Pennsylvania - Movie Theater Captioning
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Monday, October 05, 2015
US DOT Officially Requires Closed Captioning on Airport TVs
This is awesome news!
"The ruling, which was in development for nearly 4 years, goes into effect on October 5, 2015. After that date, airport operators will have 30 days to comply."
US DOT Officially Requires Closed Captioning on Airport TVs
"The ruling, which was in development for nearly 4 years, goes into effect on October 5, 2015. After that date, airport operators will have 30 days to comply."
US DOT Officially Requires Closed Captioning on Airport TVs
Friday, October 02, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
10 Common Noises That Can Cause Permanent Hearing Loss
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/29/hearing-loss-common-noise-that-cause-permanent-damage_n_3503119.html
SPECIAL FROM Grandparents.com
One in seven people between the ages of 45 and 64 have hearing loss — are you taking the proper precautions to protect yourself?
Confronting My Hearing Loss
"I first noticed my hearing loss in my late 50s. Like most people, I ignored it because I thought it didn’t interfere with my life. I also thought acknowledging it would make me old. Over the next 10 years, my hearing worsened and I realized how it was affecting relationships with my family. I thought my grandchildren were mumbling and whispering all the time because I could hardly understand them, especially over the phone.
It took an ear infection to learn how bad my hearing really was. My ENT doctor confirmed my hearing loss and referred me to an audiology practice to be fitted for hearing aids.
I regret waiting so long to do something about my hearing loss. I missed so many conversations and special moments with my husband, children and grandchildren. That’s why I tell people who haven’t addressed their hearing loss, 'What are you waiting for?'"
-- Patty Koele, 71, Ocala, FL
About 14 percent of people between the ages of 45–64 have some type of hearing loss, which you might notice as difficulty following conversations or trouble hearing children and women with high voices. (For a full list of the typical signs and symptoms of early hearing loss, visit Hearingaids.com.) Plus, one in three people over the age of 65 have hearing loss, but, like Patty, they tend to wait a long time before doing something about it—seven years on average.
The reasons for delaying treatment probably sound familiar:
There are three types of hearing loss: conductive (CHL), sensorineural (SNHL), and mixed which includes both types.
CHL hearing loss is a mechanical problem: for some reason, your outer or middle ear isn't able to vibrate properly in response to sound waves. Causes include too much ear wax, fluid due to infection, a hole in the eardrum, and otosclerosis, which is an overgrowth of the bone in your middle ear.
SNHL is the most common type of hearing loss and is caused by noise exposure, medications and age, to name a few. "Though hearing loss is often attributed to natural aging, in fact, hearing loss may be congenital (inherited) or exacerbated by excessive noise," says Leigh Ann Watts, Au.D., CCC-A, an audiologist at Beneficial Hearing Aid Center who treated Koele. "Noise is all around us, every day, from television to lawn mowers to household appliances. It's unavoidable, yet can be harmful in excess."
What Counts as Excessive Noise?
Frightening fact: Hearing loss can occur after a one-time noise exposure at 120 decibels, such as gunfire, or continuous noise exposure to dangerous levels of 85 decibels or above over a prolonged period of time. It's important to know what levels are safe in order to protect your hearing:
110-140 decibels:
Rock concert or jet engine
Firecracker
Nail gun
Ambulance siren
Chainsaw
Home stereo speakers at maximum volume
* Just 1 minute of exposure to noises at this level can result in permanent hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of Health.
85-100 decibels:
Garbage truck
Power mower
Motorcycle
Snowmobile
Jackhammer
* Continual exposure to noises in this range can cause permanent hearing loss.
"I recommend maintaining levels below 75 decibels and listening to your ears," says Dr. Watts. "If a sound is too loud, remove yourself from the situation or put on proper hearing protection." For reference, a normal conversation typically hits about 60 decibels.
What You Can Do If You Do Have Hearing Loss
Fortunately, 90 percent of SNHL hearing loss (caused by excessive noise or aging) can be improved by wearing a hearing aid, and CHL hearing loss (caused by a mechanical problem) can be reversed or significantly improved with medical or surgical treatment, says Dr. Watts.
