========================================================== HearingExchange News - Heather Whitestone Interview, EHDI, Hearing Loss Studies, Journals and More - Please Forward Tuesday, May 6, 2003 ========================================================== Dear HearingExchange News Subscriber, ---------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for subscribing to HearingExchange News! We currently have 3,671 subscribers. Feel free to forward this newsletter (online or in print) to someone you know with hearing loss or professionals in the field. 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 if necessary. - - - - - - - - - - - - Letter from the Editor - - - - - - - - - - - - I am pleased to announce that HearingExchange will be one of three organizations presenting at the next ad hoc teleconference sponsored by the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Team of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It will be held Tuesday, July 1st at 2:00 pm EST. I have been asked to give an overview of the many resources and services HearingExchange offers at no cost to families of childen with hearing loss and professionals who work with them. These teleconferences are held every other month for professionals, parents, and advocates who call in to hear presentations on topics concerning hearing loss and the EHDI process. The call is also captioned for individuals who prefer to participate this way. If you would like to join the announcement listserve to receive notifications of the teleconferences, send an email with your request to ehdi@cdc.gov. I hope you enjoy this issue of HearingExchange News! Be sure to send your comments my way. I read each and every one of them. Happy Spring, Paula Rosenthal, Publisher and Speaker Early Hearing Detection and Intervention ---------------------------------------------------------- Interested in newborn hearing screenings, early intervention and childhood hearing loss? Transcripts from past teleconferences are available online. Click here to view the transcripts...: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/ddtele.htm SPONSOR MESSAGE: AT&T Continues its Pioneering Tradition with Internet Relay Service and Video Relay Service ---------------------------------------------------------- AT&T has developed two new relay services that leverage the Internet to allow customers to place relay calls online: 1) AT&T Relay Service, which expands upon traditional relay services by replacing the TTY (teletypewriter) with a computer or other Web-enabled device; 2) AT&T Video Relay Service, which introduces a whole new dimension to relay by allowing customers to sign their conversation over a web cam rather than typing on a keyboard. Both services are free to use and available here...: http://relay.att.com FEATURE ARTICLE: HearingExchange Founder Paula Rosenthal Interviews Former Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum ---------------------------------------------------------- Former Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum recently participated in an interview for HearingExchange. Heather was the first deaf person to be crowned Miss America. She has gone on to a successful public speaking and spokesperson career. After much consideration, Heather decided to undergo cochlear implant surgery at Johns Hopkins. In this interview she shares why she made that decision and how her cochlear implant has positively affected her life. Click here to read the interview...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/featured_article_041903.htm FEATURED SITE: American Academy of Audiology ---------------------------------------------------------- The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, for and by audiologists. Their site includes good resources for professionals, consumers and students including a "find an audiologist" locator and an excellent page that explains how to read an audiogram (hearing test)in a clear and concise way. Click here to visit the AAA site now...: http://www.audiology.org FEATURED BOOK: From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide ---------------------------------------------------------- Special education lawyer Pete Wright and his wife Pam have garnered rave reviews for their books and nationwide seminars. "From Emotions to Advocacy" teaches parents in plain English how to become a better advocate for their child with special needs. Learn about IDEA, Section 504, SMART IEPS, what your child's tests mean, how to negotiate effectively with the school and much more. This is one of the best books on this subject that I have seen. To learn more or buy this book, click here...: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1892320088/hearingexchange Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Calls for Convention Papers ---------------------------------------------------------- The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing invites members and friends to submit innovative proposals for short courses, educational sessions and poster presentations for the 2004 AG Bell Convention, "California Dreamin'. . . Imagine the Possibilities!" Their aim is to provide a myriad of offerings for their diverse audience of parents, professionals, and adults with hearing loss. AG Bell's biennial convention typically features programs on topics such as those listed below: * Access and the Law * Advocacy * Auditory/Oral, Auditory-Verbal, and Cued Speech Approaches * Curriculum Development * Development of Social Skills * Employment and Lifestyle Issues * Mainstreaming * Hearing Technology Advances (hearing aids and cochlear implants) * Lifestyle Technology Advances (assistive listening devices, captioning, telecommunications) * Medical and Scientific Advances * Parenting * (Re)habilitation All proposals are to be submitted online via AG Bell's website. If you do not have Internet access, please contact Michele Duchin at AG Bell at 202/337-5220 ext. 118 (voice) or 202/337-5221 (TTY) to discuss alternatives. The deadline for submitting proposals is June 30, 2003. To submit a proposal, click here...: http://168.103.77.134/profile_create.asp SPONSOR: Shake Awake Vibrating Alarm Clocks ---------------------------------------------------------- No longer hear your alarm clock? Need something small enough to take on trips? I personally have used and highly recommend the shake awake ® alarm clock. This affordable, vibrating alarm gently and effectively wakes you up. It's so small you can slip this pocket-sized alarm clock inside your pillowcase or under your mattress. It will "shake awake" even the soundest sleepers. Features: • Vibrating alarm clock with Snooze Button • Uses 2 AA batteries (not included) • Large, easy to read 1/2" display • Illuminated display for night time viewing • 1 year warranty Experience Shake Awake for Yourself, Get it Here: http://www.hearingexchange.com/store/ Study: Loud Noise May Affect Brain Development ---------------------------------------------------------- A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California at San Diego shows that the speech and language development of very young children may be slowed due to high levels of noise found in today's society. Read this story from CNN Health here...: http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/parenting/04/18/brains.noise.ap/index.html MED-EL to Purchase Symphonix' Assets ---------------------------------------------------------- MED-EL announced the signature of an asset purchase agreement with Symphonix Inc, the Nasdaq listed Silicone Valley based developer of the world’s first US-FDA and CE-approved middle ear implant for moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss with currently close to 1000 device users worldwide. Under the agreement, MED-EL will produce, further develop, market and service the Vibrant® Soundbridge® product. Click here for further information...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/henews-032503e.htm Doctors Hail Double Ear Cochlear Implants ---------------------------------------------------------- Researchers at Southampton University in the U.K. are studying the effects of bilateral cochlear implantation to determine whether the extra operation and the extra costs incurred make dual implantation worthwhile. Learn more here...: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2892473.stm Study: Adult Hearing Loss Underdiagnosed ---------------------------------------------------------- Late onset hearing loss is often underdiagnosed and left untreated. A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that hearing loss affects up to 40 percent of adults aged 65 and older. It is strongly linked to depression and decreased quality of life, but the researchers said fewer than 10 percent of internists offer routine testing to older patients. Get more information on this topic here...: http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/04/16/hearing.loss.ap/index.html More News Related to Hearing Loss Available at HearingExchange ---------------------------------------------------------- Visit the main page of HearingExchange to view many other recent news articles. News is continually updated so check back frequently. Also, the main page is filled with assorted information and links so be sure to scroll down to view it all! Click here to get more news...: http://www.hearingexchange.com Cochlear Implant Funding Assistance Available ---------------------------------------------------------- The Hearing Center at Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI) has started an assistance fund for cochlear implant candidates who have no insurance or other resources to receive one. Applicants must be legal, permanent U.S. citizens. Cochlear Corporation and Advanced Bionics donate a number of cochlear implant systems to CNI each year for this program. Applicants can indicate which device they prefer and this will be considered, if possible. CNI also works with the individual center audiologists and surgeons to negotiate a reduction of their fees, if possible. Some individuals have insurance that will cover the hospital/surgical costs but exclude the device. In that case, the assistance fund might provide the device with the insurance picking up the rest of the cost. The level of assistance would be case by case, depending on the specific needs of the individual. CNI cannot assist with bilateral implantation or replacement or upgrade of external components. For further information on the CNI program, click here...: http://www.thecni.org/hearing/ Situation Wanted: College Graduate Seeks Nanny Position with New York Family ---------------------------------------------------------- Antonia Kerckerinck will be graduating from Emerson College in May with a Bachelors of Science in Communication Science and Disorders with honors. She is seeking a nanny position in Manhattan, New York with a family who has a child with a cochlear implant. Antonia has been participating in a field experience placement at Children's Hospital in Boston where she worked with Marilyn Neault, Ph.D., CCC-A