This is a good read. Hearing loss doesn't just affect your hearing. It can have far-reaching consequences that can be life-changing.
Emotional Effects Linked to Untreated Hearing Loss
Showing posts with label Children with Hearing Loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children with Hearing Loss. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Make your own Cochlear Implant for a doll!
A few weeks ago, Alison was talking to a woman who had brought her parents in for their appointments. She was telling Alison about her 6 year old granddaughter who uses a cochlear implant.
Alison remembered seeing something on the internet about a woman having a hard time finding a doll with a hearing aid or cochlear implant for her daughter, so she decided to make one herself. (Since then, the American Girl company has come out with hearing aids for their dolls, see our past post HERE.)
But, what this woman did for her little girl is adorable! And easy! She used puffy paint to draw a cochlear implant on her daughter's doll.
Here is a link to her blog: Pattyanny: Made
Alison remembered seeing something on the internet about a woman having a hard time finding a doll with a hearing aid or cochlear implant for her daughter, so she decided to make one herself. (Since then, the American Girl company has come out with hearing aids for their dolls, see our past post HERE.)
But, what this woman did for her little girl is adorable! And easy! She used puffy paint to draw a cochlear implant on her daughter's doll.
Here is a link to her blog: Pattyanny: Made
Monday, August 15, 2011
Motorcycle Helmets causing hearing loss!
Motorcycle helmets, while protecting bikers' brains, may also be contributing to hearing loss. Scientists mapped the airflow and noise patterns to find out why.
College Park, MD: The distinctive roar of a Harley's engine is loud, but studies have revealed the biggest source of noise for motorcyclists is actually generated by air whooshing over the riders' helmets. Even at legal speeds, the sound can exceed safe levels.
Now, scientists have identified a key source of the rushing din. Researchers from the University of Bath and Bath Spa University placed motorcycles helmets atop mannequin heads, mounted them in a wind tunnel, and turned on the fans. By placing microphones at different locations around the helmet and at the mannequin's ear, the researchers found that an area underneath the helmet and near the chin bar is a significant source of the noise that reaches riders' sensitive eardrums.
The team also investigated how helmet angle and wind speed affected the loudness. Future tests will move beyond the wind tunnel to real-life riders on the open road. The findings, described in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, may one day be used to design quieter helmets, saving riders' ears for the enjoyment of hard biker rock, the researchers say.
Source: American Institute of Physics
Note: The article: "Aeroacoustic sources of motorcycle helmet noise" is accepted for publication in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
College Park, MD: The distinctive roar of a Harley's engine is loud, but studies have revealed the biggest source of noise for motorcyclists is actually generated by air whooshing over the riders' helmets. Even at legal speeds, the sound can exceed safe levels.
Now, scientists have identified a key source of the rushing din. Researchers from the University of Bath and Bath Spa University placed motorcycles helmets atop mannequin heads, mounted them in a wind tunnel, and turned on the fans. By placing microphones at different locations around the helmet and at the mannequin's ear, the researchers found that an area underneath the helmet and near the chin bar is a significant source of the noise that reaches riders' sensitive eardrums.
The team also investigated how helmet angle and wind speed affected the loudness. Future tests will move beyond the wind tunnel to real-life riders on the open road. The findings, described in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, may one day be used to design quieter helmets, saving riders' ears for the enjoyment of hard biker rock, the researchers say.
Source: American Institute of Physics
Note: The article: "Aeroacoustic sources of motorcycle helmet noise" is accepted for publication in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Extremem Makeover: Home Edition takes on Hearing Loss
Last October, ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition visited the Oregon School for the Deaf. The show aired on Halloween.
The Oregon School for the Deaf is 140 year old school fro students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Every year as a fundraiser for their school they host a haunted house, called "Nightmare Factory." However, the 12,000 square foot space used to hold the haunted house was in much need of a makeover, including a new concrete floor to replace the dirt floor.
With the help of professional haunted house designers and celebrity volunteer Rob Zombie, the Extreme Makeover team went to work improving the space as well as updating the the spooky Halloween effects.
Just above the space being given a facelift is the boy's dormitory. That space was also rebuilt, allowing for 8 residential students. The school is also preparing for an addition to house 48 students.
