Zoom Charges Monthly Fee for Closed Captioning During Pandemic, ‘WBFO’ Reports
The challenges for hearing impaired people working remotely and utilizing video conferencing services during the coronavirus pandemic can make communication difficult. According to an article on the WBFO/NPR website, hearing advocate and Living With Hearing Loss founder Shari Eberts recently wrote an open letter—that turned into a petition with 58,000 signatures—asking video conferencing companies to remove the paywall from their captioning services.
According to the article, both Google and Microsoft have complied, but Zoom is still charging a $200 monthly fee for users to be able to access closed captioning.
Issues with video conferencing that include poor audio and/or sound quality as well as spotty internet connection, can make lip reading difficult. Even when using workarounds like speaker mode to be able to see a larger version of the person they’re speaking with and/or headphones to improve sound quality, a person’s lips can be out of sync with their words, Eberts says in the article. Closed captions could improve communication in these situations, she says.
“It’s hard for us to want to jump in or to share our thoughts because we’re not sure what’s been said. And obviously, there’s a lot of trepidation about looking silly or repeating something that someone just said,” Eberts is quoted in the article as saying.
To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
Source: WBFO
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‘BMJ’ Publishes ‘First Reported UK Case’ of Sudden Hearing Loss Linked to COVID-19
Although uncommon, sudden permanent hearing loss seems to be linked to COVID-19 infection in some people, warn doctors, reporting the first UK case in the journal BMJ Case Reports. An article summarising the results appears on the EurekAlert website.
Awareness of this possible side effect is important, because a prompt course of steroid treatment can reverse this disabling condition, they emphasize.
Sudden hearing loss is frequently seen by ear, nose, and throat specialists, with around 5-160 cases per 100,000 people reported every year. It’s not clear what the causes are, but the condition can follow a viral infection, such as flu, herpes, or cytomegalovirus.
Despite plenty of published research on sudden onset hearing loss, only a handful of other cases associated with COVID-19 have been reported, and none in the UK—until now.
The doctors describe a case of a 45-year-old man with asthma who was referred to the ear, nose, and throat department at their hospital after suddenly experiencing hearing loss in one ear while being treated for COVID-19 infection as an inpatient.
He had been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms which had been going on for 10 days. He was transferred to intensive care as he was struggling to breathe.
He was put on a ventilator for 30 days and developed other complications as a result. He was treated with remdesivir, intravenous steroids, and a blood transfusion after which he started to get better.
But a week after the breathing tube was removed and he left intensive care, he noticed ringing (tinnitus) in his left ear followed by sudden hearing loss in that ear.
He had not lost his hearing or had ear problems before. And apart from asthma, he was otherwise fit and well.
Examination of his ear canals revealed that he had no blockages or inflammation. But a hearing test showed that he had substantially lost his hearing in the left ear. He was treated with steroid tablets and injections after which his hearing partially recovered.
He tested negative for other potential causes, including rheumatoid arthritis, flu, and HIV, prompting his doctors to conclude that his hearing loss was associated with COVID-19 infection.
“Despite the considerable literature on COVID-19 and the various symptoms associated with the virus, there is a lack of discussion on the relationship between COVID-19 and hearing,” say the report authors. “Hearing loss and tinnitus are symptoms that have been seen in patients with both COVID-19 and influenza virus, but have not been highlighted.”
The first case of hearing loss mentioning COVID-19 alone was reported in April this year.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is thought to lock on to a particular type of cell lining the lungs. And the virus has also recently been found in similar cells lining the middle ear, explain the report authors. SARS-CoV-2 also generates an inflammatory response and an increase in the chemicals that have been linked to hearing loss.
“This is the first reported case of sensorineural hearing loss following COVID-19 infection in the UK,” write the report authors. “Given the widespread presence of the virus in the population and the significant morbidity of hearing loss, it is important to investigate this further.”
They add: “This is especially true given the need to promptly identify and treat the hearing loss and the current difficulty in accessing medical services.”
Doctors should ask patients in intensive care about hearing loss and refer them for urgent treatment, they advise.
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BBC Looks at How Loud Music Can Lead to Early Signs of Hearing Damage
Those who frequently attend loud concerts and music events may be more likely to have earlier signs of hearing damage according to an article in BBC Science Focus Magazine.
The article examined a study from researchers at the University of Manchester, which suggests that although the damage observed is not enough to be diagnosed as a full-blown hearing loss, it could potentially have a cumulative effect on hearing later in life. Out of the 123 people tested, researchers found that those exposed to loud music had less functional hair cells.
