Yale scientists have discovered the molecular pathway by which
maternally inherited deafness appears to occur: Mitochondrial DNA
mutations trigger a signaling cascade, resulting in programmed cell
death.

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120217115611.htm

This
interactive three-day school leadership institute, held at Syracuse
University, will utilize the latest research, national presenters and
key lessons from practice necessary to create equitable
and excellent schools for all students. The institute places a
particular focus on the inclusion of students with disabilities, special
education, and issues of belonging and learning for all students. The
institute is aimed at practicing administrators and
school leaders, including principals, special education directors,
curriculum directors, superintendents, teacher leaders, and educational
leadership students.

Dates: August 6-8 – Syracuse, NY

Link: http://soe.syr.edu/centers_institutes/schools_of_promise/leadership_institute.aspx

A team of 4-6th grade students from Fairmont Private School in Anaheim,
CA, won First Place for an idea that could benefit people suffering
from hearing loss caused by nerve damage, appropriately called Hearing
the World’s Silent Side. The treatment would attach microscopic
nanofibers to the auditory nerve, allowing sound to reach the brain by
passing over the nerve rather than through the damaged portion.

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/worlds-largest-student-sciencetechnology-competition-announces-its-20th-anniversary-national-winners-2012-04-23

Researchers from Stanford University say they are on the cusp of a cure
for hearing loss. They are in Phoenix to give presentations on their
work and stopped by the 3TV’s studio Thursday to talk about their
progress.

Dr. Robert Jackler,
otolaryngologist and professor at Stanford University, is the department
chairman of the university’s Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss. The
Stanford team is exploring several different avenues for curing hearing
loss, including stem cell therapy, molecular therapy, and neural
stimulation.

Link: http://www.azfamily.com/news/health/Researchers-Say-Cure-for-Hearing-Loss-on-Horizon-148135895.html

May is just around the corner and since 1927, the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has dedicated the month of
May to raise public awareness about communication disorders related to
hearing and speech/language issues. So let’s spread more public awareness during the month! ASHA encourages us to have any evidence of problems pertaining to these areas checked out and treated if needed.

Link: http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2012/04/19/free-speech-zone-may-better-hearing-and-speech-month

It is widely accepted that there is a critical need to increase public
awareness and understanding of hearing loss. The Oticon Foundation and the non-profit Ida Institute have launched: Ideas,
Speak up – Action and Awareness for Hearing Loss, a worldwide open
call for ideas that have the potential to generate better understanding
of hearing loss, change public perception and encourage people to take
action. Individuals and groups are invited to submit their original
ideas online for awareness projects that have the potential to affect
change locally and globally, are simple and cost-effective and inspire
people to action.

The call for ideas runs through September 2012. During this time, ideas
will be shared online at
www.awarenessforhearingloss.com
and commenting and voting will take place.

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/oticon-foundation-and-ida-institute-issue-worldwide-call-for-ideas-to-increase-public-awareness-and-action-for-hearing-loss-2012-04-19

Link: http://crs.applications.grandchallenges.ca/en/viewVideo/28735E6AA7E93BA8174088

Two video clips were recently posted to infanthearing.org that discuss the essential elements of the HIPAA security law and strategies for strengthening security, these videos are highlighted as follows and you can follow the link to view them for full details. Both presentations were made to the NCHAM tele-intervention learning community in December, 2011.

(1) Dr. Valerie Watzlaf from the Department of Health Information Management
in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at University of
Pittsburgh discusses the essential elements of the HIPAA Security Law.
She describes practical considerations for those engaged in
telepractice.

(2) Daniel Ladner, Senior Technology Systems Analyst at the National Center
for Hearing Assessment and Management delineates the strategies used to
strengthen security for Sound Beginnings’ tele-intervention project.

Link: http://www.infanthearing.org/ti-guide/privacy.html#optimal_security

Bringing a ray of hope for those children who are born deaf, the
department of ENT at Government Medical College & Hospital, Sector
32 has recently performed a state of the art cochlear implant surgery on
a three-year-old deaf child. Using the high-tech and safe 20 Channel
Digisonic Cochlear Implant System, the surgery was performed on the
International Ear and Hearing Care Day. After recovery, the implant
was switched-on and has responded very well.
The child is now getting speech therapy and help for cognitive development.

Link: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gmch32-docs-restore-hearing-of-child/936326/

The Miracle-Ear Franchise of Southeast Missouri will be hosting a
coloring contest for school children under the age of 10 to kick off their
campaign for Better Hearing Month in May. The coloring contest will
educate school children on how to practice healthy hearing in a fun
and rewarding way.
Miracle-Ear works hand in hand with the Miracle-Ear Children’s
Foundation to provide no-cost hearing aids and hearing support services
to children whose families have incomes that are significantly limited
and who are unable to afford the high costs of hearing instruments.
Miracle-Ear’s aim is to promote better hearing for children and make
hearing health a childhood priority.

Link: http://www.semissourian.com/story/1837201.html