One in Six 19 November 2014

8/10/2019 One in Six 19 November 2014

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19November2014

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and theircontinuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to themand their cultures, and to elders both past and present. We acknowledge thechallenge that faces Indigenous leaders and families to overcome the unacceptablyhigh levels of ear health issues among first Australians.

Better late than neverHave your say on the governments plans to abolish the

requirement that free-to-air broadcasters must complete an

annual compliance report.

Karli could have a cochlear implantShe doesn't want one. She uses Auslan to communicate with

her deaf husband and her three young hearing children. If her

children had been deaf, she wouldn't have chosen a cochlear

implant for them, either.

Kim was 44 when she went deaf in one ear

My ENT said there was nothing that could be done and thathearing aids would not help.

Turn on the light, I cant hear youPat was a committed user of bilateral hearing aids for 25

years, and she was now seriously struggling in conversation

and had to do something. At 74 she needed to face the

reality she was running out of time to make a decision.

Infant babbling"We know learning from others is important to infants'

development, but hearing allows infants to explore their own

vocalisations and learn through their own capacity to produce

sounds."


2/12

Cochlear implants, technology and

vaccinations diminish use of AuslanBy Mark White, The Sydney Morning Herald online

Karli Dettman, with her children.Photo: Justin McManus

Karli Dettman, a deaf yoga teacher and therapist in her late 40s, could have a cochlear

implant but doesn't want one. At home, she uses Auslan Australian sign language to

communicate with her deaf husband Simon and her three young hearing children.

"We are happy with our language and don't feel disabled," she told Fairfax Media by email

from her home in Melbourne. If her children had been deaf, she wouldn't have chosen a

cochlear implant for them, either. "If I have an operation it will make me feel I'm not normal

and I need to be fixed. I wouldn't want my 'deaf' children to feel this way. A cochlear

implant is not perfect. People don't become hearing, they're still deaf."

She's in a minority the number of implants is soaring. In 2002, the Sydney Cochlear

Implant Centre fitted 39 implants in children and 53 in adults. Last year, that had risen to

86 children and 271 adults.

There is a vaccine for rubella, a disease which caused a significant rise in the number of

deaf people in the epidemics of 1944-48 and 1965-70. About 98 per cent of Australian

newborns are tested for hearing difficulties. IVF technology means foetuses can bescreened for "deaf genes".

Professor Trevor Johnston, the Associate Professor of Signed Language Linguistics at

Sydney's Macquarie University believes Auslan could be facing a demographic crisis. He

says the number of children born deaf has long been lower than reported or claimed, has

fallen due to medical advances, and that improved hearing aid technology and cochlear

implants mean more people who would have once used Auslan are able to function

effectively using speech and hearing alone.


3/12

TV captions standards under threat

In the last edition of One in Six we reported that the federal government wants to abolish

the requirement that free-to-air broadcasters must complete an annual compliance report.

In response to objections to the change, the government has referred the matter to acommittee.

Tell the committee about your views by making a submission before 10 December at

www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communi

cations/Broadcasting_Deregulation

Challenge to companies to offer direct text

communication options

The National Relay Service now includes access by SMS, 2-way internet, Video Relay and

Captioned Relay see http://relayservice.gov.au/.

But did you know that you can also communicate directly with some companies in real

time online by text?

One example is Telstra 24x7 Chat at https://livechat.telstra.com/which provides text accessto Telstra for a range of services, including account and billing enquiries, online sales,

prepaid services, faults and technical support, moving home and disconnections.

The Telstra Disability enquiry Hotline can also be contacted directly for enquiries about

disability-specific matters such as Telstras Disability Equipment Program, by voice, TTY,

fax and email: 1800 068 424* (Voice), 1800 808 981* (TTY only) 1800 814 777* (Fax) and

[email protected]

Volunteer position available

Deafness Forum invites applications from suitably skilled candidates to become its

representative on the Aviation Access Forum.

The group provides advice to the government on disability access policy, and operational

and administrative issues associated with access to air services for people with disability.

If you would like to put up your hand for this volunteer role, drop a line to Steve [email protected]


4/12

Single Sided Deafness

Single sided deafness is when a person is able to hear through only one ear. This may be

due to physical injury, a hereditary condition, Menieres Disease, a viral or bacterial

infection in the inner ear, an acoustic nerve tumour or a sudden unexplained hearing loss.

The main challenges with single sided deafness are:

Difficulty identifying which direction a sound is coming from

Lack of awareness of where sound and speech are coming from

Difficulty hearing speech in the presence of background noise

Until now, options were limited to devices that bypass the non-functional ear, including

BAHA and CROS / BICROS hearing aids. Recently, emerging research has shown

significant benefits from cochlear implantation in the ear with a significant hearing loss, for

motivated patients with single sided deafness.

