For institutions and communities
Hearing awareness talks for older adults
A down-to-earth session on hearing, communication and hearing aids — for residents, club members, family members and staff.
Why a talk is a good starting point
Many older people do not talk about their hearing. Some are embarrassed, some are sure it is "just age", and some heard a bad story about a friend's hearing aid. A group talk can ease the tension: when everyone hears together that it is common, that something can be done and that it is fine to ask, it is easier to think about the next step.
Who it suits
Residents of assisted living and nursing homes, members of clubs and community centres, groups of family members and staff teams. The talk is adapted to the audience, and it is available nationwide, by appointment. For a community that speaks several languages, see Multilingual communities.
What we talk about
- How hearing changes. Why it is precisely conversation in a restaurant or at a family meal that becomes hard, even when everything sounds fine in the quiet at home.
- Signs worth noticing. Repeated requests, a loud TV, difficulty on the phone, withdrawing from group activities.
- What helps in conversation. Speaking face to face, reducing background noise, not shouting, rephrasing instead of repeating the same word.
- Hearing aids without myths. What types there are, why an adaptation period is needed, and the difference between a hearing aid left in a drawer and one that is followed up and adjusted.
- Caring for the hearing aid. Charging or batteries, cleaning according to the instructions, and storing it in a fixed place.
- Protecting hearing. When it is worth using earplugs, for example in noise or when swimming.
You can ask for a particular emphasis. In a group of family members, for example, we spend more time on how to talk with a parent who refuses to be tested. In a staff group, on the hearing aid's routine during the day.
What the session looks like
The session is built from a short, clear explanation, real-life examples, and then time for questions. Anyone who wants to ask a personal question can come up after the session, or ask for a separate conversation. The team for the activity is set according to the need and agreed in advance.
What the institution prepares and who coordinates
- One contact person on the institution's side. They coordinate the arrangements and take part in the session with us.
- A room with reasonable acoustics. A small, quiet room is better than a large hall with an echo. If there is an amplification system and a microphone on site, mention it in the planning call.
- Seating close by. Chairs in a semicircle, close to the speaker, so faces can be seen. People who find it hard to hear sit in the front row.
- Good lighting on the speaker, with no window behind them, so people can lip-read.
- Early publicity on the notice board, in a message to families and at a staff meeting.
- A convenient time: not right after a meal and not at the end of a long day.
- On our side. The planning call by phone on 055-3333338 or on WhatsApp: the audience, the language, the emphasis you want and the date.
After the talk
After the talk you can decide on the next step: a hearing check day, staff training, or guidance for families and caregivers when the audience includes many family members. A participant who wants to look into a hearing aid arranges a needs assessment separately, followed by a personal proposal. Terms and the personal proposal are given after the need has been clarified, according to the activity and the service requested.
The limits of the talk
The talk is an information session. It is not a hearing test and not personal medical advice. Pain, discharge, severe dizziness, sudden hearing loss or unusual symptoms are not handled as part of the service day, and are referred for a suitable medical check. If a sudden hearing loss has appeared, see a doctor without delay.
Related pages
Hearing solutions for institutions and communities · A hearing check day at the institution · Guidance for families and caregivers · A guide to organising a hearing day · Multilingual communities
English version: 4 November 2026 · Written by the G-Sound editorial team. Original version updated 26.10.2026. The information is general; the format, service options and cost are set in advance for each institution.
More in English
Frequently asked questions
Questions about hearing awareness talks
Who is a hearing awareness talk suitable for?
Residents of assisted living and nursing homes, members of clubs and community centres, groups of family members and staff teams. The content is adapted to the audience.
In which languages can the talk be held?
Hebrew, Arabic, English, French, Russian, Spanish or Italian, with an interpreter when needed. The language of the session and the team for the activity are agreed in advance.
What does the institution need to prepare for the talk?
One contact person, a quiet room with reasonable acoustics, seating close to the speaker, good lighting on the speaker, early publicity and a convenient time for residents.
What happens if a participant wants to look into a hearing aid?
A needs assessment is arranged separately, followed by a personal proposal. Terms and the personal proposal are given after the need has been clarified, according to the activity and the service requested.
Can a talk be combined with hearing tests?
Yes. You can start with the talk, and afterwards arrange a hearing check day at the institution.
I am a family member. Is there a talk for a group of family members?
Yes. In a group of family members we spend more time on how to talk with a parent who refuses to be tested, and you can continue with guidance for families and caregivers.
I am a staff member. How is the talk for staff different?
In a staff group the emphasis is on the hearing aid's routine during the day. For practical training, a care workshop for staff can be arranged separately.
Please do not send sensitive medical information in a message. We go over the relevant details on the phone.
To arrange a talk
Tell us about the institution, the population and what you want to hold, and we will arrange the format together.
Tell us the audience, the language, the emphasis you want and the date.
055-3333338G-Sound is an authorized marketer of Philips hearing aids.