Huh?

A comedian once joked that “huh?” is the most often repeated word between couples. But when you can’t hear very well, it’s rarely a laughing matter. Not only do couples struggle with communication because of age-related hearing loss, but communities suffer when its active residents withdraw from public life because they can’t hear what’s going on at meetings.

That’s why it was good news that Spokane County has wired its meeting room with an “induction loop system” that helps residents of all ages with hearing loss. Spokesman-Review reporter Alison Boggs described the system in a recent story: “Basically, wire runs around the room’s perimeter … and connects to an amplified microphone. The system emits signals to specifically equipped hearing aids, enabling users to hear clearly what’s being said.”

The city of Spokane has an infrared-based system with a variety of devices available for use. “We can accommodate any kind of hearing aid, and we also have devices that allow people to ‘turn up the volume,’ if they don’t have a hearing aid,” explained city spokeswoman Marlene Feist.

Older people often have an inclination toward community involvement. They vote in greater numbers than younger people, for instance, and they often understand the need to give back to the community to complete the circle of civic life. The first baby boomers turned 60 Jan. 1, 2006.

As more of them retire and saunter deeper into their 60s, 70s and 80s, will they invigorate public meetings, nonprofit organizations and political campaigns? That’s the hope.

But hearing loss might short-circuit the vast potential of community involvement by current older residents, as well as those boomers waiting in the wings.

Civic meeting places throughout the Inland Northwest should be updating their sound systems now to accommodate a generation moving simultaneously into greater hearing loss and a greater desire to engage in civic life.

Individuals with hearing difficulties must speak up, too, at public meetings and ask that sound systems be improved and hearing devices made available.

“Huh” is an irritant between couples, but in the public arena, it can be the death cry for civic involvement.