To prevent this kind of damage, the researchers suggest avoidance of noisy situations, reduction of volume, or the use of hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs.
https://honiton-hearing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Honiton-hearing-.jpg358500adminhttps://honitonnew.leecurran.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/honitonhearinglogo.pngadmin2020-09-21 09:26:342020-09-21 09:26:34Loud Music Can Lead to Early Signs of Hearing Damage
Starkey Updates Fall Alert Feature in ‘Basic Mode’ for IOS and Android
New Hearing aids in Devon at the Honiton Hearing centre. Ear wax removal USING Microsuction
Starkey announced that its Thrive Hearing Control app has been updated to enable the Fall Alert feature in the “basic mode” for both iOS and Android versions. This feature was previously only available in “advanced mode.” Using their built-in 3D sensors, Starkey’s Livio Edge AI hearing aids can detect when the wearer falls and send alert messages to selected contacts. This update will “allow hearing healthcare professionals to give even more patients the opportunity to maintain their independence and caregivers peace of mind—which, due to current social distancing practices, is more crucial now than ever before.”
“We find it increasingly important for hearing aid wearers to feel secure in their day-to-day lives,” said Starkey Chief Innovation Officer Dave Fabry, PhD. “Because some Livio Edge AI wearers prefer the easy layout of basic mode, the simplified version of our Thrive Hearing Control app, enabling the Fall Alert feature for them was a vital task for us.”
Unlike other fall-detection devices, which are worn around the neck or on the wrist, Livio Edge AI is reportedly “the world’s first ear-worn, fall-detection device and alert system.” To learn more about Starkey and Livio Edge AI, please click here.
Source: Starkey
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Oticon Launches Ruby Hearing Aid for Budget-Conscious Patients
For consumers returning to work and social activities in an uncertain economic climate, the newest addition to Oticon’s line of technology offers a combination of “sound quality, sought-after features, and affordability,” according to an announcement from the company. The new Oticon Ruby “sets a new standard in the essential category, delivering great sound quality, hassle-free rechargeability, and easy wireless connectivity in one complete solution—all within the reach of today’s budget-conscious patients.”
Powered by the Velox S platform, Oticon Ruby introduces the new SuperShield feedback management system that “helps prevent feedback before it occurs, so patients can enjoy hearing without interruptions from unwanted whistling and squealing.” For patients who want the convenience of rechargeable batteries, a new lithium-ion rechargeable option helps provide a full-day’s* charge in a few hours. Bluetooth connectivity helps enable patients to connect to smartphones and other modern devices to stream audio and music directly to their hearing aids.
“After experiencing this time of social distancing, consumers recognise the value of easy access to modern technologies to stay connected with family, friends, and business colleagues,” said Don Schum, PhD, Vice President of Audiology for Oticon, Inc. “Phone calls, video chats, and other virtual connections have become their lifeline to the world. These connections are enhanced with better hearing. At the same time, despite the start of an economic recovery, some patients may be more careful about spending. Oticon Ruby allows practitioners to offer patients looking for sought-after features, like rechargeability and easy wireless connections, a quality solution at a more affordable price.”
Like all Oticon wireless hearing aids, Oticon Ruby is compatible with Oticon RemoteCare, a new telehealth solution that allows hearing care professionals to follow up online with patients to remotely adjust and fine-tune hearing aids in a virtual appointment. For select patients who have valid audiograms, first fit with Oticon RemoteCare allows hearing care professionals to fit new hearing aids remotely.
Honiton hearing centre
Oticon Ruby and all Oticon hearing aids use BrainHearing technology to “help support the brain in making sense of sound and enable patients to participate in challenging listening environments.” The Velox S platform powers the new SuperShield technology to analyse incoming sound levels, identify feedback, and prevent whistling before it occurs.
Oticon Ruby miniRITE R rechargeable hearing aids offer a full day* of power with an overnight charge. The charger helps provide a stable, reliable magnetic connection for charging that delivers power throughout the day, including streaming, with a three-hour charging time. A 30-minute recharge provides an additional six hours of power, according to Oticon.
With 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low-energy technology, Oticon Ruby helps deliver “easy wireless connectivity with low battery consumption to a wide range of devices such as smartphones, audio or music streams in stereo to both hearing aids from Bluetooth-connected mobile phones, MP3 players, PCs, and more.” Patients can pair Oticon Ruby with multiple TV Adapters and use the Oticon ON App to stream from any TV. The Oticon ON App also lets patients adjust volume, switch settings, check battery level, and access features such as Find My Hearing Aid and Oticon HearingFitness.
Devon ear wax removal
Oticon Ruby is available in a full lineup of styles, including miniRITE, miniRITE T (telecoil), miniRITE R (rechargeable), BTE and BTE Power Plus, and five popular colours. Oticon Ruby is compatible with Oticon CROS hearing aids.