From Ear Science Institute Australia

http://www.earscience.org.au/implantcentre/Hearing-Loss/Single-Sided-Deafness.aspx

Kim in South Australia said

At the age of 44 I went deaf overnight in one ear. My ENT said there was nothing that

could be done and that hearing aids would not help. A local hearing service has always

told me hearing aids would work.

Some 8 years after being told this I was offered the opportunity to trial a hearing aid, but

unfortunately the ENT was correct. All the hearing aid did was amplify the background

noise without improving the clarity of words. I could hear every blinker tick on the bus,

every crack in the pavement as a trolley bag was pulled along, but not the words of the

person next to me.

I was advised that I could try a system where you have hearing aids in both ears, but only

the aid in my deaf ear would be turned on. Unfortunately, I am one of the working poor and

the cost of one hearing aid was going to be outside my budget, but two was impossible. I

did not even qualify for the hearing aid bank.

Jane said on Facebook

I went deaf overnight at 39. I had a cochlear implant in that ear (other ear was already deaf

from childhood) and it has been amazing. I hear speech clearly and work as a teacher and

tertiary lecturer. Worth considering for those who suddenly lose their hearing.


5/12

Beatrice Tarnawski to represent people with ear disorders

Beatrice Tarnawski was recently re-elected as a

member of Deafness Forums board of directors to

represent the views and interests of people with

chronic ear disorders.

Beatrice was diagnosed in 2007 with the ear

disorder Mnires Disease. She has unilateral

hearing loss, tinnitus and vestibular damage, so inaddition to hearing impairment Beatrice is

challenged by an ever present sensation of

disequilibrium. It is this balance dysfunction and

its associated symptoms that she most wishes to

highlight as she represents ear disorders on the

executive board.

Beatrice is a committee member of Menieres Australia, the implementer of its social media

and assists with communications and the national week. She has worked as an advertising

creative for Saatchi & Saatchi, Y&R, McCann Erikson and DDB.

She was first elected to the Board of Deafness Forum in 2012.

Read about all the members of our board in the About Us section of our website

Beatrice is the creative spark behind the show of hands that symbolises the campaign to

make Hearing the 10thNational Health Priority in Australia.

Watch the video on Vimeo and YouTube or select the Make It Number 10 icon at

www.deafnessforum.org.au/index.php


6/12

Pats Cochlear story

Turn on the light, I cant hear you

This startling revelation was a comment to my

husband in my early 30s while at a gathering offriends at dusk, when the light was fading. I couldnt

read his lips. Though our friends were aware my

hearing was failing, it was a surprise for them to learn

how much I was lip reading.

My consideration of a Cochlear Implant, really started

with asking two questions at a 2012 Hearing &

Communication Expo in Bowral NSW.

What can I do about my deteriorating ability to join in conversation as I had been able to do

for 25 years with the help of my bilateral hearing aids?

How do I decide whether to upgrade my hearing aids or to consider a cochlear implant?

I asked these questions of a representative of the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC)

and was shown a computerised demonstration of the effect a Cochlear Implant could

achieve for my severe to profound hearing loss.

It was clear to me from our discussions that upgrading my hearing aids would not give me

the successful outcome I might have expected.

As a committed user of bilateral hearing aids for 25 years, I was now seriously struggling in

conversation and had to do something. At 74 I needed to face reality, I was probably

running out of years to make that difference.

After considering my options, 9 months later I was at SCIC Gladesville to begin my

assessment by their team. My delay in making this decision was due to my considered

viewpoint, that as I used hearing aids as best I can, even though I was struggling inconversation, there would be other people more in need who may have less benefit from

their hearing aids.

My Audiologist at SCIC put me through the initial tests, which revealed to my husband and

I, the deterioration in my ability to engage in meaningful conversation was a struggle, was

real.

At the conclusion of these tests she said with a smile, I was a suitable candidate for a

cochlear implant in my left ear. This for Ken and me was a surreal moment, our emotions

were real in this quiet environment.


7/12

I was assigned to Surgeon Prof Bill Gibson for my Cochlear Implant surgery at the Mater

Hospital North Sydney. Following my initial appointment, diagnostic tests followed over the

next few weeks to confirm my readiness for cochlear surgery.

One area of anxiety I had, was my fear of an MRI as I suffer claustrophobia, a legacy of

trauma in a faulty lift when a young Mum. Prof Gibson gave me the reassurance that other

options were available to provide the diagnostic profile he needed.

It was now up to me to confirm my cover for a Cochlear Implant with our Health Insurance.

