Findings may pave way for significant advancements in cochlear implant technology for hearing loss

Could regeneration of spiral ganglion neurons, the nerve cells that send sound representations to the brain, be biologically possible? This article provides information about the possibility that this may be possible in the future due to recent studies from the University of California.

Link: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100113/Findings-may-pave-way-for-significant-advancements-in-cochlear-implant-technology-for-hearing-loss.aspx

Hearing Loss and Memory: A proven link

Ever wonder if hearing loss has any negative side effects on the brain? One study conducted at the University of Washington with Alzheimer’s
patents who also had hearing loss, demonstrated a strong correlation
between the severity of cognitive decline and the degree of hearing
loss. This article provides information on statistics and studies explaining how hearing loss can contribute to degenerative cognitive disorders.

Link: http://www.healthyhearing.com/articles/44574-treating-hearing-loss-important

Students fight to include ASL in curriculum

Of the 31 institutions in the Consortium on Financing Higher Education, 20 recognize sign language as a foreign language, and 15 offer sign language courses, according to ASG. Northwestern University is trying to have ASL included in the credited foreign languages as well. This article explains how the ASG and ASL are also considering the possibility of sign language fitting into the curriculum of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the School of Communication.
 

Link: http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/students-fight-to-include-asl-in-curriculum-1.2130084

Tax breaks help Isla's silence end

A new tax break called “Payroll Giving” has been approved that allows an employee to directly deposit money to a charitable donation and receive a third back immediately rather than having to collect receipts and submit claims at the end of the tax year. This article explains how The Hearing House has been involved with this incentive to donate and how it has improved a child’s life.

Link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/3210307/Tax-breaks-help-Islas-end-silence

Toys Dangerous to Children's Hearing: Purchase with Caution

Did you know that certain toys may be too loud for children and could cause hearing loss?  According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) a sound measuring 85 dBA is safe for up to 8 hours while sound measuring at 100 dBA is only safe for 15 minutes! Sadly many toys measured by consumers groups this year exceeded 100 dBA – putting children at high risk for damaging their hearing within a matter of minutes of play time. This article provides information about which toys may be harmful to children and what to watch for when protecting a children’s hearing.

Link: http://www.healthyhearing.com/articles/44081-toys-cause-hearing-loss

NIDCD Working Group on Accessible and Affordable Hearing Health Care for Adults with Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders/National Institutes of Health (NIDCD/NIH) sponsored a working group on Accessible and Affordable Hearing Health Care for Adults with Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss on August 25-27, 2009.  A summary of the working group meeting along with research recommendations can be found here: www.nidcd.nih.gov/.

Link: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/funding/programs/09HHC/summary.htm