Not only were the students thrilled to see their school get help, but they also received some new, more personal gifts. Starkey Hearing Foundation treated more than 100 students, family members, faculty and alumni from the school to a trip to its headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN. More than 500 hearing aids were fit on the guests and they all got to meet actress Marlee Matlin.
"Oh my heavens, it was amazing," director Patti Togioka said. "The students learned a great deal and when they returned from Minnesota we noticed the communication skills of the students went way up. It was helpful to the younger kids who hadn't been exposed to as much signing; and for the parents who went on the trip, their signing improved as well. Really, truly, that was a whole bonding experience. The dorm staff and teachers were able to spend more time together and the same with the parents."
The Oregon School for the Deaf is 140 year old school fro students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Every year as a fundraiser for their school they host a haunted house, called "Nightmare Factory." However, the 12,000 square foot space used to hold the haunted house was in much need of a makeover, including a new concrete floor to replace the dirt floor.
With the help of professional haunted house designers and celebrity volunteer Rob Zombie, the Extreme Makeover team went to work improving the space as well as updating the the spooky Halloween effects.
Just above the space being given a facelift is the boy's dormitory. That space was also rebuilt, allowing for 8 residential students. The school is also preparing for an addition to house 48 students.
Not only were the students thrilled to see their school get help, but they also received some new, more personal gifts. Starkey Hearing Foundation treated more than 100 students, family members, faculty and alumni from the school to a trip to its headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN. More than 500 hearing aids were fit on the guests and they all got to meet actress Marlee Matlin.
"Oh my heavens, it was amazing," director Patti Togioka said. "The students learned a great deal and when they returned from Minnesota we noticed the communication skills of the students went way up. It was helpful to the younger kids who hadn't been exposed to as much signing; and for the parents who went on the trip, their signing improved as well. Really, truly, that was a whole bonding experience. The dorm staff and teachers were able to spend more time together and the same with the parents."
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I wanna rock and roll all night...
...and party every day!
Did You Know that Paul Stanley was born deaf in his right ear?
Remember that song? By American Rock Band KISS?
On Thursday, April 14th (that's tomorrow!) Paul Stanley (vocals and rhythm guitar) will appear on "The Doctors," a nationally syndicated TV medical talk show. It is aired at 2pm in the Toledo area on NBC channel 24. (outside the Toledo area, please check local listings for times).
Mr. Stanley will discuss his work with the non-profit House Research Institute, his own hearing loss and his efforts to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among teens. They are working on a major initiave called "It's How You Listen that Counts," to educate millions of teens around the world on preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
Together, they will be drawing the attention of teens in NYC and LA to hearing health issues through an after-school event called SOUND RULES!
The event, free for teens, will take place at the Director’s Guilds in NYC on May 4 and Los Angeles on May 12.
Together, they will be drawing the attention of teens in NYC and LA to hearing health issues through an after-school event called SOUND RULES!
The event, free for teens, will take place at the Director’s Guilds in NYC on May 4 and Los Angeles on May 12.
Did You Know that Paul Stanley was born deaf in his right ear?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Can my baby hear?
Parents don't always think about their new babies hearing right away. At first, you count their fingers and toes, marvel at the color of their eyes and the amount of (or lack of!) hair on their head.
But, did you know that hearing loss is one of the most frequently occurring birth defects? According to the NIDCD (the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders) approximately 2-3 of every 1000 babies born have significant hearing loss or deafness.
Countless studies have supported the fact that the earlier a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, the better. Undetected and untreated hearing loss in early childhood can hinder the normal development of speech, language and cognition, which in time can lead to significant learning disabilities and exorbitant educational costs. The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) reports that detecting and treating hearing loss at birth for one child saves $400,000 in special education costs by the time that child graduates from high school.
Most states have programs in place that ensure babies are screening within their first month of life. In Ohio, legislation requires each hospital or free-standing birthing center to conduct hearing screening on each newborn before discharge (unless transferred to another hospital). It goes on to require a complete follow-up test before 3 months of age on any baby who fails the screening, and after that, if hearing loss is confirmed, treatment must be in place by 6 months of age. (Yeah Ohio!) For information on Ohio's newborn hearing screening program, visit http://www.ohiohelpmegrow.org/parents/infanthearing/infanthearing.aspx
However, there a babies born who pass a newborn hearing screening and lose hearing later in life. It is important to know the normal auditory development of babies, so you can follow along with your child's development and talk to the pediatrician if questions arise. Just remember - not all babies develop exactly the same way, that's why there are such age ranges here. And, trust your own motherly (or fatherly) instincts. If you have a concern, don't hesitate to ask someone who knows.
