Volume 28 Issue 1

Our advertisers make it possible for us to provide HOH-LD-News as a free service. Please let them know you appreciate their support, and please mention that you saw their message in HOH-LD-News.

- Advertisers in this Issue
First Premium Placement:
Hearing Aid Accessories at Sound Clarity
Second Premium Placement:
Big Summer Savings at Harris Communications
Third Premium Placement:
IHHD Online Educational Opportunities
Fourth Premium Placement:
Switch to Sprint
Classified Section:
Two online stores and two employment opportunities

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact information and disclaimers are at the end of this newsletter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

----------------------------------------------------------------
Sound Clarity, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Protect your hearing aids with the Dry and Store Global and hearing aid sweatbands. The Dry and Store system uses an 8-hour cycle to dry and disinfect your hearing aids. The sweatband keeps your hearing aids dry when you're active in the summer heat. The Global is on sale at $94.95 and includes one desiccant brick. A six-pack of desiccant bricks are $17.40. See them all featured at www.soundclarity.com

Hearing Aid Batteries always shipped FREE anywhere in the U.S.

For more information go to http://www.soundclarity.com/hohnews
or contact us at mailto:info@soundclarity.com
----------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 1: Hair Cell Regeneration Update
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: Here's information about a hair cell regeneration advance discovered by the folks at the House Ear Institute.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scientists Show Mouse Ear Holds Potential for Cell Regeneration to Restore Hearing

Researchers at House Ear Institute (HEI) have found a clue in their search for potential therapeutic targets to regenerate sensory hair cells in the inner ear to restore hearing. Scientists Neil Segil, PhD, and Andy Groves, PhD, discovered that a gene called p27Kip1 blocks the process of sensory cell regeneration in the mouse inner ear (cochlea). Their study identified and tracked p27Kip1 through a new research approach that for the first time purified and characterized in isolation the supporting cells that might have the capacity to divide and generate new hair cells in the deafened ear. Drs. Segil and Groves are senior authors of a paper outlining the methods and outcomes of this study published in the June 22, 2006 issue of Nature magazine.

While sensory cells in the inner ear (cochlea) of birds and other lower vertebrates have the ability to regenerate after being deafened, the sensory cells in the cochlea of humans and other mammals cannot. Researchers in the hearing health field have long investigated possible methods for stimulating hair cell regeneration in humans as a cure for many forms of deafness. Currently, there is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss, which occurs as a result of damage to the cochlea's sensory hair cells from injury, aging, certain medications or infection.

"It's been suspected for a long time that supporting cells will be the key to hair cell regeneration in humans, but this is the first study to really test the ability of supporting cells to divide and turn into hair cells," said Dr.Groves, researcher at HEI. "These study results don't lead directly to the cure for deafness, but they reveal the challenges we'll have to overcome if hair cell regeneration is ever to become a reality."

"In addition to showing that mammalian auditory supporting cells can turn into hair cells we've also identified one of the key obstacles that prevent supporting cells in the damaged inner ear from dividing," said Dr. Segil, researcher at HEI and associate professor of research at the University of Southern California Medical School. "Our study results suggest that p27Kip1 is one culprit preventing cell division, and this raises the potential for therapeutically switching it off so that it can't block this necessary part of the regeneration process in the inner ear."

The investigators used newly developed techniques to identify and purify supporting cells from mice to test whether they have the capacity to divide, and for how long this capacity persists as mice get older. They found that in newborn mice, p27 was switched off when the cells were grown in a culture dish, and this allowed the supporting cells to divide and make hair cells. In older, 2 weeks old mice, p27 was not switched off and thus, cell division was blocked. However, when cells were taken from 2 week old mice lacking p27, they were once more able to divide and make hair cells. These experiments identified p27 as a block to regeneration and therefore, a possible target for therapy.

The lead co-authors of the paper are Patricia M. White, PhD, Angelika Doetzlhofer, PhD, postdoctoral fellows in the Gonda Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the HEI. The study was funded by a five-year grant from the National Organization for Hearing Research (NOHR).

