Week of 11.27.01 HearingExchange News http://www.HearingExchange.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Welcome to the current edition of HearingExchange News! Feel free to forward this to anyone else you think would be interested in it. Subscription and removal information are at the end of the newsletter. If the links don't work or you are an AOL user: please copy and paste the links into your browser. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - IN THIS ISSUE: * Letter from the Editor * Sponsor Message * What's New * Featured Site * Feature Article * News * Ask the Experts * Message Boards * Sponsor Message * Featured Book * Poll Results * Accessible Programs * Get Involved ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I T O R " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Hi everyone, Now that Thanksgiving is over, the rush is on for holiday gift shopping. When the stores are crowded and the music is blaring, I tend to stay home and shop online. I find it less stressful and enjoy the quiet and convenience of browsing sites for just the right gift for my many nieces and nephews. Where do you prefer to shop - local stores or online? Do you have trouble hearing when the shops are busy? Share your experiences with us in our Deaf/Hard of Hearing forum here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000235 Have a good week! ~ Paula ============== S P O N S O R M E S S A G E ============== Check out the Harris Communications Holiday Sale at http://www.harriscomm.com/?source=hearingexchange. Popular products on sale include the Sonic Boom Clock, the Ameriphone CL-40 Cordless Telephone and the Williams Sound Pocketalker. For your convenience, order online. Sale ends December 31, 2001. For more information contact us at mailto:mail@harriscomm.com or call 1-800-825-6758 Voice, 1-800-825-9187 TTY. ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " W H A T ' S N E W " " " " " " " " " " Our next chat is tomorrow, Wednesday at 9:30 pm Eastern. It has been sponsored by Wyndtell http://www.wynd.com/?source=hearingexchangenews I hope you will join us for what is sure to be a lively hour or more of discussion on hearing loss and related issues that our chat members bring into the room. Click here to get to the chatroom: http://www.hearingexchange.com/chat/chat2.htm For detailed instructions on how to chat, send a blank email to mailto:chatinstructions@sendfree.com. We are thrilled to announce our new Coffeehouse Chat on Monday nights at 9pm Eastern. Carrie Tynan (screen name "Curly") will be your host. Carrie has a degree in social work from Madonna University and is a freelance writer. She writes about her experiences as a woman with cerebral palsy, hearing and vision impairments for Enabled Online and Inspired. Carrie is also writing young adult books about teens with disabilities. Visit her web site at: http://clix.to/writerfiction Carrie describes herself as "a very positive, energetic person with a crazy sense of humor. My motto is to take each day at a time and live it to the fullest." Come meet Carrie on Monday, Dec. 3rd! I have added a third chapter to my ongoing Hearing Loss Journal about parenting a hearing impaired child. Putting my thoughts in print has been a gratifying experience. You can view my journal here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/journals/display.cgi?id=2&sort=date&storyview=toc&chapter=1&cat=5 Be sure to register and start your own journal at HearingExchange. It is a terrific way to help others to understand what we go through as people with hearing loss or as parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It's easy to start one, just click here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/journals/stories.cgi?sort=date&cat=stories Cochlear Corporation, the world leader in cochlear implants has become a sponsor of HearingExchange. Please visit their site to learn about the new 3rd Generation Behind the Ear cochlear implant processor that will be available in the near future. Click here: http://www.cochlear.com/?source=hearingexchange Our new and improved Message Boards are growing fast! We now have over 480 registered members on the forums. Plus, now you can see who's online when you are and send private messages to each other. There's never been a better time to register, read and post messages. Visit our many forums today: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " " F E A T U R E D S I T E " " " " " " " " " " " " " SayWhatClub offers several ways for people who are hard of hearing, deafened or have a serious interest in hearing loss to interact and network. They manage 12 discussion groups via email on various topics, offer yearly conventions and a quarterly newsletter. Discover SayWhatClub and what it can do for you today. http://www.saywhatclub.com/?source=hearingexchange ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " F E A T U R E A R T I C L E " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Advice for Broken Hearing Aids by Margie Littell Ulrich, CCC-A Clinical Audiologist Most people, when they shop around for hearing aids in order to get the best prices and features, they often don't think about repair services. Hearing aids are marvels of electronic technology; but they are breakable and need repair. In addition, hearing aids often need to be re-made to better reflect hearing or ear changes instead of a costly replacements. A wise consumer will ask good questions before having the hearing aid repaired. Read the full article here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/featured_article_112601.htm ============================================================ " " " " N E W S " " " " The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) announced that