*Lithium-ion performance varies depending on hearing loss, lifestyle, and streaming behaviour
Source: Oticon
Image: Oticon
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Researchers Look at Potential Link between Coronavirus and Hearing Loss
An article in The Conversation—a network of not-for-profit media outlets that publish news stories written by academics and researchers—provides a systematic review of the literature around COVID-19 and hearing loss.
The authors point out that coronaviruses, in some cases, can cause peripheral neuropathy, and, ”in theory..COVID-19 could cause auditory neuropathy, a hearing disorder where the cochlea is functioning but transmission along the auditory nerve to the brain is impaired.” Further, they say, auditory neuropathy has been linked with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is associated with COVID-19.
There is no conclusive link between hearing loss and COVID-19 at this time, but the authors stress the need to continue researching and monitoring any potential outcome.
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Coronavirus lockdown has been hard for everyone. People are worried about safety, stuck inside or going out to work in a pandemic – and cut off from family and friends.
Most people have the option of speaking to friends on the phone or with a video call at a moment’s notice. But for the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf or who have some kind of hearing loss, this option is much less viable.
Clara O’Shea, a trainee dentist with hearing loss, said the restrictions had left her feeling isolated.
She told the Standard: “Obviously we’re all in lockdown but it can probably be even lonelier for people with hearing loss. We can’t necessarily just pick up the phone and speak to our friends.
“When you struggle to hear, it makes you physically exhausted,” she added.
Conversations at a distance can be a challenge for people with hearing loss (AP)
Some of the social ties that help the deaf community combat loneliness in normal times have also been severed by the lockdown.
Liam O’Dell, a deaf activist and journalist, said: “Deaf social clubs, which are a big part of the community… have had to shut things down completely or move things online, which has had a really detrimental impact on people.”
But he added that another isolating factor for people with hearing loss was the lack of accessible information.
The BBC uses a British Sign Language interpreter overlaid on its broadcast of the daily coronavirus briefing and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has one, but the Downing Street briefings were criticised for doing the same. Activists had claimed it breached an equalities law, and launched legal proceedings last month.
The Government has said it is committed to getting health information to everyone in the UK, regardless of disability.
“I think for a lot of people they probably don’t want to talk about the dreaded… coronavirus but we also have to talk about it.
“When other people…. have the privilege of getting the latest information, deaf people are probably still falling behind because they don’t have that access.”
Roger Wicks, policy and campaigns director for charity Action on Hearing Loss, agreed.
People with hearing loss may be feeling especially isolated during coronavirus lockdown(Getty Images)
He said: “Briefings have to be accessible – it’s very important that there’s a British Sign Language interpreter.”
“We have to make health services accessible to all.”
And a recent development may worsen the situation for the UK’s deaf people.
The UK has been slower than many other countries in asking people to wear face masks and coverings. But the Government recently advised people to cover their faces when in busy places, including public transport, and masks are becoming more and more visible on the street.
The usefulness of face masks remains unclear – but for many deaf people and those with hearing loss who rely on lipreading to hold a conversation, they present a new challenge.
Louise Goldsmith, a profoundly deaf blogger, told the Standard that the growing use of face masks – and the need to keep two metres away from other people – was limiting her independence.
She said: “I was waiting in the queue for the checkout at the supermarket and the person behind the till told me to come forward.
“But because they were wearing a mask, I couldn’t understand them and I was just standing there for ages. It was pretty embarrassing.”
Action on Hearing Loss is pushing the Government to clarify what kind of face coverings people can wear that will have less of an effect on people with hearing loss – including masks with clear panels over the mouth.
These clear masks are not appropriate for medical use and are not available in the UK at the moment, Action on Hearing loss said.
And Ms Goldsmith said that she doubted that the clear masks would be much use.
“I’ve heard that when people speak and breathe the masks can fog up and it gets much harder to read their lips,” she said.
She added: “But it’s a good start and hopefully something to build on in future.”
Deafness is sometimes called “the hidden disability” and the impact of coronavirus lockdown on people with hearing loss seems to have gone largely unnoticed.
But neither Action on Hearing Loss nor other deaf activists are demanding an end to the lockdown or for people to stop wearing face masks. They just want the Government and everyone else in the UK to speak more clearly.
https://honiton-hearing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Honiton-hearing-centre-Devon.jpg481640adminhttps://honitonnew.leecurran.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/honitonhearinglogo.pngadmin2020-05-26 15:48:302020-05-26 15:48:30How coronavirus lockdown hits deaf people harder than most
Honiton hearing stockist of Oticon hearing aids in Devon
For consumers returning to work and social activities in an uncertain economic climate, the newest addition to Oticon’s line of technology offers a combination of “sound quality, sought-after features, and affordability,” according to an announcement from the company. The new Oticon Ruby “sets a new standard in the essential category, delivering great sound quality, hassle-free recharge-ability, and easy wireless connectivity in one complete solution—all within the reach of today’s budget-conscious patients.”