helping with implant mappings and sound booth testing. She has also worked with deaf and hearing impaired children in a nursery school in Boston. If you or someone you know are interested in hiring a nanny with this type of experience, contact Antonia for further information and references via email at mailto:AKerckerinck@aol.com. Nita Artinian of "Sound and Fury" Fame Joins HearingExchange ---------------------------------------------------------- I recently met and chatted with Nita Artinian, Heather's mother from the Academy Award nominated "Sound and Fury" documentary. You may remember that the extended Artinian family were in dispute about letting young Heather undergo cochlear implant surgery. Nita proudly shared with me that she and her two children have all received cochlear implants. Her daughter Heather is doing so well with hers that she is able to hear and talk on the telephone. Nita, who primarily uses sign language, is able to hear sounds with her cochlear implant which was just activated 3 weeks ago and is optimistic about her future with hearing. Nita has joined our HearingExchange Message Boards so if you see her online, please give her a warm welcome. Join over 3,000 members on the HearingExchange Message Boards here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi Haven't Seen the "Sound and Fury" Documentary? ---------------------------------------------------------- This powerful documentary follows the Artinian family as they argue for and against cochlear implant surgery for young Heather. It is a must-see for those interested in cochlear implants, Deaf Culture and family dynamics. Click here to order the video...: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RJ1Y/hearingexchange "Sound and Fury" is Also Available on DVD ---------------------------------------------------------- Only a few copies of the DVD are left in stock. Get your copy today here...: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RIY3/hearingexchange Hearing Loss Journal: "My Son's Cochlear Implant Journey" ---------------------------------------------------------- In just 4 months, long-time HearingExchange member and chat host, VeryPatient, has written 25 chapters about her 10 year old son's recent cochlear implant surgery and experiences. VeryPatient provides wonderful details and commentary. Each excerpt is riveting and I'm looking forward to new installments with great anticipation! Read VeryPatient's Terrific Journal Here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/journals/display.cgi?id=20&sort=date&cat=2 View or Start Your Own Hearing Loss Journal ---------------------------------------------------------- Online journals are a great way to track your experiences and provide support for others following in your footsteps. Journal sub-topics include Hearing Aid Users, Cochlear Implant Users, Parenting a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child and others. HearingExchange Journals are available at no-cost and authors retain the copyrights to their work. Click here to read or start your own journal...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/journals/stories.cgi ATTENTION PARENTS! New Moog Summer Workshop Added: "Helping Your Child Learn to Talk" ---------------------------------------------------------- Frequent HearingExchange chat guest Betsy Moog Brooks, Director of the Family School program at the Moog Center for Deaf Education is offering a second summer workshop for families with deaf and hard of hearing children ages 2 to 6. The first session of "Helping Your Child Learn to Talk," was sold out in record time so Betsy and her staff have decided to offer a second session in St. Louis beginning at 6pm on Wednesday, July 23rd continuing until 1pm on Sunday, July 27th. While the parents attend the workshop sessions, the children can have fun and exciting classes with Moog teachers. This workshop is an excellent learning opportunity for parents and children at an incredibly reasonable rate. The enrollment fee for this program is just $100 due to a supporting grant. Be sure to register and send in your payment as soon as possible as space is limited to ensure the quality of the program for all participants. For further information and to download the registration form, click here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/henews-011403b.htm Don't Miss the Great Books and Products Available in the HearingExchange Shop! ---------------------------------------------------------- I've hand-picked a unique selection of books, magazines and products that every deaf or hearing impaired person or their family should know about in the HearingExchange Shop. Hearing Health Magazine subscriptions, "My Baby and Me - A Book About Teaching Your Child to Talk," "Tips for Kids," "Tips for Friends," Dr. Neil Bauman's resource books on tinnitus, ototoxic drugs and much more are all available. Plus, new items will be added soon! Orders are processed and shipped promptly. We use a secure system handled by PayPal and we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Browse the HearingExchange Shop here for more information and to order...