University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers have answered the longstanding question of how the brain balances hearing between our ears, which is essential for localizing sound, hearing in noisy conditions and for protection from noise damage. The landmark animal study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insight into hearing loss and could possibly improve cochlear implants and hearing aids. Read more from Asian Scientist Magazine at the link below.
New Telehealth Bills Introduced To Congress
Last week, Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced S. 1549, a telehealth bill that would require Medicare coverage for round-the-clock emergency support for telemedicine and telephone visits when a beneficiary’s medical record and care plan are available. The bipartisan bill is a part of the Care Planning Act of 2015 which would help patients manage their chronic care planning and improve care coordination. To read the bill please visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1549/text
In the House, Representative Scott Peters (D-CA-52) introduced H.R. 2725, a telehealth bill to modify current legislation in order to expand the use of telemedicine in the TRICARE veterans’ program. To read bill HR 2725 please visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2725/text
The June Edition of “Probes and Tips” is Now Available
Learn “Who’s Who” in Early Childhood Hearing Screening in Your State.
Link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs154/1102782899287/archive/1121223229706.html
Atlanta Braves draft deaf All-State catcher
The Atlanta Braves selected Charles Henderson High School catcher Chase Smartt in the 35thround of Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday.
Smartt, who is deaf, was named the Class 5A Hitter and Player of the Year for the 2015 season by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and was selected for AL.com’s Super All-State Baseball Team.
New Hearing Technology Brings Sound To A Little Girl
Clinical trial testing new hearing technology brings sound to one young child.
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/06/01/410065053/new-hearing-technology-brings-sound-to-a-litte-girl
How to Be an Effective Influencer for Good
Professionals serve children with hearing loss. How are you working with families to enhance the benefits for children?
Link: http://mobile.journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/_layouts/oaks.journals.mobile/articleviewer.aspx?year=2015&issue=06000&article=00007
Biology Professor’s Calling: Teach Deaf Students They Can Do Anything
Deaf teacher believes her calling is more than being a teacher. “I know how very important it is to be a role model and to have role models,” says Solomon, especially those who’ve defied the odds. It’s how she sees herself and how she wants her students to see her.
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/05/20/406148448/in-the-classroom-and-on-the-river-modeling-success-in-science
June is National Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month.
What can you do to raise awareness?
Link: http://www.stopcmv.org/en/landing/june.html
Interpreter goes the extra mile for one student and becomes “class mom” to a large group.
When Iris Keller met Sydney Ward in January 1999, the sign language interpreter had no idea that in addition to a 16-year job interpreting for Ward, she would end up as “class mom” for the Cloquet High School Class of 2015.
Part interpreter, part therapist, part friend, part mom — Keller was always there.
Link: http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/region/3761127-sign-language-interpreter-formed-strong-bond-deaf-girl-classmates
Derrick Coleman on Life as a Deaf NFL Player and Making ‘No Excuses’
Derrick Coleman continues to inspire others with his success.