No matter your specific needs or lifestyle, she recommends the following hearing aid features, if you and your doctor decide to go that route:
Directional microphones – this feature has been proven to improve hearing in places with heavy ambient noise.
Telecoils – this special circuitry within a hearing aid prevents feedback (or whistling) when you're on the phone.
Bluetooth technology – this allows for wireless connection from your hearing aid directly to cell phones and TVs.
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries – they're super convenience and a must for people with visual or dexterity issues.
If you're over 50, hearing aids may conjure visions of clunky, uncomfortable monstrosities—a cure worse than the condition. But today's hearing aids come in comfortable, discreet designs and provide natural-sounding hearing in a wide variety of environments. Another modern benefit: Hearing aids are also available with tinnitus therapy settings for those suffering from ringing in the ear.
Koele decided on the Pure® hearing aid from Siemens. "They're comfortable and don’t plug up my whole ear," she says. "And they do everything I want them to do and connect wirelessly to all my gadgets, so I can listen to music, take calls, and hear the TV right through my hearing aids."
About the author: Jennifer Gehlen received her undergraduate and graduate degrees including her Masters and Au.D. from the University of Florida. She previously worked for Siemens in the roles of staff audiologist providing manufacturing and customer support and as a training consultant. She has practiced audiology in a variety of clinic and hospital settings in northern California and in Florida in the Tampa Bay area over the past 18 years. As an Educational Specialist, she provides training to staff and customers on Siemens technology, services, and software.
SPECIAL FROM Grandparents.com
One in seven people between the ages of 45 and 64 have hearing loss — are you taking the proper precautions to protect yourself?
Confronting My Hearing Loss
"I first noticed my hearing loss in my late 50s. Like most people, I ignored it because I thought it didn’t interfere with my life. I also thought acknowledging it would make me old. Over the next 10 years, my hearing worsened and I realized how it was affecting relationships with my family. I thought my grandchildren were mumbling and whispering all the time because I could hardly understand them, especially over the phone.
It took an ear infection to learn how bad my hearing really was. My ENT doctor confirmed my hearing loss and referred me to an audiology practice to be fitted for hearing aids.
I regret waiting so long to do something about my hearing loss. I missed so many conversations and special moments with my husband, children and grandchildren. That’s why I tell people who haven’t addressed their hearing loss, 'What are you waiting for?'"
-- Patty Koele, 71, Ocala, FL
About 14 percent of people between the ages of 45–64 have some type of hearing loss, which you might notice as difficulty following conversations or trouble hearing children and women with high voices. (For a full list of the typical signs and symptoms of early hearing loss, visit Hearingaids.com.) Plus, one in three people over the age of 65 have hearing loss, but, like Patty, they tend to wait a long time before doing something about it—seven years on average.
- Denial and the perception the problem isn’t that serious
- Negative associations of hearing loss and being old or disabled
- Due to gradual onset, those with hearing loss literally don’t know what they are missing
- Not realizing that some hearing loss can be kept from worsening by early treatment
There are three types of hearing loss: conductive (CHL), sensorineural (SNHL), and mixed which includes both types.
CHL hearing loss is a mechanical problem: for some reason, your outer or middle ear isn't able to vibrate properly in response to sound waves. Causes include too much ear wax, fluid due to infection, a hole in the eardrum, and otosclerosis, which is an overgrowth of the bone in your middle ear.
SNHL is the most common type of hearing loss and is caused by noise exposure, medications and age, to name a few. "Though hearing loss is often attributed to natural aging, in fact, hearing loss may be congenital (inherited) or exacerbated by excessive noise," says Leigh Ann Watts, Au.D., CCC-A, an audiologist at Beneficial Hearing Aid Center who treated Koele. "Noise is all around us, every day, from television to lawn mowers to household appliances. It's unavoidable, yet can be harmful in excess."
What Counts as Excessive Noise?
Frightening fact: Hearing loss can occur after a one-time noise exposure at 120 decibels, such as gunfire, or continuous noise exposure to dangerous levels of 85 decibels or above over a prolonged period of time. It's important to know what levels are safe in order to protect your hearing:
110-140 decibels:
Rock concert or jet engine
Firecracker
Nail gun
Ambulance siren
Chainsaw
Home stereo speakers at maximum volume
* Just 1 minute of exposure to noises at this level can result in permanent hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of Health.
