Winthrop-University Hospital’s Health Update for Seniors community education series will offer a free program, “Hearing Problems: Get Back into the Conversation,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. The lecture begins at 1:15 PM at the Mineola Community Center, located at 155 Washington Avenue in Mineola. A free hearing screening will be offered as part of the program.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in three people older than 60 and half of those older than 85 have hearing loss. Hearing problems can make it hard to enjoy talking with friends and family, and can be quite frustrating and embarrassing.

Paul A. Bell, MD, Attending Otolaryngologist at Winthrop-University Hospital, will discuss hearing loss, explaining risk factors that contribute to the common problem, the evaluation process, and reasons for needing amplification. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

The program begins with the lecture at 1:15 PM, followed by blood pressure checks and the hearing screening at 2:45 PM. Admission is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a seat, please call (516) 663-3916.

Health Update for Seniors is a free community health education program coordinated by Geriatric Health Services and the Winthrop-University Hospital Home Health Agency. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.