Powered by the Velox S platform, Oticon Ruby introduces the new SuperShield feedback management system that “helps prevent feedback before it occurs, so patients can enjoy hearing without interruptions from unwanted whistling and squealing.” For patients who want the convenience of rechargeable batteries, a new lithium-ion rechargeable option helps provide a full-day’s* charge in a few hours. Bluetooth connectivity helps enable patients to connect to smartphones and other modern devices to stream audio and music directly to their hearing aids.
“After experiencing this time of social distancing, consumers recognize the value of easy access to modern technologies to stay connected with family, friends, and business colleagues,” said Don Schum, PhD, Vice President of Audiology for Oticon, Inc. “Phone calls, video chats, and other virtual connections have become their lifeline to the world. These connections are enhanced with better hearing. At the same time, despite the start of an economic recovery, some patients may be more careful about spending. Oticon Ruby allows practitioners to offer patients looking for sought-after features, like rechargeability and easy wireless connections, a quality solution at a more affordable price.”
Like all Oticon wireless hearing aids, Oticon Ruby is compatible with Oticon RemoteCare, a new telehealth solution that allows hearing care professionals to follow up online with patients to remotely adjust and fine-tune hearing aids in a virtual appointment. For select patients who have valid audiograms, first fit with Oticon RemoteCare allows hearing care professionals to fit new hearing aids remotely.
Complete Solution with All the Essentials
Oticon Ruby and all Oticon hearing aids use BrainHearing technology to “help support the brain in making sense of sound and enable patients to participate in challenging listening environments.” The Velox S platform powers the new SuperShield technology to analyse incoming sound levels, identify feedback, and prevent whistling before it occurs.
Oticon Ruby miniRITE R rechargeable hearing aids offer a full day* of power with an overnight charge. The charger helps provide a stable, reliable magnetic connection for charging that delivers power throughout the day, including streaming, with a three-hour charging time. A 30-minute recharge provides an additional six hours of power, according to Oticon.
With 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low-energy technology, Oticon Ruby helps deliver “easy wireless connectivity with low battery consumption to a wide range of devices such as smartphones, audio or music streams in stereo to both hearing aids from Bluetooth-connected mobile phones, MP3 players, PCs, and more.” Patients can pair Oticon Ruby with multiple TV Adapters and use the Oticon ON App to stream from any TV. The Oticon ON App also lets patients adjust volume, switch settings, check battery level, and access features such as Find My Hearing Aid and Oticon HearingFitness.
Oticon Ruby is available in a full lineup of styles, including miniRITE, miniRITE T (telecoil), miniRITE R (rechargeable), BTE and BTE Power Plus, and five popular colors. Oticon Ruby is compatible with Oticon CROS hearing aids.
*Lithium-ion performance varies depending on hearing loss, lifestyle, and streaming behavior.
Source: Oticon
Image: Oticon
https://honiton-hearing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Honiton-Devon-ear-wax-removal-Exeter-Tiverton-Lyme-Bay.png640640adminhttps://honitonnew.leecurran.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/honitonhearinglogo.pngadmin2020-05-19 14:21:172020-05-19 14:21:17Oticon Launches Ruby Hearing Aid for a Budget
Honiton hearing receive face masks today as a limited reopening is happening tomorrow the 4th of May. May the fourth be with you Colin said to Alistair Britchford who delivered them.
Alistair Britchford an Estate Agent based in Honiton and a member of the Honiton Round table, presents the much needed box of PPE masks (required for the clients treated at Honiton Hearing). Colin Eaton was impressed with the fast response of the Roiund table in his hour of need.
Colin Eaton (Right) accepts a box of PPE masks from Alistair Britchford.
Please call sam on reception to get full details of available days and appointments. Please also be aware we are taking Covid-19 very seriously and will be engaging strict social distancing and PPE protection.
We look forward to starting our hearing and ear wax service again, but please bare with us while we get back into our stride.
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New Guidelines Help Make Remote Learning More Accessible to Hearing Impaired Students
Several organisations have released guideline, resources, and tips to making remote learning more accessible to students with hearing and vision losses, an article in EdTech reports.
In particular, the article stresses the importance of making certain that captions for lectures are accurate; the accuracy rate of automatic captions can be as low as 80%, according to EdTech, with names and key terms commonly misspelled. Writing captions by hand can be a cumbersome process, and the authors recommend delegating the editing of automatic captions to a teacher’s aide or work-study student.
To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
Source: EdTech
https://honiton-hearing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Honiton-hearing.jpg640640adminhttps://honitonnew.leecurran.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/honitonhearinglogo.pngadmin2020-05-04 11:06:112022-01-02 15:40:28New guidelines for hearing impaired students
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