85-100 decibels:
Garbage truck
Power mower
Motorcycle
Snowmobile
Jackhammer
* Continual exposure to noises in this range can cause permanent hearing loss.
"I recommend maintaining levels below 75 decibels and listening to your ears," says Dr. Watts. "If a sound is too loud, remove yourself from the situation or put on proper hearing protection." For reference, a normal conversation typically hits about 60 decibels.
What You Can Do If You Do Have Hearing Loss
Fortunately, 90 percent of SNHL hearing loss (caused by excessive noise or aging) can be improved by wearing a hearing aid, and CHL hearing loss (caused by a mechanical problem) can be reversed or significantly improved with medical or surgical treatment, says Dr. Watts.
No matter your specific needs or lifestyle, she recommends the following hearing aid features, if you and your doctor decide to go that route:
Directional microphones – this feature has been proven to improve hearing in places with heavy ambient noise.
Telecoils – this special circuitry within a hearing aid prevents feedback (or whistling) when you're on the phone.
Bluetooth technology – this allows for wireless connection from your hearing aid directly to cell phones and TVs.
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries – they're super convenience and a must for people with visual or dexterity issues.
If you're over 50, hearing aids may conjure visions of clunky, uncomfortable monstrosities—a cure worse than the condition. But today's hearing aids come in comfortable, discreet designs and provide natural-sounding hearing in a wide variety of environments. Another modern benefit: Hearing aids are also available with tinnitus therapy settings for those suffering from ringing in the ear.
Koele decided on the Pure® hearing aid from Siemens. "They're comfortable and don’t plug up my whole ear," she says. "And they do everything I want them to do and connect wirelessly to all my gadgets, so I can listen to music, take calls, and hear the TV right through my hearing aids."
About the author: Jennifer Gehlen received her undergraduate and graduate degrees including her Masters and Au.D. from the University of Florida. She previously worked for Siemens in the roles of staff audiologist providing manufacturing and customer support and as a training consultant. She has practiced audiology in a variety of clinic and hospital settings in northern California and in Florida in the Tampa Bay area over the past 18 years. As an Educational Specialist, she provides training to staff and customers on Siemens technology, services, and software.
ARE YOU HARD OF HEARING - Free download available for a VISOR CARD for your vehicle
Download Visor Card Here
The purpose of the Visor Card is to bridge the initial communications gap with the police if you are ever stopped by them. It lets the police know you can’t hear/understand their orders and instructions. As a result, they will have to use alternate communication strategies including hand signals, writing things down and use ASL to sign to you.
There are two versions of the Visor Card. The Deaf Visor Card (shown here) is for people who are culturally deaf—that is, they identify with the Deaf community and use ASL as their primary means of communication, rather than speech.
(The Hard of Hearing Visor Card is for people who identify with the hearing community—that is, they use their voices to speak, read and write English fluently and often speechread and wear hearing aids. To learn more about the Hard of Hearing Visor Card, or to purchase it, click here.)
You can learn more about the reasons for using the Deaf Visor Card and download a free copy of the Deaf Visor Card here, or you can purchase a Deaf Visor Card Pak already made up.
The Deaf Visor Card Pak includes:
The Visor Card is called a visor card for good reason. You attach it to your sun visor. That way, it is normally out of sight, yet instantly available when needed.
Here’s how to mount it. Fold down your sun visor. Place the Visor Card on your sun visor—right side up facing you when your visor is down. Hold it in place with two elastic bands around both the Visor Card and sun visor.
With the sun visor up, your Visor Card is hidden out of sight so you are not advertising the fact that you are deaf, but it is in place, ready for instant use whenever you need it.
1. Pull over and stop safely. (If it is dark and you are able to, stop under a street lamp, or pull into a lighted parking area. This will make it easier for you to speechread.)
2. Immediately flip your sun visor down, unhook the end by the rearview mirror, and swing it over so your Visor Card is clearly visible in the driver’s side window. If you have two visor cards and you think a police officer will come to the passenger side, deploy that visor too. Even better, deploy both visor cards every time you are stopped. That way, you have your bases covered, no matter what happens.
