chronic kidney disease. The 1,500 mg recommendation 
applies to about half of the U.S. population overall and the majority of adults 

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HELPFUL HINT: Use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to clean your old cookie 
sheets. No scrubbing! Don’t throw those single serving gelatin plastic cups away; make your own 
single servings. Place the cups in a muffin holder, fill the cups and place in the refrigerator. It only 
takes a few minutes and no mess. 

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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE 

“I’m a Yankees fan,” a first-grade teacher explains to her class. “Who likes the Yankees?” Everyone 
raises a hand except one little girl. “Janie,” the teacher says, surprised. “Why didn’t you raise your 
hand?” “I’m not a Yankees fan.” “Well, if you are not a Yankees fan, then what team do you like?” 
“The Red Sox,” Janie answers. “Why in the world are you a Red Sox fan?” “Because my mom and 
dad are Red Sox fans.” “That’s no reason to be a Red Sox fan,” the teacher replies annoyed. “You don’t 
always have to be just like your parents. What if your mom and dad were morons? What would you 
be then? “A Yankees fan.” 

True Definitions: 

Egotist: Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation. 
Tomorrow: One of the greatest labor saving devises of today.

 ~ ~ ~ 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … April Birthdays… 

Howard Ruben, Mary Harley, Bette White, Dorothy White, Doris Behrens, Freda Bernard,

Beth Copti, Terri Cummings, Marilyn Diaz, Virginia Elliott, Elma Flores, Julia Gottesman, 

Betty Jo Gregg, Barbara Lampman, Betty Mackie, Elizabeth Rassmusen, Maria Reyes, 
Marian DeMars, Anne Schryver, Chrisine Bachwansky, Colleen McKernan, Sandy Swanson, 

Hank Landsberg, Ken Anhalt, Shannon Vandevelde 

. *To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth 
not required. 
.................................................................. 

Quote of the Week: April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. ~WilliamShakespeare 

.................................................................. 



ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park 
House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon 

(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.)
All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 
for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is 
limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256 

Free Balance Class: Monday, January 27th 11:00 to 11:45 with Shannon Vandevelde. A variety of 
balance exercises are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed. 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: Held Second Tuesday of the month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: No 
appointment necessary. 

Bingo: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm Cards are only .25c each! 

Chair Yoga Update: This class has become so popular that Instructor Paul Hagen has agreed tooffer another class. Starting Monday, April 7th chair yoga will meet twice a week on Mondays and 
Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45 am, except on the third Monday of the month when the balance 
class is held. Due to the demand for this class and Paul Hagen’s time a suggested donation of $5 at 
one of the classes is requested, but is not required. If you have any questions please feel free to stop 
by or give us a call 626.355.7394 

Free Legal Consultation: Pasadena attorney Lem Makupson volunteers on the 2nd Wednesday of 
the month. He focuses on estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, conservatorships and business law. 
*Appointments are a must! Please call: 626.355.7394 to make yours 

Birthday Celebrations: The 2nd Thursday of the month the Senior Center celebrates the birthdays 
of our patrons at 12:30 pm. Please join us for free cake and ice cream and “celebration.” (The cakes 
are provided due to a generous donation from the Sierra Madre Civic Club.) 

Game Day: Every Thursday at 1:00pm. Poker is usually the game of choice, or should I say chance? 
Board games and other card games are also available. 

Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 1:00 pm -1:45 pm Conducted by long-time 
volunteer, Lisa Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low-impact resistance training. Weights 
are provided by the Sierra Madre Senior Center. 

Senior Citizens Club: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House (Senior Center). Brown bag lunch at 
11:30am; Club meeting at Noon; Bingo 12:30- 3:30 pm. Only .25c per card. 

LUNCH & LEARN: DMV Senior Ombudsman Program

Wednesday, April 23rd • 12:00 to 1:00 pmThe DMV has established the Senior Driver Ombudsman program for the expressed purposes of 
helping all drivers maintain their driving independence for as long as they can safely do so.
A representative from the program will be present to (1) address the specific concerns of senior 
drivers and provide DMV resources (2) assist as a liaison to ensure senior drivers are treated fairly 
and consistently when faced with changes in physical, visual, and/or mental abilities; and (3) provide 
information and support to seniors and loved ones when safety becomes a concern.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this great presentation with valuable information. If you would 
like to have lunch during the talk please call the Senior Lunch Café at 626.355.0256 or bring your 
own. 

SEASONAL FUN AT THE SENIOR CENTER 

On Thursday, April 17th join us for fun spring activities including dyeing and decorating hard 
boiled eggs and creating tissue paper flower bouquets. All materials provided. The activity will take 
place from 10:30am to Noon. If you have any questions please feel free to stop by or give us a call 
at 626.355.7394. 


UPCOMING EXCURSIONS: 

Palm Springs Follies (Palm Springs, CA) Date: Friday, April 11, 2014 

Time: 8:30am to 6:00pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center

 Cost: $60.00 (does not include lunch)
Spend the day in Palm Springs shopping, having lunch and visiting the famous Palm Springs Follies, 
a worldfamous, Broadway-caliber celebration of the music, dance, and comedy of the 40s, 50s, and 
60s with a cast old enough to have lived it! Upon arrival in Palm Springs participants can shop and 
lunch at nearby stores and restaurants all within walking distance of the theater. The performance 
begins at 1:30 pm and is approximately 2 ½ hours. Participants are asked to bring additional money 
for shopping and lunch. This will be the LAST Palm Springs Follies ever so sign up soon! Sold Out, 
but feel free to call to be on the waiting list. Level of Walking: Low to Moderate 

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum (Simi Valley, CA)

Date: Friday, May 16, 2014 Time: 9:00am to 3:30pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior 
Center Cost: $20.00 (does not include lunch) Spend the day exploring the Ronald Reagan Presidential 
Library and Museum. The guided tour is approximately 2 hours and includes an opportunity tosee Air Force One, a replica of the Oval Office, and the exhibit “Honoring Legends of Baseball,” 
a limited time engagement. The special exhibit will display extraordinary artifacts from Babe 
Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and scores of other 
historically important players and organizations. Participants are asked to bring additional money 
for souvenirs and lunch; two restaurants are available on site. Last day to register is Thursday, May 

1. Level of Walking: Moderate 
Senior Cinema: 1st & 3rd Wednesday *Change in Venue*
Shown at the Hart Park House Senior Center 


April 2nd: Gravity (2013)

A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift inorbit. Rated PG-13, Start time: 1:00 pm (run time 91 minutes) Featuring: Sandra Bullock, George 
Clooney, and Ed Harris 

April 16th: Iron Lady (2013)

An elderly Margaret Thatcher talks to the imagined presence of her recently deceased husband 
as she struggles to come to terms with his death while scenes from her past life, from girlhood 
to British prime minister, intervene. Rated PG-13, Start time: 1:00 pm (run time 105 minutes) 
Featuring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, and Richard E. Grant