Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in partnership with Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, won the Mobile Health University Challenge with software that screens for hearing impairment.

With an estimated 588 million people worldwide and 5.7 million Brazilians afflicted by some level of hearing loss, the technology – dubbed the Sana AudioPulse – aims to make testing easier for hearing-impaired populations in rural and poverty-stricken areas that may not have access to medical care. Laws in Brazil mandate that newborns be screened for hearing loss; however, the implementation process has been stymied by funding limitations and shortages of staff and proper equipment. This AudioPulse technology could help overcome these obstacles.

Link: http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/hearing-loss-technology-wins-global-mhealth-competition

Vivosonic has received regulatory approval from the
State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of the People’s Republic of
China to sell Integrity V500 System for hearing diagnostic testing in
China. Vivosonic products will be marketed and sold through KAM
Healthcare Group.

Link: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9553074.htm

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published an article in the June issue of Pediatrics on the significant increase in pediatric button battery ingestion and resulting serious complications.

The button batteries of greatest concern are the batteries containing
lithium. Batteries with lithium can cause severe burns and even death
if swallowed. Lithium batteries are often found in remote controls,
cameras and other household electronic devices. Two studies highlighted
in the article report devastating injuries such as destruction of the
wall of the esophagus and trachea and vocal paralysis. Ingested
batteries need to be removed within two hours to prevent these medical
emergencies.

While hearing aid batteries do not contain lithium, precautions still
need to be taken to prevent accidental ingestion. Audiologists should
be educating patients and families on battery safety.

Link: http://blog.asha.org/2012/05/29/hearing-aid-battery-precautions-for-audiologists/

Chances are you or someone you know is affected by hearing loss. It’s time to STEP UP!

Hundreds
of people of all ages, across the hearing loss spectrum, will be
walking to raise awareness of hearing loss and to raise funds to provide
information and support for people with hearing loss on Sunday, June 3,
2012 at Marina Green Park (between Shoreline Village Drive and Linden Avenue) Long Beach, CA. Check-in is at 9:00 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:00 a.m. for a 5K (3.1 miles) walk.

The Hearing Loss Association
of America’s Walk4Hearing is a nationally coordinated effort to
increase awareness about the causes and consequences of hearing loss.
Since 2006, the Walk4Hearing has become the largest series of walks of
its kind, with walks taking place in cities across the United States.
Nationwide goal is a cool $1,300,000.

Link: http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/walk4hearing-support-people-with-hearing-loss/

Register and take this CME Course for Credit: Childhood Hearing: A Sound Foundation in the Medical Home: designed for practicing pediatricians and other health professionals
who see infants and children. This module focuses on the early
identification of hearing loss, and promotes the integration of
developmental screening and public health screening into the medical
home.

Link: http://pedialink.aap.org/visitor/cme/cme-detail?guid=3a3ea997-77e5-4a1b-83d0-bf7441b0aed8&nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token

Cochlear implants have the greatest effect when introduced at the
same time and at an early stage. This is shown in a study of children
with prelingual hearing loss.

Link: http://www.hear-it.org/Early-implants-give-the-best-results

MIDDLE-ear infections are quite common in young children. And if they’re left unchecked, they can lead to speech and language development delays, warns audiologist Heidi Limareff. Ms Limareff, who is general manager and principal audiologist of
not-for-profit audiology clinic Can Do Hearing, says parents can request
a test if they think their child’s hearing is affected by ongoing
middle-ear infections. Ms Limareff says it is not uncommon to see children with speech and
language development delay because of a history of multiple ear
infections.

Link: http://southern-times-messenger.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/parenting-listening-for-problems/

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today
announced $4.9 million in Affordable Care Act funding to support
Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, primarily non-profit
organizations run by and for families with children with special health
care needs. These centers are staffed by trained family leaders who have children with
special health care needs, and expertise in navigating federal, state
and local public and private health care systems. HHS’ Health Resources
and Services Administration (HRSA) oversees the centers. Information on the Affordable Care Act can be found at www.HealthCare.gov.

Link: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/05/20120523a.html

Katie
Beckett died Friday morning in the same hospital where she’d once made
history. Beckett was 3 years old when her case changed health care law.
She was 34 when she died. NPR’s Joseph Shapiro explains why she was
important to other children with
disabilities. All of us are devastated but will continue to be inspired
by her courage and the tremendous impact she had on behalf of all
children and youth with special healthcare needs and their families. A
beautiful tribute to Katie, aired on National Public Radio last week is
available following this link.

Link: http://www.npr.org/2012/05/19/153076971/katie-beckett-leaves-legacy-for-kids-with-disabilities

Moms are awesome. Need proof? Meet Tanna. Her son, Hunter, has severe
hearing loss and received cochlear implants to help him hear. Dealing
with the effects of Hunter’s severe hearing loss has meant at least
biweekly trips back and forth to
Nashville from their home two hours away so he can get the therapy he
needs. And she doesn’t get to just sit in the waiting room and read a
magazine…she’s right there working with the therapist so she can help
him at home as well. Check out what they’re doing in this video by following the link. 

Link: http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/137665/life_with_a_child_with