Deaf children who already had one cochlear implant had improvements in speech, hearing and related quality of life measures after a second was implanted in the other ear, according to researchers from the Netherlands. And the degree of improvement didn’t depend on
how old kids were when they got their second implant, according to the
study, published in the Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck
Surgery.

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/us-cochlear-implants-idUSTRE80H25P20120118

HB218 “A Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights” was referred from the House
Education Committee to Appropriations where it may languish and die unless concerned citizens for an appropriate education for all
Virginia’s children get involved. This is an important and timely bill given the state of education of deaf and hard-of-hearing children in the Virginia.

Link: http://www.newsleader.com/article/20120131/OPINION03/201310319/Bill-would-help-assure-deaf-students-best-education-Virginia-s-schools?odyssey=nav|head

Rajan Speech & Hearing Centre (RSHC) is now on an aggressive drive
to test children for early deafness. Since hearing loss is a hidden
disability, the Institute is keen to test the baby early because
the first year of life is critical to the development of normal speech
and language. Annually India reports over 4,000 babies born with
hearing loss. Most babies born with hearing problems are otherwise
healthy and have no family history of hearing loss. To ensure that the
baby has normal hearing, it would be vital to test as early as possible,
stated Krishna Kumar, audiologist and director, RSHC.

Link: http://pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=67005&sid=2

Babies and toddlers enrolled in the YWCA Greater Baton Rouge Early
Head Start program have access to new, technologically advanced hearing
screenings. The children can have their hearing tested via a
quick, painless and reliable technology known as Otoacoustic Emissions,
according to a YWCA news release. The Baton Rouge program is one
of two pilot programs in Louisiana.

Link: http://theadvocate.com/home/1685555-125/program-tests-toddlers-hearing.html

AG Bell is gearing up for its
2012 Convention, June 28-July 2, at the Westin Kierland Resort in
Scottsdale, Ariz. AG Bell recognizes that young families with a child
who is deaf or hard of hearing have extra financial pressures. AG Bell
is once again offering its

Family Scholarship Program for deserving families who have never
attended an AG Bell Convention to access information and network with
other families. The application deadline is February 29, 2012. Families
awarded a scholarship will receive:

• One full 2012 Convention registration (includes up to two badges for adult family members).
• Up to two registrations for the 2012 Children’s Program. This program is for children from infancy through age 14.
• One hotel room with two double beds for up to four nights between June 28 and July 2, 2012, at the Westin Kierland Resort.

The
family is responsible for all travel arrangements, long distance as
well as local, and food and entertainment outside of what is provided
through Convention registration.
Visit the
AG Bell website to learn more and download an application packet.

Link: http://nc.agbell.org/page.aspx?pid=1468&srctid=1&erid=1940505&trid=7c36be82-cdbc-4ca4-abf6-a982aa1bbb6c

The
AG Bell 2012 Convention is the largest gathering of families,
professionals and individuals with hearing loss dedicated to listening
and spoken language outcomes.

Click here to access a PDF of the registration brochure and preview
the learning event of this summer. Paper registrations are currently
being accepted and online registration will open soon; stay tuned to AG
Bell Update for further details.

Link: http://nc.agbell.org/document.doc?id=897

To save more babies from experiencing hearing defects while growing up,
Mayor Christian D. Natividad conducted the first Universal Newborn
Hearing Screening Program in the Philippines this year. The program was
launched recently at the Malolos Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital.
Natividad said the program is beneficial to babies who may have or
develop hearing defects.

Link: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348067/japan-build-health-center

Studies conducted in developed countries have shown that hearing loss is
the most common birth defect with an incidence rate of 3 for every
1,000 babies born every year. A newborn cannot communicate with
the parent, making it difficult for the doctor or parent to identify the
defect early on. Babies who do not hear your voice, a lullaby or a
nursery rhyme may have problems learning to talk. It is
important to have your baby’s hearing tested before you leave the
hospital after delivering the child. Hearing problems need to be
identified as early as possible so that you may take the necessary
actions that give your baby the best chance to develop speech and
language.

Link: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/218999/early-detection-key.html

Hundreds of children are being recalled for medical hearing tests at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Hospital. The hospital said it had become aware that a child assessed by a doctor as normal was later found to have profound hearing loss. An investigation found nine patients assessed by the same doctor were misdiagnosed.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-16632234

The University of Utah Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will be presenting the 22nd Audiology Conference by the Mayo Clinic Webcast on Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 8:00 am – 2:30 pm. This presentation is focused toward audiologists and students in doctoral audiology programs. CEU credits will be available for non-students. Please follow the link for additional information, including registration and a list of presenters. The link will also provide you with a downloadable registration form, and a U of U campus map to the Marriott Library Gould Auditorium.

Link: http://www.infanthearing.org/ncham_news/docs/Mayo_Clinic_Webcast_Brochure.pdf