HEI is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life. Established in 1946 by Howard P. House, MD, as the Los Angeles Foundation of Otology, and later renamed for its founder, HEI has been engaged in the scientific exploration of the auditory system from the ear canal to the cortex of the brain for 60 years. HEI scientists continue to explore the developing ear and ear diseases at the cell and molecular level, as well as the complex ear-brain interaction. They are also working to improve hearing aids, diagnostics, auditory implants, clinical treatments and intervention methods. For information on HEI, please call 213-483-4431 or visit the Web site at www.hei.org.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Big Summer Savings at Harris Communications
----------------------------------------------------------------

For a limited time only, receive a 10% discount on all books, DVDs and novelties you purchase at Harris Communications. Plus, on orders of $50 or more, you also receive free shipping! Save on sign language products, fun novelty items and entertaining books and movies. Check out our huge selection of products---there are many new products as well as all the popular titles.

(Sale ends July 9, 2006. Free shipping on UPS Ground Shipments to the contiguous US only. Certain product restrictions may apply.)

For more information, go to
http://www.harriscomm.com/link/?www.harriscomm.com?sr=hlw
or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com
----------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 2: The Hidden Costs of Hearing Aid Ownership - Part 2
by Henry Smith
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: Hearing aids are expensive! Anyone who has bought one recently will certainly agree with that statement. And if you consider all the hidden costs associated with hearing aid ownership, they're even MORE expensive. Here's Henry Smith with more on this topic.

This is part two of two parts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Return and Restocking Fees

Another mandate from the FDA requires that hearing aid dealers provide a 30-day trial period during which you can evaluate the hearing aid to see if it is right for you, although you may find dealers who will extend this period up to 60 days. Be aware that there are hearing aid dealers that charge restocking fees of up to 12 percent if you decide to return the product during this time period, fees that can reach upwards of $800. In other words, you will be paying a fee for a product you are not going to use. When you are researching hearing aid dealers, look for one that charges you a small fee for returns, or no fee at all. Ask about this fee before you sign the contract so that you know what charges you are responsible for.

Adjustment, Reprogramming, and Service Fees

Typically, in the contract that hearing aid dealers provide for you to sign when you make a purchase, there will be a specific amount of time - often six months to a year - during which you will not incur any fees for adjustments or reprogramming of your hearing aid. When this time period ends, however, your costs can rise dramatically. The cost for an adjustment can be as low as the cost of an office visit or a flat fee from the vendor, or there can be an additional adjustment fee added per visit. Ask if your hearing aids can be adjusted remotely over the Internet. This is not only convenient but will save you lost work time for office visits and transportation cost. These costs can add up quickly, as the adjustment may not work for you the first time requiring several return visits to resolve your problem.

You also need to find out what sorts of fees you might incur if your hearing aid encounters any significant problems and requires a major repair, such as the replacement of the casing or the microphone. Will there be a flat fee charged that covers any issue, or will more complex problems cost more to repair? Maintaining your hearing aid is crucial, and it can lead to additional expenses over time.

Upgrade Fees

Technology is constantly changing and hearing aid dealers are improving their products every year. As a result, you may find yourself with an outdated product that you want to upgrade after a few years, which can be a significant expense. On the other hand, you may find that the cost to repair your hearing aid is so high that it would not be much more expensive to buy a new product altogether. In either case, it is important to know what costs you will incur when you are upgrading your hearing aid. Will you be able to trade in your old hearing aid for a percentage off of the new one? Will you receive any sort of discount when you make your new purchase? If not, you may be looking at significant costs down the road.

Batteries

The cost of batteries is an often overlooked long-term expense - until you need to change one for the first time. This is an ongoing cost. While you cannot eliminate this cost, there are things you can do to lower your expenses. First, many hearing aid dealers will give you at least a small starter set of batteries, while some vendors will give you a carton that may last you six months to a year. Once your initial supply has been depleted, you should look to purchase your batteries for the lowest cost possible, which often means going to one of the major chains. Additionally, purchase your batteries from a store that appears to have high turnover to ensure that you are getting a new, fresh product that will last a long time and therefore give you the best value for your money.