I was reassured our Basic Hospital Plan fitted their criteria, being a member for at least 2

years. I was eligible for a rebate covering my overnight Hospital stay and all expenses in

hospital. Another option is a waiting list for acceptance into a public hospital, most likely 2

years.

My audiologist suggested I might get in touch with other Cochlear Implantees. This was

helpful to gain an understanding of what was ahead together with own research.

My surgery day came and went as expected with great anticipation. It was two weeks post

surgery when I returned to SCIC Gladesville for my switch on with my audiologist and

family members.

There was an amazing encounter at this session after my Implant was connected. My

husband made a comment from diagonally behind me and without hesitation I responded

appropriately having heard him clearly. This was an emotional experience for us all.

I had been coping with a severe to profound hearing loss for so long and now with switch

on it was so surreal. My Tinnitus is there, but is masked by my aid and speech processor.

The cochlear mapping sessions add new dimensions to my hearing ability and in such a

short period. On these occasions it is encouraging to have my audiologist acknowledge my

high level of achievement at each testing, my brain is adapting to this new hearing.

I now feel included in larger groups as I am able to hear the thrust of conversation and

participate with a point of view. This continues to surprise me. A noisy environment is not

the challenge it was before, since I can now focus surround sound rather than where didthat come from. Defining moments include understanding the chatter of our grandchildren

and hearing the sounds of nature when out walking.

I am managing well with a BTE hearing aid for my right ear and a Nucleus 5 Cochlear

Implant for my left ear. As yet, I need to master the telephone with my implanted ear, this

is partly due to old habits of putting the phone to my right ear where it is comfortable. I am

aware it would be helpful to change this practice. I made the decision not to use the remote

control, as I prefer to manage devices with minimal intervention where I can.


8/12

My Cochlear experience has been amazing. I could not have imagined the difference this

would make to my daily life. It has given me back the feeling of being connected to people

and my surroundings. Comment from family, friends and colleagues - awesome, we have

you back!

Postscript:

My hearing loss at age 9 was brought to the attention of my parents by my class teacher.

There was no family history of hearing loss. Reflecting on the early years in my life as a

student, a nursing career, family life and mother of three (you didnt know what we got up

to Mum) until my first hearing aid at 50, how did I do it? I questioned my ENT Specialist

over many years, what about my future with hearing loss? His reply one day you will be

using hearing aids. Today I would say, perhaps 20 years sooner. I mostly coped, by using

the skills and tactics needed to help my own situation.

Since 2001 my role as a Hearing Coach, has been to assist people to use the prescribed

hearing aids they are not using well or not using at all. As a volunteer and advocate forpeople with hearing loss, I speak to community groups to raise awareness of hearing loss,

hearing aids and cochlear implants, supported by helpful specialist brochures and fact

sheets.

In 2013 the diagnostic screenings prior to my cochlear implant revealed I have a Bilateral

Superior Canal Dehiscence (a hole in the bony structure) in both ears, accounting for the

origin of my hearing loss as perhaps congenital. This knowledge is helpful for our family.

Pat Fulton, BERRIMA NSW

New president at ASLIA

Eve Hedley is the new president of the Australian Sign Language

Interpreters' Association.

Eve has an Advanced Certificate of Language (Auslan) and Diploma

of Interpreting. A continuous member of ASLIA since heraccreditation, she continued as a freelance interpreter while

employed by the Victorian Deaf Society until relocation to

Queensland in 1999. She is employed as Team Leader for the

Video Relay team facilitating Video Relay calls for Deaf Consumers

via the National Relay Service in Brisbane.

ASLIA is a not-for-profit body and is the national peak organisation representing the needs

and interests of Auslan/English interpreters and Deaf Interpreters in Australia.


9/12

Date: Friday, 6 March 2015

Time: 8.30am - 5.00pm

Where: Australian Technology Park Sydney, NSW

For more information go to:www.asohns.consec.com.auor Tel: +61 2 6252 1200

Showcasing innovation & excellence in ear health delivery

This ATSI ASOHNS (Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head andNeck Surgery) 2015 meeting will focus on the innovations andexcellence in ear health delivery currently happening throughoutAustralia in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

the meeting format will include:

1. Setting the Sceneof ATSI ear health and services as it standscurrently.

2. Innovation in ATSI Service Delivery- looking at clinical aspects,research, case studies and innovations of ATSI ear care.

3. Panel/Hard Questions/Resolutions- an interactive panel discussion

- cases or an appropriate discussion series to allow stimulating andthought-provoking interaction, aiming to achieve some resolutionsand strategies for moving forward and considering outcomes.

Our goal is to develop a nationally coordinated approach

This meeting has been an annual event for the past three years,

held as a satellite workshop to the ASOHNS Annual Scientic Meetings.

