A report published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Irish children born with hearing problems can wait up to five years to have hearing aids fitted because of serious shortages in audiology services. » Read More

Again this year we have incredible nominations for the Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EDHI Excellence! Read about their many accomplishments at Maxon Award.

 

While you are being amazed at what these people have done to strengthen EHDI programs across the country and around the world, be sure to register for the National EHDI meeting to be held in St. Louis March 4-6, 2012. This promises to be the biggest and best EHDI Meeting ever.

Early Registration ends today, so don't delay.  Register today and save $50!

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The February Edition of Probes and Tips is now available: Check that Hearing Aids are Working. This edition includes such items as:

• Common maintenance issues for hearing aids including checking/changing the battery, cleaning blockage, etc.
• Learn more Hear and Now: Introduction to OAE Screening; Registration
• Information about an ECHO Initiative Exhibit in Washington DC, Feb. 11-14, 2012

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Deaf children who already had one cochlear implant had improvements in speech, hearing and related quality of life measures after a second was implanted in the other ear, according to researchers from the Netherlands. And the degree of improvement didn't depend on how old kids were when they got their second implant, according to the study, published in the Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery. » Read More

HB218 "A Deaf Child's Bill of Rights" was referred from the House Education Committee to Appropriations where it may languish and die unless concerned citizens for an appropriate education for all Virginia's children get involved. This is an important and timely bill given the state of education of deaf and hard-of-hearing children in the Virginia.
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Rajan Speech & Hearing Centre (RSHC) is now on an aggressive drive to test children for early deafness. Since hearing loss is a hidden disability, the Institute is keen to test the baby early because the first year of life is critical to the development of normal speech and language. Annually India reports over 4,000 babies born with hearing loss. Most babies born with hearing problems are otherwise healthy and have no family history of hearing loss. To ensure that the baby has normal hearing, it would be vital to test as early as possible, stated Krishna Kumar, audiologist and director, RSHC. » Read More

Babies and toddlers enrolled in the YWCA Greater Baton Rouge Early Head Start program have access to new, technologically advanced hearing screenings. The children can have their hearing tested via a quick, painless and reliable technology known as Otoacoustic Emissions, according to a YWCA news release. The Baton Rouge program is one of two pilot programs in Louisiana.

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AG Bell is gearing up for its 2012 Convention, June 28-July 2, at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. AG Bell recognizes that young families with a child who is deaf or hard of hearing have extra financial pressures. AG Bell is once again offering its Family Scholarship Program for deserving families who have never attended an AG Bell Convention to access information and network with other families. The application deadline is February 29, 2012. Families awarded a scholarship will receive:

• One full 2012 Convention registration (includes up to two badges for adult family members).
• Up to two registrations for the 2012 Children's Program. This program is for children from infancy through age 14.
• One hotel room with two double beds for up to four nights between June 28 and July 2, 2012, at the Westin Kierland Resort.

The family is responsible for all travel arrangements, long distance as well as local, and food and entertainment outside of what is provided through Convention registration. Visit the AG Bell website to learn more and download an application packet.

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The AG Bell 2012 Convention is the largest gathering of families, professionals and individuals with hearing loss dedicated to listening and spoken language outcomes. Click here to access a PDF of the registration brochure and preview the learning event of this summer. Paper registrations are currently being accepted and online registration will open soon; stay tuned to AG Bell Update for further details. » Read More

To save more babies from experiencing hearing defects while growing up, Mayor Christian D. Natividad conducted the first Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program in the Philippines this year. The program was launched recently at the Malolos Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. Natividad said the program is beneficial to babies who may have or develop hearing defects. » Read More