3. Open your driver’s side window all the way. (Police officers get very nervous with today’s dark windows!) Also open the passenger’s-side window if you flipped that visor down as well.
4. If it is dark, turn on your dome light.
5. Place both of your hands on the steering wheel well before any police officer approaches your vehicle. Police officers want to see both your hands at all times. The safest place is to put them on the wheel at the standard driving positions of 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. Keep your hands on the wheel until after you establish effective communication with the police officer. Have the officer remove your Visor Card and read the instructions on the back so he knows how to effectively communicate with you.
That’s all there is to it! You may never have to use your visor cards, but if you ever do get pulled over, you are prepared. You can “hang loose” and let your Visor Cards do the work of bridging the initial communications gap with the police.
****you can also order packs of cards from this site.
Shared from -: http://hearinglosshelp.com/shop/visor-cards-hard-of-hearing/
Visor Cards—Deaf
The purpose of the Visor Card is to bridge the initial communications gap with the police if you are ever stopped by them. It lets the police know you can’t hear/understand their orders and instructions. As a result, they will have to use alternate communication strategies including hand signals, writing things down and use ASL to sign to you.
There are two versions of the Visor Card. The Deaf Visor Card (shown here) is for people who are culturally deaf—that is, they identify with the Deaf community and use ASL as their primary means of communication, rather than speech.
(The Hard of Hearing Visor Card is for people who identify with the hearing community—that is, they use their voices to speak, read and write English fluently and often speechread and wear hearing aids. To learn more about the Hard of Hearing Visor Card, or to purchase it, click here.)
You can learn more about the reasons for using the Deaf Visor Card and download a free copy of the Deaf Visor Card here, or you can purchase a Deaf Visor Card Pak already made up.
The Deaf Visor Card Pak includes:
- Laminated “Driver is Deaf” Visor Card
- Laminated Wallet Deaf Card
- Brochure: “Visor Cards: Bridging the Communications Gap When Stopped by the Police” including instructions how to use your Deaf Visor Cards. You can also download this full-color 4-page Visor Card Brochure here.
Correctly Placing Your Visor Cards
Your Visor Cards are useless unless they are instantly available whenever you need them. You don’t want to have to rummage around in the glove box or under the seat when you are pulled over. (Police officers may think you are reaching for a gun and act accordingly.)The Visor Card is called a visor card for good reason. You attach it to your sun visor. That way, it is normally out of sight, yet instantly available when needed.
Here’s how to mount it. Fold down your sun visor. Place the Visor Card on your sun visor—right side up facing you when your visor is down. Hold it in place with two elastic bands around both the Visor Card and sun visor.
With the sun visor up, your Visor Card is hidden out of sight so you are not advertising the fact that you are deaf, but it is in place, ready for instant use whenever you need it.
Correctly Using Your Visor Cards
If you are ever stopped by the police, follow these steps in this order.1. Pull over and stop safely. (If it is dark and you are able to, stop under a street lamp, or pull into a lighted parking area. This will make it easier for you to speechread.)
2. Immediately flip your sun visor down, unhook the end by the rearview mirror, and swing it over so your Visor Card is clearly visible in the driver’s side window. If you have two visor cards and you think a police officer will come to the passenger side, deploy that visor too. Even better, deploy both visor cards every time you are stopped. That way, you have your bases covered, no matter what happens.
3. Open your driver’s side window all the way. (Police officers get very nervous with today’s dark windows!) Also open the passenger’s-side window if you flipped that visor down as well.
4. If it is dark, turn on your dome light.
5. Place both of your hands on the steering wheel well before any police officer approaches your vehicle. Police officers want to see both your hands at all times. The safest place is to put them on the wheel at the standard driving positions of 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. Keep your hands on the wheel until after you establish effective communication with the police officer. Have the officer remove your Visor Card and read the instructions on the back so he knows how to effectively communicate with you.
That’s all there is to it! You may never have to use your visor cards, but if you ever do get pulled over, you are prepared. You can “hang loose” and let your Visor Cards do the work of bridging the initial communications gap with the police.
