All posts by nchamstaff

Meningitis is a major cause of hearing loss in children

Meningitis is one of the leading post-natal causes of hearing loss. Children who have had meningitis are five times more likely to have a significant hearing impairment than other children, while 2.4% of survivors had bilateral hearing loss that required a cochlear implant. In general, a third of children who survive meningitis will be left with devastating long-term conditions. Read more!

Link: http://www.hear-it.org/Meningitis-is-a-major-cause-of-hearing-loss-in-children

The November Edition of Probes and Tips is now available: Part of the ECHO, Spotlight on Washington and Kansas

The November Edition of Probes and Tips is now available: Part of the ECHO, Spotlight on Washington and Kansas. This edition includes such items as:

  • Beyond Early Head Start: Washington State’s Inter-Agency ECHO Collaboration
  • Working in Kansas to Put the Needs of the Children First
  • Probe of the month: Tell us about your experiences and achievements in “being part of the ECHO.”

Link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs154/1102782899287/archive/1111423164641.html

One of the Largest Websites Concerning Hearing Loss Has Been Launched in Chinese

A Chinese version of one of the world’s largest, helpful websites concerning hearing and hearing loss has been launched for the more than 150 million (in China) who have hearing loss and their relatives. A good website to pass along to any you know that need resources in Chinese. Check it out: www.hear-it.cn

Link: http://www.hear-it.org/The-world-s-best-website-concerning-hearing-and-hearing-loss-has-been-launched-in-Chinese

New Way to Prevent Recurrent Ear Infections?

Eliminating bacteria’s DNA and boosting antimicrobial proteins that already exist may help prevent middle ear infections from reoccurring. These are the findings from a new study that examined how an immune defense protein common in the middle ear interacts with a structure meant to protect a colony of bacteria. 

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121030101340.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fhealth_medicine%2Fhearing_loss+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Health+&+Medicine+News+--+Hearing+Loss%29

Working Towards Better Hearing Aid Solutions

Twenty per cent of hearing aid users in Norway use the equipment for only an hour each day. The reason is often poor fitting and inadequate support. A pilot study financed by the Research Council of Norway was carried out to explore how to improve the need for more two-way cooperation between the user and the audiographer, with better communication providing the user with a deeper understanding of his or her situation and available options.

Find out more about the results of this study and learn about a new model being developed to puts the hearing aid user in more of a position to understand options and solutions that suit their everyday environments.

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121030093737.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fhealth_medicine%2Fhearing_loss+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Health+&+Medicine+News+--+Hearing+Loss%29

UHS using new technology to improve newborn care

Nearly half of all U.S. infants are in need of specialty health care but may not receive that care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. University Health System (UHS) is unveiling new technology to speed-up birth no

tifications and improve follow-up care for babies born at University hospital. 

With this new technology, Texas health officials will automatically receive secured demographic information, as well as results from a newborn’s hearing screening test, collected via UHS’ electronic medical record system. UHS officials say their new system will ensure that newborn infants, including those with hearing-related problems, receive timely and appropriate follow-up care.

Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/blog/2012/10/university-health-system-using-new.html

Disability 101 Website: A Resource to Understanding Programs and Benefits for those with Disabilities

With information for Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and New Jersey, the Disability 101 site provides tools and resources for people with disabilities to take control and understand the programs and benefits available to

 them. Follow this link to access the website and learn more about the tools and information for these states!

Disability Benefits 101 is a joint project of the World Institute on Disability, Employment and Disability Benefits Initiative (EDBI), Disability Eightfold Way Consultants, Web Technology, and ECONorthwest, Calculator Engineers.

Link: http://www.db101.org/

The Hunt for an Affordable Hearing Aid

Last year, when her decade-old analog hearing aid started making popping sounds, Tricia Romano knew she had to replace it. But because hearing aids are so costly and generally aren’t covered by insurance, she put it off. She would soon learn that in the last 10 years, purchasing a hearing aid had become even more difficult and confusing than buying a new car — and almost as expensive.

Tricia has worn hearing aids for more than 30 years; she’s had profound hearing loss in her right ear and moderate loss in the left ear, the one where she has worn the aid, since 5 years of age. This article shares her experiences in searching for an affordable hearing aid and the roller-coaster that many like her have to ride in their hunt for more affordable listening devices and options. 

Link: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/22/the-hunt-for-an-affordable-hearing-aid/