Conclusion

By doing research into all of the costs of buying digital hearing aids, you can avoid surprises down the road. Remember that many costs can be avoided or lowered, and where they cannot, you can make sure that your money is being spent well and that your investment will bring you years of better hearing.

About the Author

Henry Smith is the founder of America Hears, a leading manufacturer and distributor of hearing aids. Henry started the company in 1979, following a 15-year career at the Pennsylvania School of the Deaf, which included work as an Acoustic Technician. Henry is a pioneer in the use of computers and the Internet to allow customers to have a hands-on approach to the tuning and adjusting of their hearing devices. He strives to be customer-centric in all aspects of his work.

----------------------------------------------------------------
You're Career Oriented... Career Driven...and Hard of Hearing or Deaf
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Institute for Persons Who Are Hard of Hearing or Deaf (IHHD) is a nonprofit Congressionally-funded agency dedicated to facilitating workplace and career advancement for aspiring professionals like you.

IHHD provides important online educational opportunities to share experiences, access top professional leaders, and develop crucial communication and business skills. Choose from a number of programs that cover all aspects of career growth - from starting a business to leadership and advocacy development.

These month-long courses are delivered online using National University's acclaimed state-of-the-art interactive learning system to provide optimal accessibility. Visit: http://cha.nu.edu/ec/formihhd-careerdev.html?ypd002
----------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 3: Kids with Hearing Loss Going Mainstream
By Frank Garland
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: How many times have you heard someone say that if a person has to be deaf, this is the best time for it? Technology to assist people with hearing loss has made enormous strides in just the past few years, as this article from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review documents. Our thanks to the Tribune-Review for allowing us to share it with you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

High-tech hearing aids and the success of cochlear implants are helping deaf and hard-of-hearing children speed their academic progress and mainstream into traditional schools at a much faster pace, educators say.

The progress has altered the age demographic at one local school serving deaf and hard-of-hearing children for nearly a century.

The DePaul School for Hearing and Speech now has more children in preschool and toddler programs than in its elementary school program because students are mastering speech and listening skills much sooner and returning to traditional schools.

"Our population has shifted but that's exciting, and it's exactly what we want," said Sister Mary Jo McAtee, whose school is hosting the Alexander Graham Bell Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center today through Tuesday.

The convention is expected to attract more than 2,000 educators, medical professionals and adults and families of children with hearing loss.

"Our goal is to get to them as early as we can and give them speech and language skills as quickly as we can."

Imparting those skills has become much easier thanks to such advancements as digital hearing aids and cochlear implants, which are surgically placed under the skin behind the ear and can provide a sense of sound to someone profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.

The technology enables profoundly deaf children "to have access to speech sounds in ways they never had before," McAtee said. As a result, children develop speaking and listening skills at an earlier age, which in turn aid their ability to learn to read. "And reading predicts all academic success," said McAtee, who taught at DePaul for 17 years and is the Shadyside school's director of education services.

Cochlear implants are available to children as young as 1. Nearly 10,000 children in the U.S. have received implants, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. About another 13,000 adults have implants.

Jennifer Meyers, 9, and her brother, Timmy, 7, have had implants to help them cope with their hearing loss. Their mother, Linda Meyers, of North Versailles, said the implants and the academic and personal support her children have received at DePaul have enabled both to make substantial strides.

"They face a lot of challenges every day, but the teachers and staff go above and beyond what we've expected," Meyers said.

About 4,000 students have attended DePaul since the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill established it in 1908. The school stresses an auditory and oral approach aimed at developing speaking and listening skills.

Linda Meyers said that's why she chose DePaul for her children rather than a school that emphasizes signing.

"It's a harder avenue to take but in the long run it truly pays off because the children can communicate with anyone," she said. "It's not that signing is a bad thing, but not everyone can sign."

Patti McGowan said her son Hunter's hearing problem wasn't diagnosed until he was almost 3. She credits DePaul as being instrumental in her son's academic growth.

"DePaul gives families so many opportunities," said McGowan, of North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County. "They provide so much support and do a lot of forums. They go beyond the book."

Linda Meyers said her daughter also was nearly 3 before her hearing loss was diagnosed.