****you can also order packs of cards from this site.
Shared from -: http://hearinglosshelp.com/shop/visor-cards-hard-of-hearing/
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
'Survivor' Contestant Nina Poersch Shares Her Inspirational Cochlear Implant Story During Better Hearing and Speech Month
ORIGINAL POSTING: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/LA11115.htm
CENTENNIAL, Colo., May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, announced today a collaboration with Nina Poersch from the hit CBS show 'Survivor' to educate the public about what it means to live with hearing loss and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. In honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month, Nina is challenging people with hearing loss to take action, find a solution and live by her motto 'Go for it, live it and experience it.'
"In
this day and age, we are fortunate enough to have a variety of hearing
loss treatments at our disposal, so there is no reason why anyone should
have to struggle to hear," said Nina Poersch,
'Survivor' Season 30 contestant and cochlear implant recipient. "Take
my story for instance. When I lost my hearing, I soon realized that
hearing aids wouldn't work for me, but was told that I most likely
wouldn't qualify for a cochlear implant. I insisted on being tested, and
it turned out that I was a candidate for the technology. I have lived
my life the same way ever since. I don't let anything stand in the way
of my dreams just because I may have difficulty hearing."
Hearing loss is fast becoming one of the most serious health issues in the United States:
"Even the most advanced hearing aids may not be enough for some people, making it very difficult to work, advance in their careers and keep in contact with their loved ones," said Chris Smith, President of Cochlear Americas. "This is the reason why we do what we do. We are here to improve the quality of life of those with hearing loss and empower them to hear and be heard. We are dedicated to bringing to market new solutions that treat a variety of different hearing losses and provide people with a renewed sense of hope where it was once lost. We are honored to work with Nina Poersch on this endeavor and encourage those impacted by the condition to take action today."
During the month of May, Nina will be speaking to local communities around the country about her cochlear implant story and inspiring them to take action. To learn more about hearing loss and its treatment options, visit www.LifesWorthHearing.com.
About Better Hearing and Speech MonthBetter Hearing and Speech Month is an annual event that has taken place every May since 1927. The event was started to raise public awareness, knowledge and understanding of various forms of communication impairments, including hearing and speech. With hearing loss becoming more common as younger people lose hearing due to noise exposure and as baby boomers age, Better Hearing and Speech Month has become even more important as a means of reaching those reluctant to have their hearing tested.
About Cochlear ImplantsCochlear implants are a proven medical option for infants as young as 12 months old with profound hearing loss in both ears, children aged two and older with severe-to-profound hearing loss, and adults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss in both ears. They are electronic devices that bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear, or cochlea, and stimulate the hearing nerve directly.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 324,200 people worldwide have received cochlear implants. In the United States, roughly 58,000 adults and 38,000 children have received them.7 Nearly two million people in the United States could be candidates for cochlear implant technology, but only 5 percent of patients who can benefit have been treated.8,9
About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. The company has a global workforce of 2,700 people and invests more than AUS$100 million a year in research and development. Products include hearing systems for cochlear, bone conduction and acoustic implants.
Over 400,000 people of all ages, across more than 100 countries, now hear because of Cochlear.
www.cochlear.com
References[1] Hearing Health Foundation (US). Hearing loss & tinnitus statistics [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/statistics.
[2] United States Census Burearu. 2013
[3] Starkey Hearing Foundation (US). What we do: Listen carefully [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/programs#/listencarefully.
[4] Hearing Loss Association of America (US). Basic facts about hearing loss [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://www.hearingloss.org/content/basic-facts-about-hearing-loss.
[5] Hearing Health Foundation (US). A salute to the veterans [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/salute_to_the_veterans.
[6] Cochlear Americas Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants Recipient Survey, December 2008.
[7] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Cochlear Implants [Internet] 2014 Aug 18 [cited 2015 Apr 13]. Available: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/coch.asp
[8] Blanchfield, B.B., et. al. (2001). The severely to profoundly hearing-impaired population in the United States: Prevalence estimates and demographics. JAAA. 12, 183-189.
