Volume 42 Issue 11

HOH-LD-News
Vol. 42, Issue 11
March 13, 2010

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Table of Contents
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- Article 1: AAPR Calls on DOT to Require Captions for In-Flight Entertainment

- Article 2: New Tool Promises More Precise CI Surgery

- Article 3: Walk4Hearing Proceeds Fund Live Theatre Accessibility

- Article 4: Short Takes

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:
YOUR AD HERE
Second Premium Placement:
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Third Premium Placement:
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Classified Section:
One Online Store and three Employment Opportunities

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Contact information and disclaimers are at the end of this newsletter.
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If you're interested in getting your message out to people who are hard of hearing or late deafened, and to the people who serve them, you might consider a premium ad in this newsletter! Our rates are surprisingly affordable and we reach the movers and shakers in the hearing loss world. And this newsletter (unlike some of the others) is strictly "opt-in", which means that everyone who receives it WANTS to receive it!

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- Article 1: AAPR Calls on DOT to Require Captions for In-Flight Entertainment
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Editor: The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) is calling on the US Department of Transportation to require captioning on all in-flight entertainment. You can sign their petition at http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/subtitles/

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The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to require commercial air carriers to provide closed-caption or subtitles on all in-flight entertainment for the deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. While DOT requires that captioning be available on all safety and information related videos, it does not enforce the same accessibility standard for in-flight entertainment, such as movies and television shows.

"In 2010, nearly twenty years after the signing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act you would think that all airlines would make a good-faith effort to make accommodations to their paying customers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, so that all aspects of flying are accessible to them," said Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights referring to in-flight entertainment being inaccessible. "This requirement would not only uphold the spirit of the law, it would also demonstrate a commitment by the airlines to improve customer service for all passengers."

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers public accommodations, including businesses that are public accommodations, privately operated transportation, and commercial facilities. The ADA mandates public accommodations must comply with basic nondiscrimination requirements that prohibit exclusion, segregation, and unequal treatment. They also must comply with specific requirements related to, among other things, reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures; effective communication with people with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities; and other access requirements.

Aside from the ADA, the 1986 Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) also covers certain aspects of accommodations for the deaf and hard-of-hearing; it states that where safety briefings are presented to passengers on video screens in the aircraft, the carrier shall ensure that the video presentation is accessible to persons with hearing impairments by using open captioning or an inset for a sign language interpreter as part of the video presentation, or by closed captioning.

Macsata noted that AAPR has initiated an online petition in support of the requirement at www.flyfriendlyskies.com.

Said Kenneth DeHaan, Founder of the Facebook Cause Require Subtitles On All Airline Carriers about the proposed requirement: "We lose value on our tickets when we cannot enjoy the entertainment on board because there are no subtitles. It is not right that we have to pay a full fare and not receive the same service as hearing passengers."

DeHaan contends that passengers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing travel a lot so they should be given the same consideration by the airlines as hearing customers. He questions whether it is fair, ethical that they have to sit through long flights, unable to understand whatever is being displayed on the in-flight entertainment while hearing customers are able to enjoy the services to the fullest.

The Association for Airline Passenger Rights is a 501(c)(4) tax- exempt, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote fairer customer service and accessibility standards in the airline industry and to improve passenger satisfaction. For more information about the Association for Airline Passenger Rights or the need for DOT to require closed-caption on all in-flight entertainment, please visit www.flyfriendlyskies.com or contact AAPR directly at info@flyfriendlyskies.com.

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- Article 2: New Tool Promises More Precise CI Surgery
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Editor: The history of cochlear implant (CI) surgery has included a series of improvements that allow a more precise operation. The latest improvement appears to be a new micromanipulator developed at CEIT and University Hospital of Navarra, Spain. Here's the press release.

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A team of engineers from the CEIT-IK4 technological centre and doctors from the University Hospital of Navarra have designed a new tool for operating on the inner ear with maximum precision, reducing the possibility of damage to the auditory function during the surgery. This is the first micromanipulator specifically for operations involving cochlear and middle ear implants, of which about a hundred are carried out in this hospital annually. Taking part in developing the new tool were four engineers from CEIT and five ear, nose and throat specialists from the University Hospital of Navarra.

The new technique was presented at the XI International Symposium on Cochlear Implants, organised by the Department of otorhinolaryngology (ENT) at the University Hospital of Navarra, attended by 200 specialists from all over the world.

The micromanipulator, patented by the University of Navarra, is a surgical working tool the aim of which is to aid the surgeon in those situations involving very small dimensions and which are highly sensitive - such as the inner ear, the size of which is less than the nail of a forefinger. Working with precision in such a small space and with such a delicate structure is highly complicated. The micromanipulator enables operating with precision in spaces of these small dimensions, working in tandem with auditory surgical microinstruments. In short, the micromanipulator is a tool for working with the inner ear in a precision manner, without affecting its function.

This micromanipulator has two parts. One of these is anchored to the temporal bone of the patient, its function being to act as support for a series of elements which go together with the milling tool. The surgeon makes a hole in the temporal bone with this tool, in order to gain access to the inner ear. In the centre of this second series of elements is a small metallic part the behaviour of which is flexible and this device provides the surgeon with greater control and precision on milling, making up for the vibrations of the hand itself.

