Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 19, 2014

Mountain Views News Saturday, April 19, 2014 
11THE GOOD LIFE Mountain Views News Saturday, April 19, 2014 
11THE GOOD LIFE 
PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCTS CAN HELP 
SENIORS HEAR BETTER 

Dear Savvy Senior:
What types of amplification products can you recommend to help people with hearing impairment? 
My 62-year-old husband has some hearing issues, but doesn’t think he needs a hearing aid, so I’m 
looking for some alternative devices that can help.
Shouting Spouse 


Dear Shouting:
If your husband is reluctant to get a hearing aid, 
there are dozens of “personal sound amplification 
products” (PSAPs) that can help him hear better at 
a lower cost than most hearing aids, which can run 
up to $3,000 each. 
PSAPs are over-the-counter electronic products (they are not FDA approved medical devices like 
hearing aids) that come in many different shapes and sizes that will give your husband the ability to 
adjust the volume and tone so he can hear better in different situations. 


It’s also important to know that PSAPs work best for people with mild to moderate hearing impairment, 
you don’t need a prescription to buy them, and they usually aren’t covered by insurance or 
Medicare. 

Before you look into PSAPs, your husband should probably get tested by an audiologist who can rule 
out any medical issues that could be affecting his hearing like excessive ear wax, an infection, abnormal 
bone growth or inner-ear tumor. Audiologists are also familiar with the different PSAPs and can 
help your husband choose the best products to meet his needs, or let him know if a hearing aid would 
be a better option. 

Here’s a breakdown of some of the different PSAPs that can help. 

TV and Telephone Amplifiers: To hear the television better, there are a number of TV listening devices 
on the market that will let your husband increase the volume and adjust the tone to meet his 
needs, without blasting out you or the rest of the family. 

The best options available today are wireless infrared or radio frequency systems that come with standard 
or stethoset headphones. Sennheiser (sennheiser.com, 877-736-6434) makes some of the best 
TV listening products sold today with prices running between $250 and $350. 

If hearing over the telephone is a problem, a handset or in-line amplifier can be added to your phone 
for a few dollars, or you can purchase an amplified telephone. Most amplified phones allow you to 
adjust the volume and tone for better clarity and they usually come with extra loud ringers and flashing 
ring indicators to alert you when a call is coming in. 

Some top makers of these products are Clarity (clarityproducts.com, 800-426-3738), ClearSounds 
(clearsounds.com, 800-965-9043) and Serene Innovations (sereneinnovations.com, 866-376-9271), 
with prices ranging anywhere from $30 up to around $300. Or, see if your state has a specialized telecommunications 
equipment program (see tedpa.org), which provides amplified telephones for free. 

Personal Sound Amplifiers: For better hearing in noisy environments, your husband should get a 
personal sound amplifier that’s designed to amplify hard to hear sounds (like voices), while reducing 
background noise. Able Planet (ableplanet.com, 877-266-1979) offers two excellent products that fit 
the bill that are worn either in-ear or behind the ear, and run $475 or $500 for one, or $850 or $900 
a pair. 

To help improve hearing at home or in quieter settings, or if your husband has high-frequency hearing 
loss, check out the Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier by Etymoyic (qsabean.com, 888-389-6684). This 
product, which is worn in the ear, provides amplification to high frequencies more than low ones, 
making speech easier to hear and understand. Cost: $700 a pair or $375 for one. 

If these are too pricy, there are also a number of small hand-help amplifiers that come with a small 
microphone and ear buds that can increase volume without all the other features. These products 
typically run around $100 or less, and are available through companies like Sonic Technology Products 
(sonictechnology.com, 800-247-5548), Sonic Alert (sonicalert.com, 800-566-3210) and Harris 
Communications (harriscomm.com, 800-825-6758). 

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. 


for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than 

FOUND! for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 

(Matthew 19:24). Historians have pointed out 

Tomorrow is Easter! Besides 

that, in ancient times, the city walls had many 

kids hunting for eggs, and 

series of passageways which would be closed to 

perhaps a family dinner, Easter 

defend the city against attacks. Within the walls 

will pass by many people 

of Jerusalem were very narrow passageways 

unnoticed. This is because 

called “the eye of the needle.” You can imagine 

Easter isn’t a major American 

merchants arriving at the city after curfew and 

holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving. It isn’t 

having to strip their camel of all its baggage in 

a gift-giving occasion, nor is it centered around 

order to shove it through this tiny opening. But 

food the way Thanksgiving is. And since Easter 

if you take this viewpoint, it suggests that, with 

always falls on a Sunday, we don’t get the day off 

enough elbow grease and effort, you can make it 

of work or school. (“Spring break” can take place 

on your own.

anytime between March and May. The school 

 This is not the case with Jesus. As a sinner, 

where a friend of mine works had the week of St. 