Jessica Ripper of the Alexander Graham Bell Association said her organization is launching a campaign at this week's convention to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

"There's a critical window of opportunity for learning language and that is from birth to age 3," Ripper said. "Parents need to make sure their children are screened by one month, go for diagnosis by three months and are enrolled in early intervention by six months."

----------------------------------------------------------------
Switch to Sprint
----------------------------------------------------------------

Try the latest version of the FREE Sprint IP Wireless application for BlackBerry users!

* Click on your Blackberry Internet browser
* Go to www.sprintrelay.com/download/ to begin the FREE download.
* Check out the new updates on Sprint IP Wireless!

Don't have a BlackBerry device, add SprintIP to your AIM Buddy list to make a relay call.

----------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 4: Short Takes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: Here are our picks of some additional stories that you may find interesting. For more, please point your browser to:
http://www.hearinglossweb.com/news/curr.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sound Advice About Age--Related Hearing Loss

If you're looking for a good hearing loss "primer" here's one from the Federal Citizen Information Center in Pueblo, CO. Topics discussed include:

From Sound Waves to Brain Waves
Causes and Symptoms
Treatment
Types of Hearing Devices
Some Won't Hear Of It
How to Lessen the Severity of Age-Related Hearing Loss
Hearing Health Care Professionals At a Glance
Buyer Beware

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/hearing/loss.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Circumnavigation by HOH Pilot

World Flight for Hearing, sponsored by GN ReSound, is a unique round the world flight in a light aircraft, initiated to draw attention to hearing impairment and to the technical aids that are available to assist hard of hearing people. Founder of the project is the hearing impaired Johan Hammarström, 28, that, despite his severe hearing impairment has managed to become an experienced pilot. Johan will together with his two friends Henrik Ejderholm and Martin Håkansson be the first pilot with a severe hearing impairment to complete a world circumnavigation in a light aircraft. Johan is a living proof that with the right attitude and the right technical aids anything is possible, even with a disability.

http://www.worldflightforhearing.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Research Indicates Relationship Between Hearing and Income

Have you heard? New research indicates that there may be a relationship between your hearing and your income. A new survey by the Better Hearing Institute shows that working Americans who ignore their hearing problems are losing at least $100 billion a year in earnings. The average amount of income lost by working people who don't get hearing aids ranges from $1,000 a year-for those with mild hearing loss-to $12,000 a year for those with profound hearing loss. However, on average, the income decline due to hearing loss can be cut in half by wearing a hearing aid, the research revealed.

http://www.healthyhearing.com/library/news_content.asp?news_id=801

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Children with cochlear implants perform like normal hearing children

Hearing impaired children with cochlear implants produce academic results on a par with normal hearing children. It is a common perception that the performance of hearing impaired children in school suffers because of their hearing loss. Two studies indicate that this does not apply to children whose hearing loss is treated with cochlear implants.

http://www.press.hear-it.org/page.dsp?page=3976

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Classifieds
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two online stores and two employment opportunities appear in this issue. (Ads appear after this brief table of contents.)

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.
SPECIAL DEALS ON ALARM CLOCKS AT WCI!
http://www.weitbrecht.com

Potomac Technology - Everything You Need Under One Roof!
WIN A SIMPLICITY SIGNALER FREE!
http://www.potomactech.com

Employment Opportunity 1
Various Opportunities
GLAD
Various Southern California Locations

Employment Opportunity 2
Various Positions
The Learning Center for Deaf Children
Framingham, MA

-------------------
WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.
SPECIAL DEALS ON ALARM CLOCKS AT WCI!
http://www.weitbrecht.com
-------------------

SPECIAL DEALS ON ALARM CLOCKS AT WCI!

Choose from two different alarm clocks on sale during July. The Sonic Alert Travel & Bedside Clock features a large easy to read display and powerful 12-volt shaker. Regularly $34.95, this month it's only $27.95! The SBP-100 Sonic Shaker portable clock includes travel case, pillow clasp and one-year warranty. Retail price is $29.95 but it's only $24.95 this month! Call 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us online at http://www.weitbrecht.com.

To receive a copy of our catalog, email sales@weitbrecht.com

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.

