Hearing Loss and Balance:  An Infographic

American Academy of Audiology | Reston, Virginia

Posted here January 15, 2021

Published July 2019

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To read more about conditions related to hearing and balance difficulties, click here.

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Emergency Preparedness for Families and Individuals with Hearing Loss

Rocket Hearing & Balance | La Plata, Maryland

Posted April 5, 2021

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April showers bring May flowers--and sometimes severe weather in Maryland.  Preparedness, or being ready before an emergency situation, can help keep families, individuals, and businesses safe from harm in the event of adverse weather events.

In addition to standard emergency kits, families and individuals with hearing loss should consider items specifically for continuation of communication during a challenging event.

• Extra hearing aid batteries for standard hearing aids.

• Power bank for rechargeable devices and accessories.

• Notepad and pen

A standard emergency kit includes many different items.   A 3-day supply is suggested for evacuation kits and a 2-week supply is suggested for shelter-in-place kits.

• Water.  One gallon per person, per day. 

• Food.  Non-perishable, easy to prepare meals.

• Can opener.

• Matches.

• Flashlights.

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

• Extra batteries.

• First aid kit.

• Medications (7 days supply) and any related medical items.

• Multi-purpose tool.

• Duct tape.

• Scissors.

• Whistle.

• Personal hygiene and sanitation items.

• Towels.

• Copies of personal documents, such as medication lists, pertinent medical history, family/emergency contact information, and identification.

• Extra cash.

• Emergency blankets.

• Area map.

• Baby and/or pet supplies, as needed.

For further information, visit these sources:

• https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2016/emergency-preparedness-hearing-loss-kb.html

• https://hearingaidsystems.com/blog/preparing-for-emergencies-with-hearing-aids

• https://www.ready.gov/kit

• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html 

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Study Reveals Brain Region’s Previously Unknown Role in Planning Movements Exclusively in Response to Sounds

Hearing Health & Technology Matters  |  Tucson, Arizona

Posted here February 3, 2021

Published January 16, 2021

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A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, provides evidence that neurons in the middle frontal gyrus — a part of the brain’s frontal lobe — may play a role in planning body movements, but only when those movements are in response to auditory stimuli.

The findings represent what could be a previously unknown function for this part of the brain and could provide a new target for researchers developing assistive devices for both movement and hearing disorders.

The work was part of the BrainGate clinical trial, which studies a tiny investigational implant capable of recording information directly from the brain and using that information to drive the movement of computer cursors or even robotic prosthetic devices.

“One of the opportunities afforded by the BrainGate clinical trial is that at the same time as we’re working toward helping people with paralysis, we’re also learning new things about the human brain,”  said Dr. Leigh Hochberg, a neurologist, professor of engineering at Brown University and director of the trial and BrainGate consortium. “This finding turned out to be a complete surprise, which is exciting.”

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To read more, click here.

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