[9] Internal Cochlear Data on File. June, 2009.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150518/216905-INFO
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130531/LA23942
After surviving on a deserted island, she is
now showing the world what it means to fight for better hearing and
reach for the stars
CENTENNIAL, Colo., May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, announced today a collaboration with Nina Poersch from the hit CBS show 'Survivor' to educate the public about what it means to live with hearing loss and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. In honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month, Nina is challenging people with hearing loss to take action, find a solution and live by her motto 'Go for it, live it and experience it.'
Hearing loss is fast becoming one of the most serious health issues in the United States:
- It affects almost 50 million Americans – that's more than the population of California, Oregon and Washington combined1,2
- People today are losing their hearing faster than their parents and grandparents3
- 1 of 8 children and teens have a permanent hearing loss3
- 1 of 3 seniors over the age of 65 has a hearing loss4
- 60 percent of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan come home with hearing loss related injuries5
"Even the most advanced hearing aids may not be enough for some people, making it very difficult to work, advance in their careers and keep in contact with their loved ones," said Chris Smith, President of Cochlear Americas. "This is the reason why we do what we do. We are here to improve the quality of life of those with hearing loss and empower them to hear and be heard. We are dedicated to bringing to market new solutions that treat a variety of different hearing losses and provide people with a renewed sense of hope where it was once lost. We are honored to work with Nina Poersch on this endeavor and encourage those impacted by the condition to take action today."
During the month of May, Nina will be speaking to local communities around the country about her cochlear implant story and inspiring them to take action. To learn more about hearing loss and its treatment options, visit www.LifesWorthHearing.com.
About Better Hearing and Speech MonthBetter Hearing and Speech Month is an annual event that has taken place every May since 1927. The event was started to raise public awareness, knowledge and understanding of various forms of communication impairments, including hearing and speech. With hearing loss becoming more common as younger people lose hearing due to noise exposure and as baby boomers age, Better Hearing and Speech Month has become even more important as a means of reaching those reluctant to have their hearing tested.
About Cochlear ImplantsCochlear implants are a proven medical option for infants as young as 12 months old with profound hearing loss in both ears, children aged two and older with severe-to-profound hearing loss, and adults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss in both ears. They are electronic devices that bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear, or cochlea, and stimulate the hearing nerve directly.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 324,200 people worldwide have received cochlear implants. In the United States, roughly 58,000 adults and 38,000 children have received them.7 Nearly two million people in the United States could be candidates for cochlear implant technology, but only 5 percent of patients who can benefit have been treated.8,9
About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. The company has a global workforce of 2,700 people and invests more than AUS$100 million a year in research and development. Products include hearing systems for cochlear, bone conduction and acoustic implants.
Over 400,000 people of all ages, across more than 100 countries, now hear because of Cochlear.
www.cochlear.com
References[1] Hearing Health Foundation (US). Hearing loss & tinnitus statistics [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/statistics.
[2] United States Census Burearu. 2013
[3] Starkey Hearing Foundation (US). What we do: Listen carefully [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/programs#/listencarefully.
[4] Hearing Loss Association of America (US). Basic facts about hearing loss [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://www.hearingloss.org/content/basic-facts-about-hearing-loss.
[5] Hearing Health Foundation (US). A salute to the veterans [Online]. 2014 Oct. Available: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/salute_to_the_veterans.
[6] Cochlear Americas Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants Recipient Survey, December 2008.
[7] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Cochlear Implants [Internet] 2014 Aug 18 [cited 2015 Apr 13]. Available: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/coch.asp
[8] Blanchfield, B.B., et. al. (2001). The severely to profoundly hearing-impaired population in the United States: Prevalence estimates and demographics. JAAA. 12, 183-189.
[9] Internal Cochlear Data on File. June, 2009.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130531/LA23942
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survivor-contestant-nina-poersch-shares-her-inspirational-cochlear-implant-story-during-better-hearing-and-speech-month-300085611.html
SOURCE Cochlear LimitedFriday, April 17, 2015
Jenn Hearn: What I wish the hearing world could understand about deaf people
Jenn Hearn: What I wish the hearing world could understand about deaf people
The Limping Chicken is the UK’s deaf blogs and news website, and is the world’s most popular deaf blog.