New phase in inner ear surgery

The design of the micromanipulator is the beginning of a new era in inner ear surgery and a new line of research. To date, the inner ear has meant a barrier for the surgeon, as has happened in other stages of medical history - when, for example, the heart was considered an untouchable organ as it was thought that death would ensue. The same occurred with the inner ear - it could not be accessed because it was thought that its functioning would be damaged. In recent years, however, especially with cochlear implants, they have learnt how to gain access to the inner ear without these operations necessarily causing damage.

Amongst the main advantages of the micromanipulator is its enhanced precision in working, as it enables operating on the inner ear in a more exact manner, opening up a series of possibilities depending on techniques already developed for the treatment of illnesses that can affect this zone of the auditory system.

This is why the applications of the micromanipulator are currently focused on cochlear implants and auditory implants of the middle ear. But, in the future, the technique could be used for introducing stem cells in order to regenerate the inner ear and secrete certain pharmaceutical drugs that provide the possibility of curing diseases that may arise in the zone.

Joint working between University Hospital of Navarra and CEIT

The development of the micromanipulator is the first joint venture between ear, nose and throat specialists at the University Hospital and researchers at CEIT, the first in a series with which they wish to continue. The medics set out their requirements and the engineers then seek and devise solutions and tools that enable the former to resolve their problems. For the engineers the start of this venture was curious because they had to learn the anatomy and physiology of the ear in order to know the terrain in which they were moving so as to develop these instruments.

As regards extending the use of this surgical tool to other medical centres, the specialists confirmed that it is currently being validated at other European hospitals.

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- Article 3: Walk4Hearing Proceeds Fund Live Theatre Accessibility
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Editor: Here's an idea for how your HLAA chapter might want to use Walk4Hearing Funds - to provide captions for a live theater performance! This story originally appeared in the online newspaper "The Chatanoogan" (http://www.chattanoogan.com/), and is reprinted with their kind permission.

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The captioned premiere of Our Town will be at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre on Thursday at 7 p.m. This is the first theatre in the tri-state area to offer captioning on an electronic captioning board designed for live theatre use and the CTC is expecting visitors from the greater Chattanooga area, North Georgia counties and Atlanta.

In 2009, Chattanooga became the first city in Tennessee to host Walk4Hearing, a national Hearing Loss Association of America fundraiser and awareness building program initiated in 2006. More than 200 walkers and volunteers participated in the inaugural walk and more than $24,000 was donated. The national office of HLAA receives 50 percent of Walk income while the remaining 50 percent goes to the sponsoring chapter. A total of nine alliances shared in the chapter income.

Funds raised by alliances (who are non-profit entities) are used to benefit people with hearing loss. Alliance organizations earn 35 percent of money they raised.

Following the success of the first Walk4Hearing, the Chattanooga chapter voted to use the funds to benefit people with hearing loss in meaningful ways. Replacing the chapters aging FM loop system was the first order of business, but the second purchase was a surprise in many ways and considered a community gift. The final plan included providing two registration scholarships to new chapter members who want to attend the annual HLAA convention. The convention will take place June 17-21 in Milwaukee, Wi.

The membership approved spending $4,500 to purchase an electronic captioning board. The 48x24 inch board sits quietly to the front side of the CTC stage displaying three rows of six-inch tall letters readable by its hard of hearing and deaf patrons who can now enjoy live theatre, and more importantly understand what is being said.

George Quick, CTC producing director, was quick to respond to Linda Hershey, HLAA member and captioner, following the initial conversation about this equipment and subsequent news that purchase had been approved by the membership. "This means a great deal to us and to the entire Chattanooga Community," said Mr. Quick.

Tickets for "Our Town" are available at the box office, on the website or by telephone. Visit http://www.theatrecentre.com/ online, call 267-8534 or stop by 400 River St. across from Coolidge Park in downtown Chattanooga. Center row seating is $18 and side seating is $10.

The 2010 Walk4Hearing is set for May 15 at Chattanooga State and adjoining Riverwalk beginning with a check-in at 9 a.m., while the walk begins at 10 a.m., opened by City of Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield.

With a goal of $30,000 in mind, the Chattanooga Walk4Hearing is well on its way to success. Confirmed sponsors include Caption Associates, LLC; Chattanooga State Community College, Chattem, Inc.; Mediating Issues; Friend of HLAA; Better Hearing Center, Dayton; Chattanooga Coca-Cola Co.; Daniels, Riggar & Associates and Greenlife Grocery. Additional sponsors are welcome. Contact Richard Twitchell at 894-3138 or email chairperson Betty Proctor at baproctor1@comcast.net to receive a sponsorship opportunity form.

