At the start of the 2012 academic year, Gallaudet introduced a new partnership that is revolutionizing communication. FuzeBox, a startup that sells high-definition video-conferencing applications, is providing a platform that allows Gallaudet users to sign with each other.

Link: http://www.forbes.com/sites/emilycanal/2013/04/08/startup-allows-deaf-community-to-communicate-visually/

A tiny transducer is set to help make middle ear implants available to more people with severe hearing loss.

Link: http://www.medgadget.com/2013/04/tiny-transducer-to-make-middle-ear-implants-available-to-more-people.html

Composer Richard Einhorn was featured on an NPR story concerning his sudden hearing loss due to a problem called hyperacusis. Watch, listen to, or read his story and experience in search for hearing aids that have helped him to carry on in his work of composing. He also gives you a glimpse with some sound clips of what hyperacusis sounds like.

Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/04/08/176225511/listen-up-to-smarter-smaller-hearing-aids

NICHQ is offering a new virtual learning program that is an ideal program for professionals who are new to quality improvement science, as well as those looking to enhance their quality improvement capacity. The course begins on May 20th and is relevant to hospital, public health and community leaders either in the healthcare sector or who work with those in the healthcare sector. Register before April 30th and get the Early-Bird special.

Link: http://www.cvent.com/events/the-abcs-of-qi/event-summary-38fe2dc5063542378ad754eef8265ad4.aspx

The FM Workshop currently open on infanthearing.org features Leisha Eiten, Au.D. CCC-A and covers topics ranging from Current FM Technology and Applications through Guidelines and Behavioral Verification, with some demonstrations and practice applications. This workshop has AAA and ASHA CEUs available and is available to anyone interested and at no charge.

Link: http://infanthearing.org/workshop/index.html

The April edition of Probes and Tips is now available Hearing Screening Contributes to School Readiness
This edition includes such items as:

• The benefits of accurate and comprehensive hearing screening in promoting growth and development
• Hearing screening information as an essential foundation for language learning and school readiness for all children, whether they pass or fail
• Probe of the month: How do you find that having hearing screening results contributes to an accurate profile of every child?

Link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs154/1102782899287/archive/1112942441686.html

ABC World News with Diane Sawyer aired a story on insurance coverage of cochlear implants, Child Who Needs Corrective Hearing Surgery Gets Wish. To view or read this story, please follow this link.

Link: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/03/26/child-who-needs-corrective-hearing-surgery-gets-wish/

This AAP News article highlights the organization’s support for early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. “Even if we succeed at getting kids screened early with confirmed diagnoses, our success depends on getting them into a system of adequate early intervention,” said Albert L. Mehl, MD, FAAP, an AAP liaison to the JCIH. 

Link: http://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/34/4/23.extract#

Watch this featured video where Jeanne Hollabaugh, a parent of deaf children, describes the experience she had with getting a diagnosis for her second and third sons who both have hearing loss. She discusses the importance of early intervention for language development and the place that hearing screeners have in making sure that parents know the critical steps to help their deaf children with their language development.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShfOr-Bhek4

On February 28, AG Bell participated in the Hearing Health Forum and Reception on Capitol Hill  as part of Friends of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus coalition. The forum presented an excellent opportunity to increase awareness about listening and spoken language to the congressional community and other members of the coalition.

Link: http://www.listeningandspokenlanguage.org/Document.aspx?id=1649