The previous meetings have addressed the depravity and dichotomyof health care services provided for ear disease in ATSI communities.

Our objective for 2015 is to ensure we promote excellence in eardisease prevention among these communities.

Ultimately, we intend to develop a well-funded, nationallycoordinated approachthat engages all stakeholders (includingthe education, policy and administration sectors, in addition to themedical and allied health sectors)working inpartnership with ATSI communities to design anddeliver appropriate, effective multi-disciplinaryprograms and services.

The Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery LtdACN 002 977 102 ABN 50 002 977 102Suite 403, Level 4, 68 Alfred Street MILSONS POINT NSW 2061

T +61 2 9954 5856 F: +61 2 9957 6863 E: [email protected]

A/Prof. Kelvin Kong FRACSConvenor &Chair, ASOHNS Indigenous Committee

Those who would be

interested in attending:

ENT surgeons

ENT nurses

ATSI health workers

Rural /regional surgeons

Rural / regional GPs

Audiologists

Speech pathologists

Occupational therapists

Teachers

Researchers

Policy bureaucrats

Government(state and federal)representatives

Otitis Media interest
http://www.asohns.consec.com.au/indigenous.htmlhttp://www.asohns.consec.com.au/indigenous.htmlhttp://www.asohns.consec.com.au/indigenous.html


10/12

Two great contributors, Emma Scanlan and Naomi Higgs (pictured with chairman David

Brady), retired recently as members of the board of Deafness Forum.

But its not farewell. Emma will continue as one of Deafness Forums advisers on hearing

issues in the aged care sector and Naomi is the independent chair of our governancecommittee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fikMd7UwP4


11/12

Australian Hearing wins international award

Australian Hearing triumphed over 1,400 entries from throughout the Asia Pacific region to

win the coveted Digital Campaign of the Year at the SABRE awards, held in Beijing.

The central pillar of its campaign entitled Loud House was a 70 second video,developed by Invisible Artists and Edelman, which played on the concept of a Loud House,

illustrating how a person with hearing loss doesnt realise how their condition affects friends

and family.

Bill Davidson, Managing Director of Australian Hearing said, We treated the vitally

important subject of hearing loss, and its wide reaching effects, in a way that touched

and influenced a new audience, so that we can continue to support those who need

our help the most and for that, I am very proud.

http://www.hearing.com.au/loudhouse/

Infant babbling linked to hearing abil ity

Infants' vocalisations throughout the first year follow a set of predictable steps from crying

and cooing to forming syllables and first words. However, previous research had not

addressed how the amount of vocalisations may differ between hearing and deaf infants.

Now, University of Missouri research shows that infant vocalisations are primarily motivated

by infants' ability to hear their own babbling. Additionally, infants with profound hearing loss

who received cochlear implants to help correct their hearing soon reached the vocalisation

levels of their hearing peers, putting them on track for language development.

"Hearing is a critical aspect of infants' motivation to make early sounds," said Mary Fagan,

an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders in the

MU School of Health Professions. "This study shows babies are interested in speech-like

sounds and that they increase their babbling when they can hear."

Fagan studied the vocalisations of 27 hearing infants and 16 infants with profound hearing

loss who were candidates for cochlear implants, which are small electronic devices

embedded into the bone behind the ear that replace some functions of the damaged inner

ear. She found that infants with profound hearing loss vocalised significantly less than

hearing infants. However, when the infants with profound hearing loss received cochlear

implants, the infants' vocalisations increased to the same levels as their hearing peers

within four months of receiving the implants.


12/12

"After the infants received their cochlear implants, the significant difference in overall

vocalisation quantity was no longer evident," Fagan said. "These findings support the

importance of early hearing screenings and early cochlear implantation."

Fagan found that non-speech-like sounds such as crying, laughing and raspberry sounds,

were not affected by infants' hearing ability. She says this finding highlights babies are

more interested in speech-like sounds since they increase their production of those sounds

such as babbling when they can hear.

"Babies learn so much through sound in the first year of their lives," Fagan said.

"We know learning from others is important to infants' development, but hearing allows

infants to explore their own vocalisations and learn through their own capacity to produce

sounds."

Journal Reference: Mary K. Fagan. Frequency of vocalization before and after cochlearimplantation: Dynamic effect of auditory feedback on infant behaviour. Journal of

Experimental Child Psychology, 2014; 126: 328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2014.05.005

Items in Deafness Forum communications may incorporate or summarise views, standards or recommendations of third

parties or comprise material contributed by third parties. Such third party material is assembled in good faith, but does not

necessarily reflect the considered views of Deafness Forum, or indicate commitment to a particular course of action.

Deafness Forum makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any

third party information.

One in Six 19 November 2014

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