But, did you know that hearing loss is one of the most frequently occurring birth defects? According to the NIDCD (the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders) approximately 2-3 of every 1000 babies born have significant hearing loss or deafness.
Countless studies have supported the fact that the earlier a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, the better. Undetected and untreated hearing loss in early childhood can hinder the normal development of speech, language and cognition, which in time can lead to significant learning disabilities and exorbitant educational costs. The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) reports that detecting and treating hearing loss at birth for one child saves $400,000 in special education costs by the time that child graduates from high school.
Most states have programs in place that ensure babies are screening within their first month of life. In Ohio, legislation requires each hospital or free-standing birthing center to conduct hearing screening on each newborn before discharge (unless transferred to another hospital). It goes on to require a complete follow-up test before 3 months of age on any baby who fails the screening, and after that, if hearing loss is confirmed, treatment must be in place by 6 months of age. (Yeah Ohio!) For information on Ohio's newborn hearing screening program, visit http://www.ohiohelpmegrow.org/parents/infanthearing/infanthearing.aspx
However, there a babies born who pass a newborn hearing screening and lose hearing later in life. It is important to know the normal auditory development of babies, so you can follow along with your child's development and talk to the pediatrician if questions arise. Just remember - not all babies develop exactly the same way, that's why there are such age ranges here. And, trust your own motherly (or fatherly) instincts. If you have a concern, don't hesitate to ask someone who knows.
BIRTH – 3 MONTHS | - Reacts to loud sounds - Is soothed by your voice - Turns head to you when you speak - Is awakened by loud voices and sounds - Smiles when spoken to - Seems to know your voice and quiets down if crying |
3 – 6 MONTHS | - Looks upward or turns toward a new sound - Responds to changes in voice tone - Imitates his/her own voice - Enjoys rattles and other toys that make sounds - Begins to repeat sounds (such as ooh, aah, & ba-ba) |
6 – 10 MONTHS | - Knows words for everyday objects (i.e. cup) as well as common sayings ("bye-bye") - Makes babbling sounds, even when alone - Starts to respond to requests such as "come here" - Looks at things or pictures when someone talks about them - Responds to his/her own name, telephone ringing, or your voice |
10 – 15 MONTHS | - Plays with own voice, enjoying the sounds & feel of it - Points to or looks at familiar objects or people when prompted - Imitates simple words & sounds; may use a few single words meaningfully - Enjoys games like peeka-boo & pat-a-cake |
15 – 18 MONTHS | - Follows simple directions such as "Give me the ball" - Uses words he/she has heard often - Comments, points to objects, vocalizes or uses word approximations or single words |
18 – 24 MONTHS | - Understands simple "yes-no" questions ("Are you hungry?") - Understands simple phrases ("in the cup") - Enjoys being read to - Points to pictures when asked - Uses 2-word combinations to talk about or ask for things |
24 – 36 MONTHS | - Understands "not now" - Follows simple directions such as "get your shoes" - Understands many action words (run, jump) - Begins to use articles ("a" "the") and word endings (e.g., "ing, "ed") - Engages in short dialogues |
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Yerko DiFonis
Despite being born blind and deaf in Valparaiso, Chile, Yerko DiFonis has surpassed all expectations by emerging as a gifted pianist.
Because of an absence of educational programs in Chile for children who are deaf and blind, Yerko's parents sold everything they owned and moved to New York City in 1998. Yerko flourished as a high school student at the prestigious La Guardia School for the Performing Arts.
Things changed last October, when US immigration authorities ordered the family to return to Chile.
Yerko's dream is to have a career in music - he is pursuing self-study now in Chile, but the Hear the World Foundation has begun a fund to help cover his college expenses. Contributions can be made via the Hear the World Website.
Because of an absence of educational programs in Chile for children who are deaf and blind, Yerko's parents sold everything they owned and moved to New York City in 1998. Yerko flourished as a high school student at the prestigious La Guardia School for the Performing Arts.
Things changed last October, when US immigration authorities ordered the family to return to Chile.
