Another AARP Benefit
Even though 95 percent of Americans with hearing loss could hear better with hearing aids, only 20 percent currently use them, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. To help close this gap, HearUSA, a leading hearing care provider, has initiated AARP Hearing Care. The program provides AARP members with access to a nationwide network of credentialed healthcare providers who can help them manage hearing loss through rehabilitation and consultation. Members are also entitled to discounts on hearing aid technology, extended warranties and battery supplies.
Excellence in Workplace Hearing Loss Prevention
In partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recently presented the 2010 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™, recognizing those who have excelled in preventing noise-induced hearing loss in the work environment. The recipients were: Etymotic Research, Inc.; the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc.; and Kris Chesky, Ph.D., and the College of Music at the University of North Texas.
It's an Award-Winning Noisy Planet
The "It's a Noisy Planet, Protect Their Hearing" campaign and Web site earned a Media Award for the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Recognized for its contribution toward raising public awareness of the hazards of noise by the National Hearing Conservation Association, the Noisy Planet Web site received 750,000 page views and 560 subscriptions to its e-bulletin. Its aim continues to be the education of parents of "tweens" (eightto 12-year-olds) about healthy habits that can protect their kids' hearing for life. Deafness Research Foundation is proud to be an offi cial partner of the "It's a Noisy Planet, Protect Their Hearing" program. Visit the Noisy Planet Web site at www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov.
Help for D/HH Victims of Domestic Violence
Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) victims of domestic violence can get help specifi cally for their situation via a national hotline provided by the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services. Trained and experienced deaf advocates who understand the unique ways in which deaf victims experience abuse, and who can communicate effectively with D/HH victims, are on duty weekdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST. The hotline can be reached via videophone at 69.17.111.201, instant messenger at ADWASHotline, or e-mail at ADWAS@ndvh.org.
Free Hearing Protection
AuDNet, Inc.'s NowiHear.com, a leading audiology care consumer education Web site, has joined forces with Oaktree Products to raise awareness about hearing loss prevention by distributing 1,000 free hearing protection devices to U.S. consumers. Dispensed by AuDNet Preferred Provider Community members, the devices will be available to consumers until July 31, 2010, and provide hearing protection during everyday noisy activities such as mowing the lawn, using loud tools and attending noisy events or concerts. U.S. audiologists can get involved with AuDNet and Oaktree Products' effort by becoming part of the AuDNet Preferred Provider Community. www.NowiHear.com also provides background and contact information on local audiologists around the country.
Bueno!
Phone CaptionSM (www.phonecaption.com), a service that assists people with hearing loss in making regular telephone calls, announced service is now available in Spanish for people within the U.S. The service transcribes voice dialogue into text, allowing users to read captions of what the other party is saying. PhoneCaption.com's service comes with a personal 800 number and caller ID. It is free and compatible with a multitude of media devices.
Hot Tips & News Clips The National Hearing Conservation Association announces its 36th annual conference: Innovation & Technology, February 24-26, 2011 in Mesa, Ariz. Register at www.hearingconservation.org and visit www.drf.org/local+events to learn about upcoming events related to hearing health in your area and around the country.
Find out about the latest fashions and watch celebrity interviews in American Sign Language online at Fashion News Live: www.fashionnewslive.com.