I bring nothing to the table. Even my faith is a 

Patrick’s Day off!) However, Easter is the most 

gift from God, not something I muster up on 

likely opportunity for getting people to church.

a daily basis (Ephesians 2:8-10). It is a hard 

 Since Easter Sunday is the high point for church 

admission for many people to make, especially 

attendance, the message is usually geared toward 

since so many of us have never been “dependent” 

the middle of the road. It must be convicting 

upon anyone. We survive and thrive by working 

enough to get people’s attention, yet feel-good 

hard and earning the love of others. And with 

enough to not drive them away. This is a delicate 

so many attractive distractions that constantly 

balance, because, when you come right down to 

grab at our attention (e.g., the media, social 

it, the cross is an offense.

networking, Vegas, you name it...) we rarely have 

 If you think this is a radical statement, please 

the opportunity to feel empty or in need.

know that I’m only quoting the apostle Paul, 

 To admit that you need a savior is to admit 

(Galatians 5:11). The cross is offensive because it 

to your own vulnerability and weakness. As a 

implies that the only way to know God is through 

follower of Jesus, I rely on Him to hold me up 

the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on your behalf. 

and sustain me through life. Therefore, He is 

That is a very narrow viewpoint and does not 

my crutch, and I have never known Him to let 

fit into today’s cry for unity at all costs, or the 

me down. Many people go through life on their 

American doctrine that anything is possible if 

own and never show signs of faltering. But this 

you just work hard enough. 

confidence is even more dire than the realization 

 Even in Christian circles, the principles of 

of one’s spiritual poverty. Again, we are warned 

independence and humanism have a way of 

to “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest 

sneaking in. I’ve heard some Christians claim 

he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). What is worse -- to 

that, for them, Christianity is not a crutch. That’s 

know your account is zero, or to think that you 

not far from Karl Marx’s statement, “Religion is 

have money in the bank and then have your debit 

the opium of the people.” Basically, it says that 

card rejected? Is it worse to know you are lost, or 

religion is for weak people who couldn’t cope with 

to travel on, thinking you’re going the right way?

the harsh realities of life without the escapism 

 God’s economy is the total opposite of ours. 

religion offers. (And I agree, “religion” will get 

Jesus was the only man who lived a sinless life, 

you nowhere, because religions are manmade 

yet He took the punishment we deserved so 

sets of rules to govern life.)

that we could be set free. God came down to us 

 The cross, on the other hand, teaches that no 

because we could never reach up to Him. I did

amount of work you do will ever be sufficient to 

not find God -- He found me! And I can rest on 

“balance out” your sins. There is no self-help plan 

Him because He has promised to keep me from 

or rehabilitation for your soul. This is what Jesus 

falling. Thank God! 

was talking about when He said that “It is easier 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


FYI - SENIORS - DON’T BE A TARGET 

THE F.B.I. Common Fraud Schemes webpage provides tips on how you can protect you and your 
family from fraud. Senior Citizens especially should be aware of fraud schemes for the following 
reasons: 

Senior citizens are most likely to have a “nest egg,” to own their home, and/or to have excellent 
credit—all of which make them attractive to con artists. 
People who grew up in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s were generally raised to be polite and trusting. 
Con artists exploit these traits, knowing that it is difficult or impossible for these individuals to say 
“no” or just hang up the telephone.
Older Americans are less likely to report a fraud because they don’t know who to report it to, are 
too ashamed at having been scammed, or don’t know they have been scammed. Elderly victims may 
not report crimes, for example, because they are concerned that relatives may think the victims no 
longer have the mental capacity to take care of their own financial affairs.
When an elderly victim does report the crime, they often make poor witnesses. Con artists know 
the effects of age on memory, and they are counting on elderly victims not being able to supply 
enough detailed information to investigators. In addition, the victims’ realization that they have 
been swindled may take weeks—or more likely, months—after contact with the fraudster. This 
extended time frame makes it even more difficult to remember details from the events. 
Senior citizens are more interested in and susceptible to products promising increased cognitive 
function, virility, physical conditioning, anti-cancer properties, and so on. In a country where new 
cures and vaccinations for old diseases have given every American hope for a long and fruitful life, 
it is not so unbelievable that the con artists’ products can do what they claim.

 For more information go to: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors 
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HELPFUL HINT: Burned a pot of rice? Just place a piece of white bread 
on top of the rice for 5-10 minutes to draw out the burned flavor. Be careful not to 
scrape the burned pieces off of the bottom of the pan when serving the rice 

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


FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE 

“Now, Ms. Lyons,” said the doctor, “you say you have shooting pains in your neck, dizziness, and 
constant nausea. Just for the record, how old are you?” “Why, I’m going to be 39 on my next birthday,” 
the woman replied indignantly. “Hmmm,” muttered the doctor, “Got a slight loss of memory, too.”

 ~ ~ ~ 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … April Birthdays… 

Howard Rubin, 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: “You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You 
can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with 
singleness of purpose.” Abraham Lincoln 

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



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 

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


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 

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