-------------------
Potomac Technology - Everything You Need Under One Roof!
WIN A SIMPLICITY SIGNALER FREE!
http://www.potomactech.com
-------------------

WIN A SIMPLICITY SIGNALER FREE!

Summer is heating up and so are the savings at Potomac Technology starting with 15% off all Clarity phones. Then add FREE SHIPPING to any purchase over $50.00. And if that weren't enough, your name will be entered for a chance to win a free Simplicity LTW Phone and Doorbell combination signaler. Call us toll free at 1-800-433-2838 (V/TTY) or visit us online at http://www.potomactech.com for details (use code PTEC706H for free shipping).

And to request our catalog just email us at info@potomactech.com

Potomac Technology. Everything You Need Under One Roof!

-------------------
Employment Opportunity 1
Various Opportunities
GLAD
Various Southern California Locations
-------------------

GLAD is an Affirmative Action Employer with equal opportunity for men, women and people with disabilities. For more information on the following positions, please go to: www.gladinc.org. The status of all positions is: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Full Fringe Benefits unless otherwise noted. All positions are open until filled.

* LIFESIGNS Director - Los Angeles
* Network I.T. Administrator - Los Angeles

If interested for any of these positions then please submit resume and application to:

Jeff Fetterman
Human Resources Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
V/TDD: (323) 550-4207
Fax #: (323)550-4204
E-mail: jfetterman@gladinc.org

-------------------
Employment Opportunity 2
Various Positions
The Learning Center for Deaf Children
Framingham, MA
-------------------

Teacher of the Deaf

Requirements: Massachusetts teacher certification or ability to become certified. Multiple positions available from preschool through high school for the 2006-2007 academic school year. ASL fluency essential.

Learning Disabilities/Reading Specialist

Ensure that students with learning disabilities effectively access the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and effectively participate in state-wide level assessment. The Learning Disabilities/Reading Specialist will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of department supervisors, teachers, speech/language pathologists, and therapists in creating and facilitating instructional supports and activities.

Requirements: Massachusetts DOE license or demonstrate the ability to be licensed by the Massachusetts DOE. Teacher of the Deaf with evidence of further training in learning disabilities or a Teacher of Learning Disabilities with additional training in Deaf Education.

Director of Vocational Services
Licensed Vocational Teacher

This program is designed to prepare deaf and hard of hearing adolescents, some with developmental and/or other learning challenges, for successful employment as young adults. Both individuals should possess degrees and experience that will enable them to work with a team in the development and implementation of services. ASL fluency essential.

Curriculum Specialist

Plan and organize MCAS testing and curricula alignment including alternative testing. This qualified candidate will work collaboratively with department supervisors and teachers related to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks alignment and MCAS state-wide alternative testing. He/she will plan and organize curricula alignment and MCAS portfolio testing.

Requirements: Minimum of 5 years as a Teacher of the Deaf or related field. MA degree in Deaf Education, Curriculum or related field. American Sign Language fluency. Excellent written communication skills. Must have the ability to work with teachers in collaborative efforts in accessing the general curriculum for all students.

Please send resumes and references to:
The Learning Center for Deaf Children
Attn: Lynn Marshall
848 Central Street
Framingham, MA 01701
Fax: 508-875-9203
Phone: 508-879-5110 v/tty
www.tlcdeaf.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Contact Information and Disclaimers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are very interested in your comments concerning the content and format of this newsletter. We want this publication to be useful to you. Please send your comments and suggestions to: hearinglossweb@hearinglossweb.com

Visit our Website at: http://www.hearinglossweb.com

To subscribe to this newsletter, email
HOH-LD-News-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Yahoogroups will respond with a subscription email.

To unsubscribe to this newsletter, email
HOH-LD-News-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com. Yahoogroups will respond with an unsubscription email.

Archives for this newsletter are on our website at:
http://www.hearinglossweb.com.
Click on "Free Email Newsletter" in the header.

Advertising information for HOH-LD-News and Hearing Loss Web is available at http://www.hearinglossweb.com/Misc/adv/adv.htm.

Publication of articles or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services offered, nor of the companies that offer them.