Carol Fraser Fisk will become Interim Executive Director following Donna L. Sorkin's departure from AG Bell for her new position as Vice President, Consumer Affairs, with Cochlear Corporation. Fisk will have overall responsibility for activities of AG Bell until a permanent Executive Director is appointed. Get the full story here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/henews-111901b.htm = = = = Zarlink Semiconductor and Cochlear Ltd. announced that breakthrough features in Cochlear’s ESPrit 3G BTE speech processor are based on the jointly developed Babel 24, an advanced, ultra low-power analog-digital microchip. Learn more here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/henews-111501a.htm These and other current news briefs and articles are all available on the main page of HearingExchange. Go to http://www.HearingExchange.com and review the News and Articles sections of the site as well as their archives. ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " " " A S K T H E E X P E R T S " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Question for The Moog Center for Deaf Education, Special Education Experts: I'd like to find a source that lists side by side the pros and cons for both ASL programs and oral mainstream programs so I can present this information to parents in a straight forward impartial way. Where can I find something like that especially as it applies to learning reading and writing skills? Also where can I find stats that describe what the typical reading/math levels for ASL program graduates? How many ASL graduates with moderate to severe losses go on to college verses those students that graduate from oral programs with similiar losses? Read The Moog Center's answer here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/experts/special_educators.htm Questions for Ira Springer, AuD. - Audiology and Assistive Device Expert I recently had earmolds made for my new hearing aids (Siemens Infinity ITE). At that time, I asked for the T-coil. My audiologist said I did not need that option and did not order it. Was that a correct thing to do? I currently hear on the phone using a volume dial, but I am concerned for when my hearing loss reaches the point when that may not help. I have a progressive loss. - - - - - - - I have a 3 year child with a moderate to severe hearing loss in one ear and a mild loss in the other. We are considering a digital aid but are confused regarding options and features. Which features are important?? How do we know that our audiologist is an expert is programming it? I have heard that the programming is the hard part. Read Dr. Springer's responses here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/experts/audiologist.htm ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " " " M E S S A G E B O A R D S " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Have something to say? Say it on our Message Boards! You don't need to register to participate. You can easily post a new topic or reply to current threads. From our Cochlear Implant forum: Advice needed to help keep mic on a small child - "I have an 18 month old son who was "turned on"...Things are going well, but like any typical small child he pulls the mic and coil off and tries to EAT them...He has the Nucleus 24 contour. We have tried an earmold and a huggie to help keep the mic anchored to the ear. I have even tried touppe tape, and IT has helped immensely, but HE STILL pulls it off." Do you have any advice for these parents? Click here to post: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000078 - - - - - From our Deaf/Hard of Hearing forum: "I have been wondering how do people who are deaf, or have a hearing loss deal with having children. I would very much like if anyone who has children share their experiences with me about what you did so you would know if the baby is crying or other worries like that." Read the full message and post your reply here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000234 - - - - - From our Parenting forum: "We are getting my 3 year old son a bike for Christmas and we need suggestions for helmets. My son has a CI and we are concerned about static and the foam interiors of the helmets. Any help would be greatly appreciated!" Ideas? Post them here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=000190 - - - - - From our Late Deafened forum: Has your hearing ever suddenly returned? That's what has happened to one of our members. He is baffled by this turn of events. If you have an experience with this, please add it here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000043 - - - - - From our Students forum: Each week we receive requests from students conducting research on hearing loss, cochlear implants, deaf culture and more. If you're interested in participating, visit our Students forum here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=8&SUBMIT=Go These topics and more can be found on our message boards. Click here to see a list of all the forums available: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/Ultimate.cgi ============== S P O N S O R M E S S A G E =============== WyndTell offers the ONLY wireless service with 2-way e-mail designed for people with hearing loss. WyndTell Service keeps you connected with cell-phone convenience, but without cell-phone hassles, t-coil incompatibility, or noisy environments, etc. Visit http://www.wynd.com/?source=hearingexchange or call 800-549-9800 v or 800-549-2800 tty. Let them know you heard about them from HearingExchange. =========================================================== " " " " " " " " " " " " " F E A T U R E D B O O K " " " " " " " " " " " " " "After the Tears: Parents Talk About Raising a Child with a Disability" is a must-read book for parents who have recently learned their child has a hearing loss. Coming to grips with the resulting emotions of guilt, anger and isolation can be difficult. No one can truly understand how you feel better than other parents of children with special needs. Read this terrific book that discusses relatives, siblings, professionals, schools and much more. Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0156029006/hearingexchange ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " P O L L R E S U L T S " " " " " " " " " " " " Our last poll asked, "What type of hearing loss do you or your child have? (Check all that apply.)" Your answers: 45% Sensorineural 18% Progressive 13% Sudden 11% Stable 6% Conductive 4% Other This week, our poll asks: "What type of hearing loss do most of your friends have?" Be sure to vote in our poll at the main page of http://www.HearingExchange.com. ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " A C C E S S I B L E P R O G R A M S " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Each week we update our site with movies and theaters around the U.S. that offer captioned movies for the deaf and hard of hearing and movies that have audio descriptions for the visually impaired. More theaters and movies are added regularly so stay tuned to this page: http://www.hearingexchange.com/tv_programs.htm ============================================================ " " " " " " " " " " " " G E T I N V O L V E D " " " " " " " " " " " " * Paula's Pearls - Syndicated Content Did you know the articles in the Paula's Pearls section of HearingExchange are now available for syndication? We receive many reprint requests from hospitals, teachers, therapists, childcare providers, parents, website publishers and others. If you are interested in reprinting any of these articles, please send an email to mailto:reprints@hearingexchange.com. You can sign up to be notified when new articles are available by checking off the Syndicated Content list on the subscription page: http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=6181 * Send a FREE Postcard Please help spread the news about our supportive and informative HearingExchange community. Do you know a doctor, teacher, therapist, audiologist or friend whom you would like to share HearingExchange with? We will send them a color postcard by U.S. Mail FREE for the asking. Just fill out the form at: http://www.hearingexchange.com/postcards/index.htm * Refer a Friend to HearingExchange We also offer an online "refer a friend" service at http://www.hearingexchange.com/recommend/index.html. Just fill out the form and we'll send them a note about HearingExchange. * Link to Us We have terrific graphics and banners for those of you with web sites. Grab one of our links today and let us know when you do. We will be happy to offer a reciprocal link to qualified websites. Go to: http://www.hearingexchange.com/link_to_us.htm * Visit our Jobs and Resumes Board Do you work with deaf or hard of hearing children or adults? Do you want to? Visit our free Employment Board! Post your resume or list an open position at your organization today or review current entries. All posts must be related to hearing loss fields. Go to http://www.hearingexchange.com/jobs/ * Like to Write? HearingExchange is currently accepting article submissions. We encourage you to participate by submitting your original articles, tips or ideas for articles. Submissions should be 500 to 800 words maximum. Visit this page to learn about our Writers Guidelines: http://www.hearingexchange.com/article_submissions.htm * View and Post on the Event Calendar Hosting an event of interest to the adults, parents or professionals who deal with hearing loss? Looking for workshops or seminars on this issue? Visit our Event Calendar and browse around, there are many great seminars around the world. Be sure to click on the actual date of an event to read more about it. Post your events by clicking here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/events/calendar.cgi * Are You an Expert? We Need You! We're currently seeking qualified experts. If you're an expert or know someone who is, please send us their email address or have them contact us at mailto:experts@hearingexchange.com. We especially need a teacher of the deaf and hearing impaired. All experts must have experience with hearing impaired adults and/or children. * Doing Research? Need Resources? Our Resource Directory is growing! We now have over 260 hand-picked links related to hearing loss for you to review. When looking for organizations, assistive devices, hearing aid manufacturers, listservs and much more, visit: http://www.hearingexchange.com/resources/ Use our Add a Site feature at: http://www.hearingexchange.com/resources/add.cgi to refer great links you have found. We will review and post them promptly. **Note: We do not accept commercial sites for the free directory listing. Businesses offering products or services, please contact us at mailto:advertising@hearingexchange.com. ============================================================ Your input is always welcome at HearingExchange. Send us your comments, suggestions and any news related to hearing loss. Looking forward to "hearing" from you, Paula Rosenthal, Publisher HearingExchange - http://www.HearingExchange.com Ideas & Information on Hearing Loss To subscribe to this newsletter or any of our other free, informative ezines, click here: http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=6181 All addresses are kept strictly confidential. © Copyright 2001 HearingExchange, a division of Taylor Rose, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reprint and re-distribute this newsletter as long as it is unedited and includes this copyright.