Make sure you never miss a post by finding out how to follow us, and don’t forget to check out what our supporters provide:
The Limping Chicken is the UK’s deaf blogs and news website, and is the world’s most popular deaf blog.
Make sure you never miss a post by finding out how to follow us, and don’t forget to check out what our supporters provide:
- Phonak: innovative technology and products in hearing acoustics
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- Appa: Communication services for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people
- SignVideo: Instant BSL video interpreting online
- 121 Captions: captioning and speech-to-text services
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- Signworld: online BSL learning and teaching materials
- Action Deafness Communications: sign language and Red Dot online video interpreting
- Hamilton Lodge School in Brighton: education for Deaf children
- RAD: financial advice for Deaf people
- cSeeker: Online booking for communication support
- Krazy Kat: visual theatre with BSL
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- Exeter Deaf Academy: education for Deaf children
- SignHealth: healthcare charity for Deaf people
- Lipspeaker UK: specialist lipspeaking support
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- SDHH: Deaf television programmes online
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After years of speech therapy, I still felt totally isolated. Even then I knew that it was not fair that I had to work so hard to learn to speak like a hearing person, only to be isolated by my deafness in social settings.
Sadly, this is a very common experience among hearing impaired people. We often wonder, shouldn’t communication be a two-way street?
I finally got the opportunity in high school to attend a School for the Deaf. Ironically, once I learned American Sign Language, it was then that I felt the least “deaf” and “impaired” than I ever did in the hearing world.
With the communication barriers broken down, I felt like I finally truly belonged somewhere. My personality flourished, and I got to see that while quiet and shy around hearing people, I am vibrant and outgoing around Deaf peers.
Some Deaf people are angry. Only a small percentage of us are born into the Deaf world, the rest have to struggle with our identity and communication barriers throughout our lives.
Growing up, some of us are subjected to years of embarrassing and tedious speech therapy, only to be made fun of for our voices that we worked so hard to acquire.
We master lip-reading, only to be left out of conversations repeatedly. We are given cochlear implants as if it is the cure for all of our woes, yet we still are, and always will be, deaf.
Some of our Deaf peers have been brutally beaten or even killed whenever officers misinterpret our signing as an attempt to resist arrest, or mistake our hard-earned clear voices as a sign that we can actually hear their demands as well.
Some of us have been treated as inconveniences when we pull directly up to the window to order our food or coffee. Some of us have been misdiagnosed with metal health issues we do not have, and in some cases we are given medication for the wrong conditions, locked away in mental health hospitals for years, or denied treatment altogether for conditions we DO have.
This is partially the result of diagnostic tools being designed for patients with spoken language and administered by those who are not well-versed in Deaf culture norms.
Some of us are still denied accommodations or given unqualified interpreters in educational, legal, professional, and medical situations, sometimes with far-reaching or deadly consequences which can change the course of lives and the lives of our loved ones.
We Deaf are less likely to be given leadership roles or denied the jobs we apply for. Yes, some of us are angry.
We are born into a world which we are not completely equipped to fit into, a world designed for those who can hear. Even so, we are amazing.
We are great mothers, fathers, friends, and any other role that can be found in the hearing world. We have a unique perspective on life and a richness of character that comes from our years of struggling with communication barriers and our identity. If only the hearing world could understand this.
The hearing world can do many things to make our world more Deaf-friendly. They can take the time to learn how to accommodate us, and follow through with it. Know that our ability to speak is not always an accurate assessment of how much we can hear.
Police officers and other professional organizations need to make Deaf sensitivity training a part of their core education. Hearing parents of deaf children, help your child find his/her own identity instead of assigning one to them.
At the very least, please do not teach them that those who sign are failures, or that those who choose to learn speech are less Deaf. Take the time to learn about our culture and language. Doing these things is a great start toward making the modern Deaf experience into a more positive one for us.
Jenn Hearn is a Deaf mom of two adorable little boys. She works as an adjunct instructor of ASL and SLI/ASL lab coordinator at University of Cincinnati.
The Limping Chicken is the UK’s deaf blogs and news website, and is the world’s most popular deaf blog.