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/store/ Book Paula to Speak on Hearing Loss or Related Issues ---------------------------------------------------------- In addition to publishing and writing articles for the HearingExchange website, I also speak before groups of people about hearing loss, cochlear implants, self-esteem in children and many other related topics. Find out more about my background and learn what others are saying about my seminars in the newly updated "About Us" section of HearingExchange. Click here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/aboutus.htm Join Us in LIVE Chats - Next Chats are Wednesday and Thursday both at 9pm Eastern ---------------------------------------------------------- HearingExchange hosts weekly chats as well as a variety of chats on special topics so be sure to join us when you can. Our members are a lively and supportive group and new members are always welcome. CHAT SCHEDULE (All times are Eastern Standard Time) * Monday 9pm Chat for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults - hosted by Curly and Frank * Wednesday 12 noon Chat for Parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children - hosted by VeryPatient * Wednesday 9pm Cochlear Implant Chat - hosted by Sean and Barbie * Thursday 9pm Chat with HearingExchange Founder, Paula on Hearing Loss, Parenting and More Chat rooms are available 24/7 so come anytime! To enter our chat rooms, login here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/chat.html Sign up for HearingExchange News, Chat Reminders and other Newsletters ---------------------------------------------------------- Did someone forward this issue of HearingExchange News to you? Interested in receiving it directly and/or receiving reminders of chats that interest you? Subscribe today! We respect your privacy and your email address is never sold, rented or shared with anyone or any company. Fill out the form using the link below. You must check off your interests and click on "Submit" in order to receive your chosen newsletters. Sign up here...: http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=6181 Hear Our Kids - A Place for Children to "Talk" ---------------------------------------------------------- Have you visited the "Hear Our Kids" section of HearingExchange? Young children and their families submit their comments about what it's like living with a hearing loss. This section has helped to open up discussions about feelings with my own 7 year old hearing impaired daughter. Read it with your kids and have them submit their own ideas. Click here to read and/or submit...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/hear_our_kids.htm HearingExchange International Events Calendar ---------------------------------------------------------- Find out what seminars and meetings are happening in your area or around the country. Post your hearing loss related events at no charge! Be sure to include the state in the title so it appears on the calendar. Check out the calendar here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/events/calendar.cgi HearingExchange Resource Directory - A Great Place to Start Research ---------------------------------------------------------- I've created a directory of over 340 hand-picked links to other terrific resources available to you online. If you have or know of a worthwhile site, please submit it using the "Add a Site" link at the top of the directory. View the Resource Directory here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/resources/ HearingExchange Employment and Resume Boards ---------------------------------------------------------- Looking for a job? Need to fill a position? Check out our job boards. (Leave the keyword area blank when conducting a search for best viewing.) Click here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/jobs/ No Cost and Low Cost Brochures Available ---------------------------------------------------------- Looking for information? Check out this area for a variety of brochures, booklets and videos that you can get at little or no cost. Find out more...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/dir/ Please Recommend HearingExchange to Others ---------------------------------------------------------- Like this newsletter or the HearingExchange site? Please help us in our endeavors to assist people with hearing loss by passing our information on to others. Your local audiologist, speech therapist, ENT, pediatrician, cochlear implant center, family members and others are all ideal candidates who should know about HearingExchange. Simply use the link below, fill it out and we'll do the rest. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Click here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/recommend/index.html Until Next Time... ---------------------------------------------------------- Your input is always welcome at HearingExchange. Please send your comments, suggestions and any news related to hearing loss to mailto:feedback@hearingexchange.com. Best regards, Paula Rosenthal, Publisher and Speaker HearingExchange - http://www.HearingExchange.com For People with Hearing Loss, Families and Professionals To modify your subscriptions, click on the "unsubscribe" link below, make your changes and click on "submit." All email addresses are kept strictly confidential. (c)Copyright 2003 HearingExchange, a division of Taylor Rose, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reprint and distribute this newsletter as long as it is reprinted in its entirety, is unedited and includes this copyright. To view past issues of HearingExchange, click here...: http://www.hearingexchange.com/newsletter_archives.htm ========================================================== HearingExchange a division of Taylor Rose, Inc. PO Box 689 Jericho, New York 11753 Web Site: http://www.HearingExchange.com E-mail: feedback@hearingexchange.com Phone: 516.938.5475 Fax: 516.935.2065