Hearing loss may change brain structure

Hearing loss may be causing changes in the long-term brain structure of
the estimated 50 million people in the United States who suffer from it,
a new study shows. Researchers used two different imaging modalities in studies of people
with hearing loss, normal hearing, and those with hearing loss and
tinnitus (ringing in the ears). People in the hearing loss group showed
structural changes in their brains.

Link: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/hearing-loss-may-change-brain-structure/

Support the New International Media Campaign for Quality Captioning Universally

A
new international media campaign, “Don’t Leave Me Out!” is being
launched by the Collaborative for Communication Access via Captioning
(CCAC). The campaign’s mission
is to raise awareness for and ensure inclusion of quality captioning
throughout all mediums and formats. See the video and learn how you can
support the campaign at

www.ccacaptioning.org
.

Link: http://ccacaptioning.org/

App Store enigma: the patent holder, the developer, and the voiceless child

This is a very interesting article about an inexpensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) iPad app getting removed from the app store because it threatened the sales of an AAC hardware manufacturer’s expensive dedicated device. Many in the field of Communication Disorders use these types of apps and devices, so this article is particularly pertinent to those in COMD.

Link: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/app-store-enigma-the-patent-holder-the-developer-and-the-voiceless-child/

Hearing screening often fails in C Section newborns

A new study suggests, newborns delivered by cesarean section may be more likely to
“fail” their first hearing test, even if their hearing is perfectly
normal. The problem arises if hearing screening tests are done within a baby’s first
two days of life, researchers say. At that point, newborns delivered by
C-section have a higher failure rate than babies born by vaginal delivery.

Link: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/06/12/us-hearing-screening-fails-idUKBRE85B19120120612

Brain Area Identified That Determines Distance from Which Sound Originates

Researchers have identified a portion of the brain responsible for
determining how far away a sound originates, a process that does not
rely solely on how loud the sound is. The investigators’ report, which will appear in the early edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is receiving early online release this week.

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120611153104.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fhealth_medicine%2Fhearing_loss+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Health+%26+Medicine+News+--+Hearing+Loss%29

Gallaudet's Online Course: Genetics and Hearing Loss for EHDI Professionals

The Genetics
Program at Gallaudet University is offering the online course “Genetics
and Hearing Loss for EHDI Professionals” from September 10 – November
16, 2012. See
the attached flyer.  This course includes basic to more advanced
information on genetics, inheritance, genetic counseling and genes for
hearing loss.  The link to information about the course is below or
please see the course flyer attached to this email. 
Registration deadline is September 1, 2011.

http://www.gallaudet.edu/Genetics/Genetics_Education/Online_Course_Genetics_for_EHDI_Professionals.html

For registration information, go to
http://www.gallaudet.edu/CCS/Fall_Online_Courses.html

Gallaudet University, Department of Hearing,
Speech and Language Sciences is approved by the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to offer 3.7 continuing
education units for this activity.
 
Please contact Kathleen Arnos at
kathleen.arnos@gallaudet.edu
for more information.

Link: http://www.gallaudet.edu/Genetics/Genetics_Education/Online_Course_Genetics_for_EHDI_Professionals.html