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- Article 4: Short Takes
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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

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MDHearingAid, Inc., a designer, manufacturer, and retailer of low-cost, medical-grade hearing aids, today announced the launch of the Acoustitone(tm) line of hearing aids. With 34 million Americans experiencing hearing loss, but only 24% of those people using hearing aids, a physician has undertaken the challenge to make hearing aids more accessible. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to depression, social isolation, anxiety, and even symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's dementia. "Hearing loss is a very common medical condition that has been long ignored by the insurance companies" says Dr Cherukuri, a board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose & throat doctor) from Chicago, IL, and founder of MDHearingAid.com. "And the cost of traditional hearing aids is simply out of reach for many of my patients." . . . . For this reason, Dr Cherukuri set out to find a suitable alternative for his patients that could not afford traditional hearing aids. When none was found, he created the Acoustitone(tm) line of hearing aid to his exact specifications. "With today's technology, I could see no reason that we couldn't create a reasonable hearing aid for under $200. With the Acoustitone PRO(tm), I and many of our customers feel that we've done just that" says Cherukuri.

http://www.hearinglossweb.com/res/ha/in/acou.htm

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Despite what you may have heard, there's no boom in deafness

When I was growing up, one of my mother's favorite admonitions -- along with "If you keep making that face, it's going to freeze that way" and "Don't sit too close to the television or you're going to need glasses" -- was the classic "Turn that music down, or you'll go deaf." I hate to admit it, but lately I find myself asking friends to repeat themselves during cellphone conversations or to speak up over dinner in a bustling restaurant. Was Mom right? Could blaring Duran Duran and Wham on my Walkman for hours on end really have caused irreparable damage? Maybe, but it's still open for debate. Although parents have been predicting that loud music would destroy the ears of each new generation, um, forever, new research suggests that hearing loss is actually on the decline. According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in January, the odds of hearing loss are 31 percent lower, overall, for baby boomers than for their parents.

http://tinyurl.com/yakzrpu

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Clinical Evaluation of the Nucleus 5 CI System

This is the first time I've seen information on a clinical trial posted online, and I think it's a wonderful idea! This particular posting is for the clinical evaluation of the Nucleus 5 CI System, which is expected to begin this month. According to the website, they will begin recruiting participants soon. Thanks to bhNEWS (groups.yahoo.com/group/bhNEWS) for the lead on this story.

http://tinyurl.com/ydbsdu3

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- Classifieds
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One Online Store and three Employment Opportunities appear in this issue. (Ads appear after this brief table of contents.)

WCI. Your Single Source for Assistive Technology
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Employment Opportunity 1
Exciting Career Opportunities at GLAD
Various Southern California Locations

Employment Opportunity 2
Various Positions at GSD
Georgia School for the Deaf
Cave Spring, GA

Employment Opportunity 3
Instructor of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind
Department of Human Resources, 1450 Main St, Gooding, ID 83330

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Employment Opportunity 1
Exciting Career Opportunities at GLAD
Various Southern California Locations
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Exciting Career Opportunities at GLAD

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.

* Job Developer/Interpreter-- Crenshaw, CA
* Community Interpreter - Los Angeles, CA

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

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Employment Opportunity 2
Various Positions at GSD
Georgia School for the Deaf
Cave Spring, GA
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Currently accepting applications for the following positions:
Teacher-High School Math *10 Month Position
Teacher-High School Language Arts *10 Month Position
Teacher-Middle School Language Arts *10 Month Position
Substitute Teachers (hourly paid, based on credentials)
Support Services Worker-Library Aide (hourly paid)

* 10 month employees work 200 days (10 months) but receive payroll checks during each of the 12 months of the year.

For more information about these positions, visit the Georgia Department of Education web site at http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/pea_hr_jobsearch.aspx

Download Job Applications at:
http://www.spa.ga.gov/word/jobinfo/stateapp-emp.doc

Completed applications may be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to:
Denise Clark, Personnel Office
Georgia School for the Deaf
232 Perry Farm Rd. SW
Cave Spring, Georgia 30124
denise.clark@doe.k12.ga.us
Fax: (706) 777-2240

For more information about these positions, contact Denise Clark, Personnel Office, denise.clark@doe.k12.ga.us or visit the Department of Education web site at www.doe.k12.ga.us

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Employment Opportunity 3
Instructor of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind
Department of Human Resources, 1450 Main St, Gooding, ID 83330
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Begin Date: August 2010
Closing Date: Open until filled.
Location: ISDB campus in Gooding.

Nature of Work:
Provide academic programs for elementary and/or middle/high school students and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Idaho Standard Exceptional Child Certification with a Hearing Impaired Endorsement or ability to obtain; excellent receptive and expressive skills in American Sign Language; Bachelor's degree acceptable, Master's degree preferred; Desired Math, Science or Language Arts Certification.

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience

Benefits: Comprehensive fringe benefit package included

To Apply:
Interested persons are to submit a letter of application, resume, official transcripts, copies of certification and three letters of recommendations to:
Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind
Attn: Human Resources
1450 Main St
Gooding, ID 83330

Successful candidate will be required to submit a completed ten finger fingerprint card or scan to the Idaho State Dept. of Education no later than five days after the employees' first day of employment with the school or unsupervised contact with students in a K-12 setting, whichever is sooner per Idaho Code 33-130 & 33-512.

Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulation.

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- Contact Information and Disclaimers
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