Yerko's dream is to have a career in music - he is pursuing self-study now in Chile, but the Hear the World Foundation has begun a fund to help cover his college expenses. Contributions can be made via the Hear the World Website.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Second-hand smoke linked to hearing loss
As reported by the Hearing Journal:
It has been known for y eras that smoking tobacco is bad for your hearing. But a new study, published online on November 15 in the journal Tobacco Control, reports that smoking is also bad for the hearing of anyone who inhales your second-hand smoke.
Drawing on statistics collected from 1999 to 2004 by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), scientists from the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine and from Florida International University's Robert Stempel School of Public Health identified 3307 self-identified non-smokers aged 20 to 69 years whose blood levels of cotinine showed that they were exposed to second-hand smoke. Dave Fabry, PhD, lead author of the study, noted that their cotinine levels were high enough to prove significant exposure to other people's smoking, but much lower than they would be if the subjects were actually smokers, despite their claims not to be. Fabry, who is now managing director of AudioSync Hearing Technologies at Starkey Laboratories, conducted the study while on the University of Miami faculty.
In an interview with the Hearing Journal, Fabry explained that the NHANES data show that the hearing loss related to smoking or exposure to smoking differs from presbycusis and noise-induced hearing loss. It is less dominated by high-frequency hearing loss, which makes it more similar to hearing loss in people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. He continued, "The ear is a good overall barometer of cardiovascular health." Thus, when smoking or other factors reduce the blood supply to the ear, it is likely to be reflected in impaired hearing.
When asked how much exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is too much, Fabry, a former president of the American Academy of Audiology, replied, "We don't know exactly, but the threshold for damage is very low. No exposure is the only safe level."
It has been known for y eras that smoking tobacco is bad for your hearing. But a new study, published online on November 15 in the journal Tobacco Control, reports that smoking is also bad for the hearing of anyone who inhales your second-hand smoke.
Drawing on statistics collected from 1999 to 2004 by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), scientists from the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine and from Florida International University's Robert Stempel School of Public Health identified 3307 self-identified non-smokers aged 20 to 69 years whose blood levels of cotinine showed that they were exposed to second-hand smoke. Dave Fabry, PhD, lead author of the study, noted that their cotinine levels were high enough to prove significant exposure to other people's smoking, but much lower than they would be if the subjects were actually smokers, despite their claims not to be. Fabry, who is now managing director of AudioSync Hearing Technologies at Starkey Laboratories, conducted the study while on the University of Miami faculty.
In an interview with the Hearing Journal, Fabry explained that the NHANES data show that the hearing loss related to smoking or exposure to smoking differs from presbycusis and noise-induced hearing loss. It is less dominated by high-frequency hearing loss, which makes it more similar to hearing loss in people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. He continued, "The ear is a good overall barometer of cardiovascular health." Thus, when smoking or other factors reduce the blood supply to the ear, it is likely to be reflected in impaired hearing.
When asked how much exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is too much, Fabry, a former president of the American Academy of Audiology, replied, "We don't know exactly, but the threshold for damage is very low. No exposure is the only safe level."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Resource for Parents
Having a child diagnosed with hearing loss is difficult for any parents. Where do you turn? What do you do next? Hopefully, you and your child feel comfortable the hands of the team of physicians and Audiologsts who will work together to treat your child's hearing loss.
We found a few websites that are designed to share with those parents who are just starting or even those that are well in to this journey.
Parent to Parent - Resources for Parents of Children with Hearing Loss
The goal of this site is to empower parents of hard of hearing and/or deaf children by providing the resources necessary for them to make informed decisions about their children’s hearing loss.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
Use this site to look into your states laws for Newborn Hearing Screenings and Early Intervention, as well as learning average developmental milestones for hearing.
IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Federal legislation requiring free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment to children from birth to age 21.
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
The mission of RSA is "to provide leadership and resources to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation(VR), independent living (IL) and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.”
We found a few websites that are designed to share with those parents who are just starting or even those that are well in to this journey.
Parent to Parent - Resources for Parents of Children with Hearing Loss
The goal of this site is to empower parents of hard of hearing and/or deaf children by providing the resources necessary for them to make informed decisions about their children’s hearing loss.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
Use this site to look into your states laws for Newborn Hearing Screenings and Early Intervention, as well as learning average developmental milestones for hearing.
IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Federal legislation requiring free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment to children from birth to age 21.
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
The mission of RSA is "to provide leadership and resources to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation(VR), independent living (IL) and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.”
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